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Moving to a new home is a headache in the best of times.
Alessandro De Carli / EyeEm / Getty Images
But during thecoronaviruspandemic, figuring out how to move is probably the very last thing you want to do.
That includes limiting non-essential travel outside your local area and non-essential errands within your local area.
That means if you donthaveto move right now, you shouldnt.
Changing residences often isnt flexible, though.
Im betting that if you could push your move back by a few months, you would.
(Experts think this is most likely when people are within six feet of each other.)
Its also possible to inhale these droplets from the air.
Researchers are still figuring how long the virus lingers on different surfaces.
More research will be necessary to definitively know how long the virus can stick around on various surface materials.
How much sanitizing is actually necessary during your move?
Is it safe to hire movers right now?
Here are 11 tips that can help you plan how to move safely during the coronavirus crisis.
Wash your hands constantly (and sanitize them when you cant).
Wash your handswith soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time frequently throughout your moving day.
Buy boxes or use old boxes you already have instead of finding free recycled ones.
Picking up boxes is often the first step in moving.
Most moving companies are allowing you to … request boxes and moving materials online for curbside pickup.
But you could still take precautions to feel safer if this is the best option for you.
3. make a run at schedule your move for when its not as busy.
Moving inherently means you lose a major protective measure against the coronavirus:keeping your distancefrom other people.
The timing of your move could have a big impact on how many other people you encounter overall.
Wear a cloth face covering.
Heres what to know abouthow to wear a homemade maskso its as effective as possible.
That brings us to our next point.
Ask any moving company you plan to use about their COVID-19 protocol.
For example, will they come prepared with masks?
Should you have extra supplies like hand sanitizer, or will they bring some for their own use?
Have any of the movers had COVID-19 symptoms?
you’re able to also ask about no-contact moving services, which some companies are offering.
Some movers will even disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs and countertops, for an additional fee.
Pack up everything yourself.
Having someone else pack your belongings sounds like a dream when youre about to move.
Movers just have to touch boxes and furniture.
Packers are touching the boxes and everything inside the boxes, says Knighton.
Every time someone touches one of your items, theres potential that theyre contaminating it with the virus.
Plus, having them packandmove your belongings means spending more time around people outside your household.
Wrap up furniture that has a soft surface or is covered in fabric.
But its understandable that you might want to play it safe while moving from one place to another.
Consider wrapping furniture like your sofa or mattress inplasticor using aclear vinyl furniture protector.
That will also give you the added advantage of keeping dirt and debris off your furniture during the move.
Wipe down the surfaces of tools, equipment, and vehicles before using them.
Its best to usedisinfectants that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed effectiveagainst the coronavirus.
double-check youre following the instructions for the products youre using.
Sanitize high-touch areas of your new home.
Its wise to assume someone might have been.
), as these are the places with a greater likelihood of potential contamination.
This includes things like tables, TV stands, desks, and other furniture with a hard surface.
Unpack your own items too.
There are a few issues with this approach, though.
Thats why keeping your hands clean is so key.
Similarly to what happens in health care configs, when people get fatigued, errors increase, Knighton says.
Discuss recent potential COVID-19 exposure with any new roommates and act accordingly.
Continue doing the things youre already doing.
But what if youre moving in with someone new?
Do it’s crucial that you keep your distance from each other for a certain period of time?
