There have been many hardships and losses that have resulted from the pandemic this year. These include a weaker and unstable economy, a sharp rise in employment, and the loss of loved ones to the virus However, the property market has been seeing something of a boom this year.
Despite the current economic instability, more people than ever have browsed through online platforms such as Rightmove and Zoopla to purchase a new home. If you find yourself in this lucky group, it is important to bear in mind that moving might be different from the experience it was the first time around (or if this is your first home, from what you expect).
The pandemic has changed many things, and that includes the process of moving into a new home. Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and safe during the house moving process.
Mask-Wearing
Whether you’ll be using movers, or the help from your family and friends, health precautions during this time should be the number one priority.
Ask your movers about sanitisation and ensure that they are wearing masks upon arrival, and throughout the entire moving process, so as not to risk catching the virus. It is well known that moving involves intense physical labour, which is made all the more complicated due to the masks; however, it is important to ensure that they are wearing one at all times.
Likewise, you should also wear your mask to protect your movers and others, and don’t ever feel guilty for politely asking your helpers and movers to stick to these rules.
Plan Ahead
The pandemic, with its inevitable restrictions and lockdowns, has made normal everyday living much more difficult. All those things that once seemed so easy, like getting your hands on something at your local DIY store, are made that much more difficult and time-consuming.
Therefore, don’t take anything for granted and plan ahead as much as possible so that you are prepared and can function, like finding a company to set you up with virtual mailbox services to ensure that you don’t miss any important mail during those first few weeks.
Call movers for a quote in advance so that you aren’t stuck without any help, and plan your moving day in detail – from permits for trucks to coordinating with your new home and the previous owners to ensure that they are all moved out.
Lastly, hire the services of a professional cleaning company to sanitise your new home from potential bacteria and viruses from the previous owners, as well as all of those who have been in and out of your home once you’ve moved. This will help you to feel more comfortable within your new surroundings.
Adhere to Social Distancing
When it comes to moving day, make sure that pets, as well as children and other vulnerable household members, are somewhere separate to keep them safe, and only have those you really need around.
While it may be difficult, maintain social distancing as much as possible. If you know that some spaces will be tight, avoid them altogether and refrain from trying to help while your movers are busy doing their jobs. As with the masks, request that your movers frequently wash or sanitise their hands. Provide disinfectant wipes to wipe down surfaces, and if you have more than one bathroom, limit use to only one.
You may also find this blog post helpful on How to Stay Healthy During the Pandemic!
Hopefully this post has provided you with some helpful and practical tips for moving home during the Pandemic! Have you moved home during the Pandemic? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Take Care,
Jessica xo
