You might not think of a global pandemic as the perfect time for a move, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the data. Between February, when the pandemic hit the U.S., and in July, the United States Postal Service (USPS) reported over 15.9 million change-of-address requests. That number is actually up by about 600,000 compared to pandemic-free 2019.
While there might be a few additional challenges to overcome, moving into your dream custom home is absolutely possible in 2020. Here are six quick tips to help you transition into a new home while staying safe from COVID-19.
1. Overbuy Packing Materials
COVID rule number one: avoid busy, public locations. With many people still working from home and enduring entirely too much free time, hardware stores have been packed with those looking to fill their time with home projects. Unfortunately, home improvement stores are also one of the best places to purchase moving supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.
Avoiding home improvement stores entirely might not be possible, but you can limit your exposure. Just overbuy packing materials.
Moving into a new home never goes to plan. There are always decorations in the attic you forgot but can’t leave without and the miscalculation of how much space your dishes take up. Buy more packing supplies than you think you need, and you won’t have to make any extra trips to the packed store to get more.
2. Do It Yourself
Even if you stay away from the busy home improvement stores, moving still requires interaction with strangers. From moving companies to rental trucks, there’s plenty of opportunity for exposure. How do you get around it and your new custom home free from COVID? Do it yourself!
It might take a bit more work (okay, a lot more work), but DIY is the best way to avoid contact with other people. Without interacting with movers and rental trucks, you’ll protect yourself and your family from the virus.
Friends and family make great DIY helpers. You trust them and know their background, so the chances of coming into contact with the virus are lower than working with strangers. Plus, friends and family are cheap labor typically won over with a few slices of pizza!
3. Minimize Contact
If you absolutely need professional help, be sure to ask about COVID-19 precautions before you hire a mover or rent a truck. Ask for a quote online or over the phone and if the company offers contactless service. If they don’t, keep researching until you find a mover that does.
It might feel weird not to solidify a deal with a handshake or offer your movers a nice cash tip, but a nice smile and contactless payment through PayPal or Venmo will still get the job done. The less contact with people, the better.
4. Wear Protective Equipment
It doesn’t matter if they’re friends, family, or hired movers, everyone should wear proper protective equipment during the move (unless you want to bleach your custom home top to bottom afterward…we didn’t think so). Keep an eye on everyone inside your house to ensure they follow all CDC guidelines:
- Masks (worn properly)
- Gloves
- Booties
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Don’t be afraid to ask someone to wear a mask, even while carrying boxes. Inviting a group of strangers to come into your house and touch your things isn’t ideal anytime, but especially during a pandemic. Enforce proper safety precautions to prevent the spread of germs. It’s your house; keep it safe.
5. Keep Handwashing in Mind
A new custom home usually means nothing is set up yet. Under normal circumstances, this isn’t an issue. During a pandemic, it requires some forethought.
The very first things that should be moved into your new home are soap, hand sanitizer, and paper towels. Giving your helpers somewhere to wash their hands regularly is of the utmost importance when you’re moving during a pandemic.
Put hand sanitizer next to entrances, so people can use it as soon as they enter (or as soon as they put their boxes down). Of course, hand sanitizer is only so effective against COVID-19. Make sure helpers regularly wash their hands with soap and water as well.
If you haven’t already, make absolutely certain that your new house has utility service already set up. It’s pretty hard to wash your hands without running water.
6. Disinfect Everything
When fighting any sort of virus, disinfection is your friend. COVID-19 has been shown to survive on surfaces anywhere from hours to days, depending on the surface.
Before making the move, stock up on disinfecting sprays and wipes. Keep a stash ready, and when moving day hits, disinfect everything as much as possible. Focus on the most commonly touched parts of the house:
- Doorknobs
- Faucets
- Light switches
- Tables
- Handles
- Toilets
Once all your things are in the house and the move is complete, be sure to disinfect all your boxes and belongings as well. Just because the move is over doesn’t mean the threat is gone. COVID-19 can survive on metal and plastic surfaces for up to three days and can even survive on cardboard (the most common packing material) for up to 24 hours! Keep those sprays and wipes moving after all your helpers have left to protect your new home and those living in it.
Ready to Move into Your Next Custom Home?
The COVID-19 pandemic might make moving into your new custom home a little different, but it’s certainly not impossible. Do what you can to minimize contact, wash your hands frequently, and regularly disinfect surfaces around your home. If you’re ready to make the move, just follow these helpful tips to keep yourself and your family safe.
If you’re looking for a new custom home to call your own, look no farther than Atlas Homes. We build quality, affordable homes designed with your unique needs in mind. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or just looking for something new, we have the perfect solution for you. Contact us to discuss your needs today. We look forward to talking with you!