Moving to a new home – even in the same city — is always stressful, but preparing for a local Ottawa move during the COVID-19 pandemic is an even greater challenge. However, it is possible to move safely with minimal stress. The secret is to hire a reliable, trusted moving company which is experienced and reliable and to make the proper advance preparations. Here’s how.
Ask Yourself These Questions
1. Is Your Moving Company Abiding By COVID-19 Rules?
Check that your moving company has protective procedures in place, in accordance with COVID-19 rules.
Some of these include:
- Ensuring employees do not work if they are sick or have been exposed to infection
- Cleaning and sanitizing trucks and other equipment
- Social distancing as much as possible
2. Do You Feel Comfortable With Moving?
If you are at all uncomfortable with the idea of moving, don’t be shy to call your movers. A discussion of the safety procedures which they are following can go a long way to reassure you.
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Download Now3. Do You Want To Postpone?
Once again, talk to your moving company about your concerns – and do it as soon as possible. Postponement may be advisable if you are part of a vulnerable group, either over 60 or affected by a pre-existing condition, such as respiratory diseases.
However, in some cases, such as the end of a lease or possession date following a house sale, you may not have the option to postpone your move. In that case, having a friend or family member who will step in to help on-site during the move could be your best option.
Collect Your COVID-19 Safety Material
Add this task to the top of your moving checklist: Assemble the following supplies for yourself and the movers well in advance. Make sure that they are kept readily available in your moving day survival kit, not packed away at the bottom of a carton.
- Soap and paper towels for handwashing
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
- Masks and gloves for all household members who will be onsite during the move
Disinfect Before Your Move
The coronavirus can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours. So pack your moving boxes at least 24 hours in advance; then store them in a closed room where no one will touch them until the moving crew arrives. As a safer alternative, rent a shipping container that you can fill by yourself on your own time – your best option for a non-contact local move.
Choose the right disinfectants to treat furniture and appliances that will be handled by the movers. Also, disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as faucet handles, doorknobs, light switches, kitchen counters, and so on.
Ideally, you should turn on lights and prop open doors before the movers come to your house, to minimize contact. Open windows too, to disperse any airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing.
Maintain Social Distancing During Move
Try to coordinate everyone’s moves in advance so that you will not cross paths with other movers as you move out of your old home and into the new one.
In a condo or apartment building, avoid scheduling your move at the same time as another tenant.
Practice social distancing — keep at least 2 metres (6 feet) from your movers — during the move. Limit the number of people in each room, hallway, or elevator. Keep in mind that your movers will be working hard and breathing heavily – they may need to take off their masks for some of the more difficult (and heavy) parts of the job.
Designate one person to direct the moving crew. It is best if you and your helpers keep your masks on and maintain your distance for the duration of the move. Try and stay away from the centre of activity in a separate room – or outdoors if possible.
Disinfect After Your Move
If you can, get into your new abode prior to move-in day so you can clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces. Otherwise, ask the movers to stack boxes in one out-of-the-way area, to make it easier for you to clean.
Trust Cassidy’s For A Safe Healthy Move
As an essential service, Cassidy’s has been operating throughout the pandemic. We know what we are doing and we will take every measure to keep you and your family safe during your local or long-distance move.
Rely on Cassidy’s for a move that will be safe and healthy … every step of the way.
