Shifting houses is a tiring and intense process even without a pandemic. During a pandemic be cautious and plan everything in advance. Good luck to last-minute planners! Household shifting on your own might sound like a good option, but can be overwhelming during this time. Packers and movers are trained to handle the COVID-19 situation risk-free. Unexpected delays tend to occur during this time, so plan ahead and have patience.
Here, at Boxigo, we offer our customers to plan every detail, with ease. Whether you decide to pack by yourself or hire professional packers and movers, keep the following things in mind.
A tip of caution: If you can stay at the current living space, please continue to do so, and try to reschedule your move. However, if you have to move, don’t panic. Read ahead and be prepared.
1. Doubt free
When you decide on local shifting services, ask as many questions as to clear any doubts. Ask them – How they have changed the protocols keeping in mind, the current pandemic situation. What kind of safety gears are provided to the personnel? How often are the temperature checks conducted? Are the moving trucks sanitized after every relocation? What can you do from your end to ensure safety?
2. Limit interaction
Pack as many things as possible by yourself. Like packing your kitchen, groceries, toiletries, apparel, etc. It would definitely reduce the risk of exposure. When the packers and movers services arrive make sure they have access to a sink, to wash their hands and they are carrying their supply of sanitizers, face masks, gloves. Limit the number of people interacting with the personnel. It is best if just one person is overseeing the move. If possible make arrangements for your spouse, kids, and elders to stay at a friend’s place until you shift.
3. Stay Attentive
It is extremely important during this time to be aware of our surroundings and be cautious. We are attentive to every step we spend outside of our house, be it grocery shopping or a visit to the hospital. In the same way, during the household shifting services, you have to be cautious and attentive every step of the way. Be it packing, loading, moving, and unpacking don’t forget to maintain social distancing.
4. Packing Materials
You can either purchase new carton boxes, bubble wraps, tapes, etc or ask the packer company to drop off the packing supplies well in advance. Either way quarantine the boxes two days minimum before you start packing. Coronavirus lives off for 24 hours on the packing material.
5. Plan ahead
Avail the services of the internet for planning your packing and paying. Boxigo has a large inventory database for you to specifically choose your items. Choose cash-less payment to further limit the exchange of cash by hands. Set up essential utilities like internet, cable, repairs in the new house, before the packers and movers company move all the items. This will save you time and reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
6. Unpacking
Let the boxes rest for at least 24-hours before unpacking. For larger items such as sofa, cots, tv, refrigerator, etc which are unpacked by the house shifting service personnel, wipe them with rubbing alcohol or fumigate the room after it is unpacked. Label one box as “Open first”, or color code one box, so you can unpack it first. Pack sanitizers and disinfectants in this box to sanitize your new space, while the rest of the boxes are in quarantine.
7. Delay, if sick
If you or any of your family members are showing any symptoms, cancel the move. It is not worth putting others at risk. Packers and movers have changed their cancellation policies keeping in mind the pandemic.
Happy moving.
