8 Tips for Moving During the COVID-19 Pandemic
While many aspects of our lives seem to be on hold these days as we work together to stop the spread of the coronavirus, many people across the country are still choosing to move. For some it’s the attractive interest rates or choosing to be closer to family — for others it’s the yearning for space and nature that city life doesn’t offer or the newfound realization that in our current work-from-home realities a home office can be anywhere. Still, many people wonder, “Is it dangerous to move during COVID-19?”
At Atlas® Van Lines, our number one priority during the global pandemic is the safety of both our customers and the teams who serve them during a move. That is why we are offering eight tips on how to make sure your moving day and those leading up to it go as smoothly — and safely — as possible.
1. Contact Your Moving Company Before You Move.
Once you’ve decided on a moving date and proceed to the quote phase, do your research to select a reliable moving company and call them ahead of time to discuss what protocols they have in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 and what safety steps they’re taking to achieve those measures. Guidelines will vary by city and state, so make sure you are comfortable with your choice and that both you and your movers know what to expect from each other the day of your move.
Need help finding a local independent Atlas agent near you? Use our locator tool.
2. Schedule a Virtual Moving Quote.
A main concern many have at this time is having outsiders inside their home or offices, which can potentially make getting an accurate moving estimate tricky. Thankfully, Atlas has implemented a no-contact virtual estimating option through Alas® Video Survey.
How Atlas Video Survey works:
- Download the free mobile app to your smartphone or tablet through the App Store or Google Play.
- Authorize the app to access your camera and microphone.
- Connect with a live Atlas representative to do an interactive virtual survey using basic controls, or record items, locations and more to share with an agent to review later.
- Get a detailed quote on moving services from your local Atlas agent and schedule your move.
3. Buy All of Your Supplies at One Time — and Buy More Than You Think You’ll Need.
To limit your exposure to the coronavirus, shopping trips should be done as quickly and as infrequently as possible. When the time comes to begin packing up your belongings, make one trip to the store to buy all that you need — and then buy more. It is always better to be overprepared so you won’t have to make several trips to buy “one more” roll of tape.
To make the process even simpler, consider purchasing your materials directly from your Atlas agent and have them delivered right to your door. Even better? Anything you do not use can be easily returned.
4. Designate a Point Person for the Day of Your Move.
On the day of your move, consider making one person in your household the point person to interact with your moving team. This will help ensure that both your family and your movers will be as safe as possible from exposure to the virus.
5. Clean and Sanitize Your Home Before Your Move and Keep Cleaning Products Readily Available.
To protect everyone during a move, it’s recommended that you disinfect and sanitize highly used touch points like doorknobs and handles to make sure that your moving crew is entering a safe environment. And while your crew should be equipped with PPE and sanitization supplies, keep additional hand sanitizer, soap and paper towels handy so you and your moving team have quick and easy access to them.
6. Sanitize Your New Home Before You Settle In.
Finally getting to your new home is a great feeling, but before you start to unpack, clean. By doing a thorough cleaning and sanitization of countertops, cabinets, doors and more, you are doing your part to eliminate germs and viruses that may have been unconsciously left behind by previous inhabitants or your movers.
7. Follow COVID-19 Safety Measures.
During COVID-19, moving day is like any other day when it comes to protecting yourself. So, on moving day, continue to be diligent in washing your hands for 20 seconds or more, socially distancing by remaining at least six feet apart, and wearing efficient face masks at all times you’re interacting with others. If your moving crew are not following appropriate safety protocols, please contact your local agent to notify them and correct the issue.
8. Give Yourself and Your Movers Time.
Moving can be stressful enough under the best of circumstances, but during a pandemic even more so. Give yourself and your movers a break if things seem to be taking a little longer than you expected, because as we’ve all discovered the hard way during 2020, things can move slower than expected due to any number of unforeseen circumstances. Remember, patience is key to a stress-free moving day.
To contact us, find an agent, get a quote started or learn more about moving services offered from Atlas Van Lines, visit our homepage or call us directly at 1-800-638-9797.