COVID-19 Guidelines for Packers and Movers: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live and conduct our daily activities. As the world slowly adapts to the new normal, people face challenges, particularly when relocating to a new home. Moving during these uncertain times requires careful planning and adherence to specific guidelines to ensure the safety of both homeowners and moving professionals.
In this blog post, we will go through crucial Covid-19 guidelines for packers and movers to ensure a safe and secure move while reducing the chance of viral transmission. To help you comfortably handle the relocation process, we will address issues like pre-move preparations, hygiene precautions, and frequently asked questions.
Pre-Move Preparations
Virtual Surveys: To limit physical contact, consider opting for virtual surveys conducted by professional movers. This allows them to assess your belongings and provide an accurate estimate without visiting your home.
Decluttering and Packing:
- Before the movers arrive, take the opportunity to declutter and organise your belongings.
- Dispose of items you no longer need or donate them to minimise the number of things being moved.
- Ensure all items are properly packed, sealed, and labelled to streamline the moving process.
Communication with Movers: Inform your moving company in advance about any specific COVID-19 concerns or requirements you may have. This includes notifying them if anyone in your household is experiencing symptoms, has tested positive, or is in quarantine.
On Moving Day
Moving day can be hectic, but by following specific guidelines, you can ensure the safety of everyone involved:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Ensure that the moving crew wears face masks and gloves throughout the process.
- Provide PPE to the movers to minimise the risk of transmission.
Social Distancing:
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet from the movers whenever possible.
- Restrict the number of individuals present during the move to minimise contact.
Hand Hygiene:
- Encourage the moving team to frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Provide hand sanitisers or hand-washing facilities at the location for both the movers and yourself.
Ventilation:
- If the weather permits, keep windows and doors open to improve ventilation during the move.
- Proper ventilation helps reduce the concentration of potentially infectious particles.
Precautions for the Movers
When the movers arrive, implement the following guidelines to create a safe environment:
a. Health Screening: Request that the moving company regularly screen their staff for COVID-19 symptoms. Temperature checks and symptom questionnaires can help identify any potential risks.
b. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that all movers wear appropriate PPE, such as face masks, gloves, and shoe covers. Additionally, provide hand sanitisers or hand-washing stations to promote hygiene.
c. Social Distancing: Maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from the movers whenever possible. Limit the number of people present during the move to reduce the risk of exposure.
d. Open Communication: Keep an open line of communication with the movers throughout the process. Inform them about any specific safety requirements or concerns you may have.
Safety Measures for Customers
a. Prioritising Health: Let the moving firm know if any household members have COVID-19 symptoms or have come into contact with an infected person. Consider rescheduling the move if necessary, prioritising the health and safety of everyone involved.
b. Minimising Contact: Customers should maintain a safe distance from the moving crew and limit physical contact as much as possible during the move. It is recommended to wear masks and provide hand sanitisers for the movers’ use.
c. Packing and Cleaning: Customers should pack their belongings themselves, if possible, using appropriate packing materials. Additionally, cleaning and sanitising the items before the movers arrive is advisable, reducing the risk of transmission.
Safe Packing and Handling
Packing and handling your belongings can be done safely by following these guidelines:
a. Cleaning and Disinfection: Clean and disinfect your belongings before the movers arrive. Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces such as furniture, appliances, and electronics.
b. Personal Items: Pack personal items such as toiletries, medication, and essential documents separately. Keep them with you to minimise unnecessary handling.
c. Labelling: Label boxes and furniture to facilitate organised unloading at your new location. This will help minimise the time spent by the movers in your new space.
d. Handling Fragile Items: If you have fragile items, inform the movers beforehand. Discuss specific handling instructions to ensure the safety of these delicate belongings.
Packing Precautions
a. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Movers should wear appropriate PPE, including masks and gloves, throughout the packing and moving. It is also recommended for homeowners to wear masks when interacting with the movers.
b. Hand Hygiene: Encourage movers to practise good hand hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol concentration.
c. Disinfection: Prior to packing, clean and disinfect your belongings, especially high-touch surfaces like furniture, appliances, and electronics. Use disinfectant sprays or wipes recommended by health authorities.
Moving Day Precautions
a. Limiting Contact: When feasible, keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet from movers to reduce physical contact. Limit access to certain areas of your home and ensure enough ventilation while relocating.
b. Respiratory Etiquette: Remind movers to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or elbow when sneezing or coughing. Properly dispose of used tissues and provide trash bins for their disposal.
c. Avoiding Shared Objects: Avoid sharing pens, devices, or any other objects that may contribute to the transmission of the virus. Use electronic documentation and
Hygiene Practices
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Both homeowners and movers should wear face masks or coverings during the entire moving process. Gloves should also be worn, especially when handling high-touch surfaces or shared items.
Hand Hygiene
- Prioritise regularly washing your hands in soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitisers with at least a 60% alcohol level if there isn’t easy access to soap and water.
- Maintain easy access to hand sanitisers all during the relocation process.
Sanitisation Measures: Movers should sanitise their hands before entering your home and regularly throughout the process. High-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails, and furniture should be cleaned and disinfected.
Social Distancing: Maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from movers whenever possible. Avoid handshakes or any other physical contact.
Ventilation: Keep windows and doors open whenever possible to improve airflow during the move. The concentration of airborne particles can be decreased with adequate ventilation.
Also Read: Transportation Regulations: Compliance and Safety Standards
FAQs – COVID-19 Guidelines for Packers and Movers
It is recommended to reschedule your move if anyone in your household tests positive for COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms. Inform your moving company immediately and follow the guidance of healthcare professionals.
It is best to let the professionals handle the moving process to minimise contact. However, if you must assist, maintain social distancing, wear appropriate PPE, and follow hygiene practices.
Yes, many moving companies have implemented enhanced safety measures such as providing hand sanitisers, using disposable gloves and ensuring their staff is regularly tested for COVID-19.
Dispose of packaging materials properly. Use recycling bins where applicable, or seal them in trash bags before disposal to minimise contact with others.
It is best to avoid offering food or beverages to the movers during the pandemic to minimise unnecessary contact. However, you can ask the moving company about their guidelines regarding this matter.
Before moving into your new home, thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces. Attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. Ventilate the space by opening windows.
Conclusion
Moving during the COVID-19 pandemic requires careful consideration and adherence to guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. By following the COVID-19 guidelines for packers and movers, you can minimise the risk of virus transmission and make your move a safe and successful experience.
Remember to communicate openly with your moving company, prioritise hygiene practices, and maintain social distancing throughout the process. With proper precautions, you can relocate to your new home with peace of mind, knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you.
Stay safe and happy moving!