01 June 2020
If you need to move in the near future, you should start planning so that you can ensure the safety of you and your family during the whole process.

Firstly, make sure you are allowed to move under the lockdown regulations and specific lockdown level at the time of your move (lockdown levels may also differ from one region to another)
Here are some tips for making your move as safe and stress-free as possible:
IF YOU’RE MOVING BY YOURSELF:
A Do-it-yourself move looks pretty much the same now as it did before COVID-19, just make sure you adhere to any lockdown regulations, maintain the necessary social distancing during your move and make sure you have enough hand sanitizer, soap, and paper towels accessible at all times. Preferably use new cardboard boxes.
Also be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the property you are moving in to, before starting the move. Don’t involve more people in the move than is really necessary.
IF YOU’RE USING A MOVING COMPANY:
Before choosing a moving company, make sure what their policies are regarding physical distancing and sanitization, and contact them to discuss it if necessary.
Your chosen moving company should take the coronavirus pandemic very seriously. They must ensure the safety of their employees and customers.
- Contactless moving: If possible, try to arrange to leave your home while the crew comes in to pack up and load the truck, and also when they unload at the other end.
- They must adhere to any regulations imposed by government around social distancing and disinfecting.
- The truck must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before your belongings are packed into it.
- Employees should be screened to make sure they are not sick.
- All equipment and blankets must be cleaned before the move.
- Trucks must be frequently disinfected, as well as any equipment used during the move.
- Movers must practice social distancing amongst themselves and customers.
- Wear face masks.
- The movers should not involve more people than is necessary.
How to Prepare For Your Move
- Stock up on cleaning supplies for you and your movers, even though the movers should have their own supplies. You should at least have soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant and wipes.
- Use NEW cardboard boxes if possible.
- Don’t use plastic bins, the coronavirus can survive much longer on plastic than on cardboard.
- Rather pack as much as you can yourself into boxes. The fewer items the movers touch during your move, the safer you will be from exposure to the virus.
- Disinfect items as you pack (and of course as you unpack).
- Try to have everything packed a day before your move.
- If you or anyone in your family is experiencing coronavirus symptoms, let your movers know about it.
Timing of the move is important!
- If it is possible, it will be ideal if you don’t touch boxes or unpack in your new house until at least 24 hours (or longer if possible) after the move.
- If that is not possible, pack the most essential items separately, which you can then open and disinfect, and leave all other boxes for as long as possible before unpacking.
After the move:
Wipe down all boxes and furniture. Thoroughly clean and disinfect once the movers have left.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces, doorknobs, etc by following the guidelines in this article.
Moving is hard work no matter what, and it is more challenging right now. But by taking extra precautions, you can ensure that everybody stays safe.