How to Safely Move into a New House

As the rate of coronavirus infections expands, we see our colleagues and friends around the globe practice and follow social distancing, body monitoring, and quarantine in an attempt to control the disease. Much like other countries and cities, in NYC,  people are isolated and quarantined in their homes and under mandatory government lockdown. With the shutdown of several non-essential public venues and industries and closures across a wide variety of industries, a lot of queries have been doing the rounds – Is moving feasible? Is it necessary or not? Will I ever be able to move or relocate?

This realistic guide is aimed at helping you move with a minimum amount of hassles.

Important reasons for moving out residences during the lockdown, as described by many state and local authorities, include: medical services, searching for food or necessities, providing care and support for family members, and outdoor activity. One has to be all the more alert and cautious while moving these days because moving cuts against the norms of social distancing and standard quarantine practices eventually.

Although it is advised you not to shift at this time unless city authorities find your desired task to be necessary, or your company as if now is considered “essential,” only then you can take this step to operate. Otherwise, stay right wherever you are if you are able to. If it’s an entire business that you are planning to move, your healthcare and treatment, and the wellbeing and protection of your staff should be the primary concern right now.

The following are the list of guidelines you must keep in mind while moving during a pandemic-

1. Virtual Survey Instead Of An In-Home Survey

While it is of utmost importance that you check the nook and corner of the place that you are planning to move to, we suggest you opt for a virtual survey than going door to door and exposing yourself to a number of contaminants. Real Estate has been keeping up with the current scenario and making things easy for potential buyers. They offer virtual tours of the apartment or the house that you are interested in. Sometimes even the neighborhood. For your safety, and (the houses), it is imperative that you switch to virtual tours.

2. Do Your Homework

These times are not normal. One must be extra careful about everything. Once you have finalized your new abode, start packing immediately. Do a quick research on how the situation is in your city while you move. Also, if you have kids, you must keep in mind that they need to be away from almost everything.  It would be better if you do not count on a professional or your neighbor or relative to pack, unlike regular days. Before you begin the shifting, make sure you have your new home disinfected utterly. This would eliminate the chances of transmission of infection.

3. Monitor the Crew and Help for Symptoms

You are moving, and there is no way you can do it all on your own. You will require help. Make sure you maintain 6ft distance from them and wear masks and gloves all the time. If possible, monitor their temperature and look out for any symptoms like excessive sneezing, or coughing.

4. Keep the Precautionary Equipment Handy

Whether it is the trucks, your car, or your new home, sanitizers and disinfectants should be kept everywhere. For the safety and health of your family, the movers, and people who are helping you, make sure they are keeping their hands clean after every step. Provide them with enough masks and gloves so as to keep the entire moving process as safe as possible.

5. Disinfect the Items

Once you have moved, unpack all the items and discard the boxes immediately. Having said that, wear your gloves and masks and dispose of the old ones while disinfecting the new house. From floors to doorknobs, you must clean everything with disinfectants. Sanitize the high-touch surfaces with alcohol-based solutions. Once you are done, make sure you leave the items in the open air for 12 hours and not touch them straight away; there might be a slight possibility that those items might be contaminated.

You will have to take a lot of precautions while moving during the pandemic. However, it is not entirely impossible. If this step is crucial, you must not waste time and follow the fore-mentioned guidelines. If you are done with your packing, but in case your new home is not ready, you can even ask your moving company to hold your items until you are ready. Be wary of the fact that it is not advisable to move at this point. It would be much better for everyone’s safety if you can make it till the time things get under control. You must consider all the options you have before making a decision.

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