4 Stages of Moving During COVID-19

While most people are choosing to stay in their homes as we wait out the flattening of the coronavirus curve, some people are still moving. Perhaps they sold before the state of emergency was declared. Maybe they are re-locating for a job or they are out of work and need to cut back on expenses. Regardless of their reasons why, the way people move has changed along with most other aspects of life. Here are the four stages of moving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stage 1: Prepping for a move during COVID-19

The key to a successful move during COVID-19 is to plan ahead. With increased safety procedures and, in some cases, fewer staff, many businesses are experiencing delays to their usual timelines. Make all arrangements in advance to avoid any last minute surprises.

In order to provide a contact-less service, most moving companies are providing virtual quotes. Be accurate in your input in order to get the most accurate quote back. If possible, provide a video tour of your home so the estimator can get a sense of sizes and quantities.

Use the move as an opportunity to purge and donate. Many people are in need due to the coronavirus, so look for opportunities to donate what you no longer need. (I recognize that many thrift stores and drop boxes are closed due to the virus, but alternatives are popping up. For example, here in Mississauga a real estate office is accepting clothing donations on behalf of Habitat for Humanity.)

 

 

 

 

Stage 2: Packing belongings for a move

There are options available for packing belongings. You can rent plastic boxes from companies like Frogbox here in the GTA. Frogbox cleans and disinfects their boxes and quarantines them for six days before using them again.

If you’re using cardboard boxes, consider that a study from the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that coronavirus can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours. New, unused cartons would be best. Moving companies will porch drop moving supplies to minimize contact. If you are re-using cardboard boxes, consider quarantining them before use.

If you are using professional movers, ask about their safety protocols. Many companies are limiting the number of packers/movers in a home, requiring that only one homeowner be present and that they physically distance themselves, and requiring that disinfectant, hand sanitizer and hand washing protocols are followed.

In order to minimize handling of boxes, be sure to label them so they go directly where they need to be in the new home.

Stage 3: Move day during COVID-19

For the actual move, if at all possible, try to do it yourself or with close family helping to minimize potential exposure to the virus.

Budget and U-Haul are open for truck rentals. U-Haul has procedures to clean and disinfect their trucks between customers, and you can use your smartphone 24/7 for contactless pick up and drop off. It is still recommended that you use disinfectant wipes to clean all frequently touched surfaces like keys, seat belts, door handles, steering wheel, shifts and control knobs before you drive the truck away.

If using a reputable professional moving company, they will have processes in place to minimize contact and the risk of spreading the virus. For example, Two Men and a Truck check the health of their employees before sending them on a job. They work in consistent partnerships using the same vehicle every day rather than the fleet rotating among the crew. They provide the movers with PPE and sanitizer and ask them to wash their uniforms each night.

In turn the moving company may ask you to do some of the following in return in preparation for the arrival of their crew:

• certificate that you are healthy, aren’t in quarantine and haven’t traveled or been in contact with anyone who has,
• have only one person oversee the move 
• clean and disinfect often touched surfaces before the movers arrive and after they leave, and 
• provide access to a (ideally separate) washroom equipped with soap and paper towels for frequent hand-washing.

Movers will adhere to physical distancing policies and expect you to as well. 

During the physical move, be especially conscious of small spaces where physical distancing might be difficult like elevators or hallways if moving in or out of a high-rise. It would be advisable to let neighbours know when you’re planning to move so they can do best to avoid the area.

You can check the moving companies’ websites for full information on their COVID-19 policies.

Stage 4: Unpacking in your new home during COVID-19

The first thing to do when arriving at your new home is to clean and disinfect thoroughly before unpacking anything. Once your possessions are in and your helpers have left, disinfect high traffic areas again.

If possible, unpack your own boxes to minimize others touching your things.

Ideally, leave boxes alone for a few days in order that any residual virus present has died before you come into contact with it. Anything you can quarantine, you should quarantine to be on the safe side.

One service you might want to consider is a moving container service like PODS or Cubeit. Moving containers enable the homeowner to take delivery of the pod in advance, load it up at their own speed and store it for a few days at the new home before gradually emptying it out. Like the other moving suppliers, these companies are taking extra steps to ensure their cubes are disinfected and quarantined in between customers


It is important to note that if you or any members of your household are showing signs or test positive for COVID-19, you must postpone your move and isolate in place. And depending on your destination, some provinces are mandating an isolation period to ensure no cases of coronavirus are brought with you.

If you have moved during the pandemic and you have additional tips to share, please let me know at Stephanie.hebb@royallepage.ca.