Make your move safe as houses during the pandemic

Moving in the time of COVID-19

Since the global COVID-19 pandemic started and the tiers of national lockdown were implemented to slow down its spread, everything looks different. Even if you, your family, or social and work-circles are lucky enough to escape the virus itself, the consequences of the lockdown will be felt at all economic levels, by every industry, institution and household for months to come.

What does this then mean for you as you move into your new home? While sanitising and wiping down your groceries after a shopping run might seem a hassle, moving homes during the pandemic does not have to be. Below are a few things to keep in mind to keep yourself safe when moving in this time.

Before the move

 Whether you have been waiting eagerly to leave your personal mark in your new home, or dread what seems like a mountain of work before finally relaxing, take an honest look at how your body is feeling. If you are feeling ill or under the weather it might be better to postpone the move until you feel your best. You might not have contracted COVID-19, but moving can take its toll and a weakened immune system is more vulnerable to attack, even under the best conditions.

If you are moving across provinces you will need a police-issued affidavit stating that you are permitted to cross provincial lines, so make sure you get that in place before moving day. Being stuck at a road block while your furniture is making its way to your new front door is an avoidable stressor.

Before your kitchen is whisked away, you'll have to do the packing. Second-hand boxes from retail stores were the easy solution in the past, but now seems unnecessarily risky. In fact, some moving companies will not allow them at all, but can provide you with boxing, wrapping and other packaging material. Ask your moving company about packing solutions, and find out what their safety protocol is for their moving crew and clients. Also make sure to label your boxes so that the unloading can go faster, this way, you won't have to constantly peek into boxes and risk compromising your packages.

During the move

Once your boxes are packed, and you've had your last sip of coffee at the old home, what's next? Take a deep breath, you've got this. Put on your mask and open your doors so that the moving crew will not have to touch the door handles. Also keep a safe distance from the crew. The moving crew should supply their own sanitizer, but keep yours ready. You can sanitize any surfaces that work crews will use, for their safety and yours. Also be sure to sanitize door handles and wipe down surfaces in your new home as soon as you get there. Even if the moving company does not limit how many members of your household can be present during the move, consider implementing this safety precaution yourself.

After the move

Whether it takes you a weekend, month or year to unpack everything, consider recycling boxes and other packing material as far as possible. Then comes the fun part - you get to decorate your home, create your favourite spaces and start living the next chapter of your life in a house you will get to know intimately.

Start afresh without the stress!

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)