This is a collaborative post.
If you are thinking about moving home anytime soon, then there will be some extra things to consider as you move home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has caused so many changes in how we do a range of things, but if you need to move home because of a domestic situation, relocate for a new job, or just want to move to a bigger or smaller home, then moving is something that will look a little different too.
So, with that in mind, what are the optimal ways to make sure that you can cope with moving home during the pandemic?
The safety of everyone involved is going to be something that is the most important thing, so that should be factored in. There is still freedom to move, but there are some government-mandated guidelines to adhere to. So with all of that in mind, here are some things to think about, if you’re planning a house move.
Viewing properties
Buying a house is a big deal, and you will want to see a property in person before signing on the dotted line. There are precautions in place, but there are some safety guidelines that you should be aware of when it comes to viewing a home.
- A lot of estate agents are performing virtual viewings, at least initially, online. If this is possible, it can be a good way to get an idea of a house, to see if you would be interested in seeing it in person.
- Any viewings in person need to be appointment only and wearing a face covering.
- When you have people viewing your home, open windows and doors to help to air out the home and reduce the chance of anything staying in the home. If you can, leave your home when someone comes to view it as well.
- Make sure that people can sanitise or wash their hands, and the same goes for when you visit a property too.
- Clean the home after a viewing, and keep doors and windows open a little longer to keep germs at bay.
Selecting a removals company
You are well within your rights to move house, but it is best to make sure that you move with all areas being COVID-safe. When you’re looking for a removals company, it is a good idea to check the following:
- What COVID precautions do they have in place? This could be advertised through their website or by talking to one of the team on the phone.
- What kind of policy do they have if one of their team needs to isolate? Would the move have to be on hold or do they have a backup team of people that could help?
- How soon in advance would you need to book them in? Some companies could be very busy, due to the previous backlog of cancellations from the last lockdown.
Plan ahead for moving home
Moving house does take a lot of planning, especially at a time like this. So it is best to plan ahead as much as possible. You could even start to pack things away in your home that aren’t of immediate need, and start to put them into storage so that it is out of the way.
You could even look for a PODS moving discount if you are looking to put things into storage prior to moving, for example. If you have boxes or can be provided with them for the move, then get packing.
It is best to not borrow boxes from family or friends, as viruses can live on surfaces for quite a while. It is best to get new ones, especially if you’re looking to pack in advance and keep packed boxes in your home for a while.
At times like this, it can be hard to not see people and get help from family and friends. But as you are limiting your contact with people, it will probably help you to keep things as safe as possible, so for anyone moving house right now, it is definitely a silver lining when you think about it that way.
Moving home is something that can be exciting, and it still should be. Moving in a pandemic throws a few new things back at you that might not have been expecting, but as long as you get into your new home safely, then you will have achieved what you set out to do. Planning and preparation are really key to having a successful move during the coronavirus pandemic.
