As we all know the coronavirus, or Covid-19, has been a massive disruption for just about everyone. When planning a major move, unfortunately, it might be difficult to know whether or not moving has also been disrupted. While more businesses might be opening in some places, some other places might be restricted to only "essential businesses." Let's look at how moving works during a pandemic, what is considered essential in the moving world, and how to prevent yourself and others from getting sick.
What is Covid-19?
According to the FDA, Covid-19 is,
"Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. CDC has information on COVID-19 symptoms and caring for yourself and others. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.".
Covid-19 spreads through airborne droplets, so if you are talking to someone who has the virus, they can spread it to you that way. There are questions as to how long it stays on surfaces and each surface has different longevity.
Symptoms of the coronavirus are:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Body aches
- Loss of taste or smell
- Congestion
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
According to the CDC, there are ways to prevent getting it. Those ways are:
- Wash your hands often
- Social distance
- This means staying 6 feet apart (or 2 arm lengths apart from other people)
- Cover mouth and nose with a mask when around others (follow state guidelines on this one as well)
- Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze
- Disinfect and clean surfaces regularly
- Stay on top of your health
- If you have symptoms follow CDC guidelines and stay social distanced from others so you don't spread it
- Do not gather in large groups
There are people who are at more at risk than others for getting (and being) sicker with coronavirus. If you are immunocompromised (have some sort of autoimmune disorder or cancer), have respiratory diseases (such as asthma or COPD), or you know you are at a higher risk of getting sicker then you need to be considerably more careful. Do this by social distancing, wearing your mask when in public, and overall taking care of yourself.
Some doctors are asking their patients to start on vitamins D, C, and Zinc to boost their immune system. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns to hear what they have to say.
Can I Move During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Unfortunately moving isn't always a choice. Whether your lease is up, you had a life change, or had to relocate for a job, sometimes moving is totally out of our control. In short, yes, you can move during this coronavirus pandemic. However, we do recommend the following CDC protocols to not only help protect yourself but to protect others as well.
If you are in the high-risk category, try to postpone your move as much as possible. If you can't, then stay safe. Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands, and wear a good mask that will help protect you from air-particles that can carry the virus. Also, be sure to social distance to lessen the chance of getting sick.
Can I Move with a Moving Company Still?
Most moving companies such as Allied, Atlas, Mayflower, U-Haul, Penske, etc. are still open for business, but they have just modified how they are operating. If you hire movers, those movers should be wearing masks as well as social distancing. These guidelines will also be set by state and company guidelines, so remember to stay in contact with your moving company to see what they’re doing if you are concerned.
For companies like U-Haul or any other major rental truck company, they are essential businesses because they transport people and things. Each company will have their own guidelines that they will follow, such as sanitizing vehicles, where to drop off or pick up vehicles, so make sure you know what those will be for your location.
Tips for Out-of-State Moving
We have a few tips for moving out of state during the coronavirus:
- Check local and state guidelines for where you are moving to. For instance, you may be required to quarantine, or you might be moving somewhere that requires masks
- If you are sick with Covid-19:
- Contact your moving company and alert them so they can sanitize and protect their workers
- Isolate yourself as best as possible to keep anyone else from getting sick
- Wear a mask while packing and wash your hands consistently
- Once the movers get there stay far away from them
- Buy extra packing supplies
- That way you aren't making unnecessary trips to the store
- Sanitize as you pack
- Do NOT use free boxes
- You don’t know the situation where those boxes came from, and with the virus running rampant it is better to spend the money on packing materials than to get them free
- If you have to cancel your move, do so as early as possible
- Contact your moving company directly to do so
Overall, when moving during the pandemic it is all about being smart and using the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the outbreak. Remember to social distance, wash your hands, and wear your mask to protect yourself and other people. Overall, it is best to stay safe during this time period. If you don’t feel comfortable, then postpone your move if you can. If you can’t postpone your move, then use the correct PPE (personal protective equipment) to stay safe.