There’s no denying that moving house is a difficult and stressful task, and when moving house is unavoidable in such a difficult time of crisis like COVID 19, shifting homes can be a cause of concern. It is essential to understand the potential risks and how they can be avoided. One must follow the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and undertake the necessary steps to prevent the spread of this disease, and proceed carefully for hassle-free shifting.
Here are some tips to assist you with seamless moving amidst the pandemic that you should remember for a safe move:
Pack and unpack your stuff yourself
Try packing your items on your—especially during this COVID-19. Try to manage your moving activities employing less people as possible, as it is the safest practice. While this can be challenging for you are not acquainted with the process, packing things by yourself, especially things such as clothes, toiletries, utensils, bed linen, etc. can save you the trouble of disinfecting when you unpack.
The things which are not the priority for now like your books, showpieces, lamps, frames, vases, and other home decors can be packed by professional movers.
Also, once you reach your new home, unpack your items yourself with the help of your family. This will ensure that everything is hygienic and safe, and will avoid any chance of possible contamination.
Use your own packaging
It is recommended to invest in new and fresh packing materials if you are falling short on bags and boxes. This will make sure that the packaging is safe, and it does not come in contact with others. Avoid borrowing packaging stuff during this pandemic for you don’t know where the infection can creep in from.
Go digital
Normally you would prefer to look at your new house in-person and then make a choice of living in it. However, those times are gone now. The COVID-19 pandemic calls for the virtual wave in almost every sector now. Therefore, it is recommended for a service provider to take a virtual tour of the house to avoid unnecessary contact with people and follow the social distancing norms. The technology of video calling has made it much simpler to perform a home survey and discuss the whole estimate.
It will save the traveling time, the cost of the surveyor, and reduce your chances of catching the infection.
Also, while paying to the packers or for advance payments and bills, adopt digital ways to transfer the money as it will reduce cash handling. Ask to conduct most of the procedures and paperwork digitally. Thanks to technology, this won’t be much of a task and will make your move-in process easier and safer. You can also change your address online.
Clean and sanitize your house
Employing precautionary measures at each step of the moving process is required at both ends. It is essential that you sanitize your house including switches, lights, tables, windows, doors, furniture, kitchen slabs, doorknobs, etc, to create a risk-free environment for all. Also, ask the professionals to carry their safety gears, and wash their hands repeatedly until they are working.
Sanitize your new house too
Further, ensure that your new abode is thoroughly disinfected and proper sanitation measures are implemented. Maintaining hygiene during these times of crisis is more important than anything.
You should disinfect every possible corner of your house before arranging the furniture and unpacking your stuff. You can also hire professional cleaners to help you with it. This will ensure efficient sanitization and will effectively reduce your time spent on cleaning activities.
Be cautious while hiring professional movers
Since COVID-19 infection can spread quickly from an infected person or a contaminated surface, it is essential to know about the management of the shifting services you hire.
Ask them in detail regarding their safety policies and precautions adopted by the movers during the logistics transfer. Make sure that the team you hire always wear their masks, boots, sanitization kits, and gloves on the day of shifting. Also, ensure that the company employs minimum team workers for the relocation process.
Butlers Removals and Storage are reliable movers and packers in Queensland. The company offers long distance home shifting services to people in Australia. It claims to keep your belongings safe while packing and transferring to the new location. Visit their website for more details about their pricing and services.
Safety precautions while unpacking
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) says that the COVID-19 virus lives on the cardboard boxes for over 24 hours, while it stays alive up to 72 hours on the plastic surfaces. So, refrain from touching your packed boxes for a day after you move into your new house. But if it is important to open, then make sure that you wash your hands after every time you touch a box.
Once you unpack your boxes, wipe them with a cloth and spray the surfaces in your house with a disinfectant, which may include kitchen counters, tables, chairs, cupboard handles, door handles, knobs, etc. In addition to cleaning and sanitizing your furniture and belongings. It is also essential that you dispose of the packing materials safely so that no human can get infected by coming in contact with it—especially the plastics and cardboard boxes. Also, if possible, you can leave your packing material in your balcony or in any open area for a few days before you dispose of them.
Safety measures for yourself
Another essential thing to do while shifting homes is to follow all the safety precautions for yourself and your family as well. This generally includes frequently washing your hands, wearing masks, gloves, and sanitizing frequently, and disinfecting your mobiles or any other gadget you carry with you.
Always take a shower after you come back from outside. You should also change your clothes immediately, and wash them thoroughly.
Conclusion
Therefore, in these times of pandemic, it is recommended that you follow the above points while keeping in mind the current restrictions surrounding the COVID-19. Also, work according to restriction regulations followed in your area.
