Moving to another home can be a stressful and challenging event — even when everything goes right. Although you may have professional help, there are so many details to juggle throughout the process. You’ll probably be worried about overlooking something important. That’s especially true now during COVID-19, which obviously adds a layer of worry to an already hectic day. 

However, there are some steps you can take to help ensure you and your loved ones are kept safe throughout the process. If you are preparing to make such a major life change during this time of uncertainty, here are eight tips to help ease your mind and protect yourself and those around you.

1.  Ask Questions

If you are working with a professional moving company, it is important to ask what precautions it takes. After all, a crew will be entering your residence. Questions include not only how it protects its workers, but also how it will be working to prevent the spread of the virus. Ask what policies it has in place about testing its employees, as well as what it will do if an employee tests positive.  

2. Try to Do As Much As Possible Online

Avoiding person-to-person contact is believed to be key to containing the spread of this disease. The more planning you can do via the Internet, the better. In addition to emailing questions and documents, your movers may offer you the option to get a virtual quote. This involves using your smartphone or tablet to stream a walkthrough of your home with a representative. In most cases, an estimator should be able to provide an accurate quote based solely on seeing your space and asking a few basic questions. 

3. Keep Everything in Your Home Clean 

For the safety and protection of the crews coming into your home, it is important to disinfect and clean certain areas. These include any doorknobs, light switches, tabletops and drawer handles. Of course, you also should be washing your hands frequently to prevent cross-contamination. Even though your movers will most likely be using hand sanitizer and maintaining good hygiene practices, it never hurts to take additional steps. 

4. Maintain a Healthy Distance From Others

By now, everyone should be used to the idea of social distancing as a means of flattening the curve on infection rates. However, it is always good to get a reminder. When moving crews visit your home, be sure to stay at least 6 feet from them while they work. Because they will be working in the small, enclosed spaces of your house, you should probably observe them from your front lawn or the curb. This also means you should resist the urge to jump in and start helping to expedite the process. Let the pros do their job, and appreciate the fact that you have some time to take it easy before needing to unpack at the new place. 

5. Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Moving day always brings surprises — from finding out something doesn’t fit in a box to the movers running behind schedule. Being ready to go with the flow is crucial. The added wrinkle of the pandemic makes this even more essential. Be sure to choose a company that has experience and will be flexible if an unforeseen complication arises. You need to be ready to change your plans at a moment’s notice, as well. 

6. Get Ready to Change Your Plans 

One of the most important steps you can take to prepare is to know where you will be able to find last-minute storage services and when they are available. Many self-storage locations have reduced business hours as a result of the coronavirus. The last thing you want is to discover you have nowhere to keep a large piece of furniture because the truck had a flat tire. 

7. Know the Policies About Rescheduling

If you or a family member starts feeling sick, it’s wise to know what steps to take to reschedule your move. You don’t want to expose anyone else to the virus, which is why you must understand your mover’s policy regarding rescheduling. Ask about this upfront, so you’re not left scrambling. This also is important to know in case conditions get worse where you are, and you need to shelter in place.

8. Clean Everything Thoroughly After Move-In

As you’re settling into your new place, now’s the time to give all of your boxes and items a good once-over with disinfecting wipes or a washcloth and disinfectant spray. 

There is no doubt that moving can be incredibly stressful under even the best of circumstances. Even without the pandemic, however, proper planning and attention to detail are the keys to having as worry-free of an experience as possible. With a few extra steps, you can help make the experience go smoothly — despite the current conditions. Follow the advice contained here, and you could be well on your way to a seamless move.