From the first moment it hit, coronavirus changed the way we go about our everyday lives. Many of our plans were put on hold and social distancing became the new course of action until told otherwise. But moves aren’t always something that can be put on hold. Perhaps your lease is up, you’re buying a new place, chasing a lifelong dream, or just don’t have a choice. While relocation is stressful enough on its own, moving during the pandemic can give a whole new meaning to the word ”stressful’‘. However, there are certain precautions you can take to ensure the process is less stressful and safe for everyone. One of those precautions is getting familiar with the necessary steps when hiring movers during the pandemic. That is why we at Family Affair Moving OC have prepared this article to help you have a safe and successful move during these stressful times.
When hiring movers during the pandemic choose a moving company that adheres to strict COVID 19 safety precautions
The first and most important step is to hire a moving company that has the professional services you need and who commits to safe and secure moving. In most states, moving companies are considered essential businesses and most have adapted their procedures to minimize risk for their clients and employees. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to safety, so you should contact local moving companies Southern California directly and ask them which procedures they are enforcing to ensure a safe environment. In general, some of the things you should look for are the following:
- The company uses only small crews, up to 5 people
- All crew members have their temperatures checked regularly
- Movers and clients must follow physical distancing rules
- All crew members wear gloves and masks at all times, and wash their hands regularly
- They are disinfecting surfaces of homes and trucks
- The company strictly requires movers and clients to report if they are ill or have been in contact with anyone who has been ill
How to prepare after hiring movers during the pandemic
Every relocation requires a lot of planning and preparation in normal conditions. That goes double for relocation during a pandemic. There are some important things you should do before the day your Orange County residential movers arrive to ensure a safe environment for everyone:
- Clean as you pack your belongings.
- If possible, opt for plastic instead of cardboard boxes since they’re easier to wipe with disinfectant.
- Leave your doors and windows open to improve air circulation and minimize the risk of transmission on the day of moving.
- Prepare enough masks, hand sanitizers, and water for everyone in case someone doesn’t have their own.
- Buy all needed moving supplies in one go.
- Finish all the packing at least 24 hours before the movers arrive.
Important rules you should follow during the moving day
Now that you know what needs to be prepared before movers arrive, what about the moving day? On the day of the move, make sure you maintain distance during the process. The whole idea of hiring movers is that they’re doing the work – not you. So, give them space and let them do their job. Also, be prepared to give yourself extra time. Social distancing requirements may make the moving process take longer than it would in normal conditions. Provide hygiene products for your movers and give them access to the bathroom so they can wash their hands regularly. Make sure you’re sanitizing your things during the move. It’s also a good idea to keep your boxes close to the front door, if possible, to make it easier for movers to take them. Finally, be considerate of the hard work your movers are doing and tip them accordingly.
After you hired the movers, you’ve realized you’re not feeling well – what should you do?
It’s important to be transparent to keep everybody safe. If you’re suspecting illness among yourself or a family member – let them know immediately. Your moving company must be aware of the potential risk so they can adjust the measures they’ve already put in force. This way they’re protecting their workforce from potential infection. In many cases, your moving company will still work for you. It would be best if you could ask someone else to oversee the moving process if you think you might be infected. If that’s not possible, wear a mask and gloves, sanitize everything, and stay as far as possible while your movers do their job. In case you’re sick and need to cancel the services, do so sooner rather than later. If you provided a deposit, look at your contract to check if you can expect a return.
Everything is much harder during a pandemic – give yourself extra patience and compassion
We don’t need to explain how much harder things have become since the pandemic began. You know it well enough. Many things we would otherwise do and enjoy are now out of our reach. Because of this and everyday stress, we often lack the energy for some things we used to do without much effort. Therefore, you must be saving energy when moving. Make sure you’re not overstressing yourself with how the process is going. Offer yourself a lot of compassion and take as many breaks as you need. And don’t forget to ask for help when you need it. No one should go through all this trouble alone.
Finally, by focusing on the necessary precautionary measures when hiring movers during the pandemic, all will be good. You’ll avoid the additional stress of worrying if anything could go wrong. Follow these steps and rely on the professional help of your movers – they’ll make sure you have a smooth moving experience.