MOVING SAFELY DURING COVID-19: A GUIDE
BEST PRACTICES FOR A SAFE MOVE DURING THE PANDEMIC!
SELF STORAGE RESOURCES
Self Storage Guide
What to Know When Moving During a Pandemic
Moving to a new city, home, or apartment can seem like a daunting task on its own, and given the current situation, it can seem nearly impossible or unimaginable.
As of now many moving companies, storage facilities, and truck rental companies are still operating through this pandemic as they have been deemed essential. A lot of companies are reworking their operations and procedures to provide a safe and healthy moving experience for their customers.Â
Find All You Need to Know While Moving During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Before Your Move, Start Here. We are here to walk you through some best steps and practices on how to move your belongings during this time.
LIVE COVID-19 Map Data For The United States
COVID-19 Tips When Using a Moving Company…
So you’re ready to move and have decided to use a moving company to assist you with your move. There are a few precautionary steps you can take to ensure a safe move for yourself and the moving company you work with.Â
- Find out if the company is still providing all of its services.Â
- Find out if you can schedule your move completely online to adhere to social distancing.Â
- Ask what steps the movers are taking to keep themselves and the customers safe while conducting the actual move. Will everyone be wearing masks? Gloves? Have temperatures taken? Etc.Â
- Some companies may have compiled a list of precautions/procedures they are taking already.Â
- Ask if they can send you a digital copy or link to this information.
- Ask the company what precautions you should take during the move. Should you wear gloves? A mask? Ask how far should you stay away from the movers?
- Ask if your scheduled move could be involuntarily canceled and what kind of notice they give.
- Find out if they are waiving any cancellation or rescheduling fees if the need arises.
When Moving by Yourself…
- Try to follow all CDC recommended protocols to protect yourself and others around you. Wear a mask, gloves, and try to stay 6 feet away from others while conducting your move.Â
Moving into a House?
- Before moving in ask the previous owners if they will be cleaning/sanitizing the house before they leave. Plan on cleaning again before your move in.Â
Moving into an Apartment/Condo Building?
- Before moving into your new building ask the management company what cleaning/sanitizing procedures are happening throughout the building.
- Ask what protective equipment is required while moving in.Â
- Find out if there are better times than others to move in to avoid overcrowding lobbies & elevators.Â
- Ask if there is any other information you’d need to pass along to a moving company if you’re using one.
COVID-19 Tips For Renting a Storage Unit
Not sure what to do with your extra belongings during your move? Many self-storage facilities have been deemed an essential business and are remaining open.
SelfStorageAdvisor.com can be a great resource right now to help you locate the right size storage unit in your area.
- Reserving a storage unit online or over the phone is the best way to keep yourself safe during this time.
- Many companies have transitioned to contact-free rentals and online or over the phone payment options. Creating a seamless transaction with little to no physical interaction.
- They are increasing cleaning and sanitizing in stores by providing more hand sanitizer and sanitizing supplies.
- Most facilities have outlined the steps they are taking to keep their employees and customers safe during this time on their website.
- We recommend viewing each facility’s website separately as responses/procedures vary.
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COVID-19 Tips For Renting a Moving Truck
Most truck rental companies have been deemed an essential service and are operating during this time.
- Review the website of the truck rental company you plan on using.
- Look to see if they have any COVID-19 updates regarding their business operations.Â
- Many may have switched to online or over the phone payment options.Â
- Confirm with the company what cleaning/sanitizing steps are being taken.
- Companies should be sanitizing steering wheels, seats and seatbelts, keys and/or key fobs, door handles, and the interior control panel.Â
- Most companies are following social distancing.Â
- Ask the company what precautions you should take during the move.Â
- Ask if your scheduled move could be involuntarily canceled and what kind of notice they give.
- Find out if they are waiving any cancellation or rescheduling fees if the need arises.
Moving as a Student
Many colleges and universities have closed, sending students home for the foreseeable future. Leaving a lot of unanswered questions and uncertainty, worrying about what to do with your belongings at school shouldn’t be one of them.Â
- Consider your options. Renting a storage unit near Campus could help alleviate the stress of moving all of your belongings back home. SelfStorageAdvisor.com can help you locate the right size storage unit in your area.Â
- If you do need to move all of your belongings off-campus consider the following before/while preparing for your move.
- Find out if the moving company is still providing all of its services.Â
- Find out if you can schedule your move completely online to adhere to social distancing.Â
- Ask what steps the movers are taking to keep themselves and the customers safe while conducting the actual move. Will everyone be wearing masks? Gloves? Have temperatures taken? Etc.Â
- Some companies may have compiled a list of precautions/procedures they’re taking already, ask if they can send you a digital copy or link to this information.
- Ask the company what precautions you should take during the move.Â
- Ask if your scheduled move could be involuntarily canceled and what kind of notice they give.
- Find out if they are waiving any cancellation or rescheduling fees if the need arises.
- Check out your University/College website for updated COVID-19 information regarding continued school closures, how it could change your move-in or move-out of school.
LEARNING TO ADAPT TO LIFE DURING COVID-19
Psychological Health
While most of us are on stay-at-home order we need to take care of our mental health. There are many apps that can teach you tools to cope with a variety of feelings like anxiety, stress, and others.If you are feeling anxious about the uncertainty right now, check out the below apps:
Mind Shift
Self-Help for Anxiety Management (SAM)
CBT Thought Record Diary
If you’re feeling stressed out check out some mindfulness and meditation apps:
Calm
Headspace
Ten Percent Happier
Sanvello
Keeping your physical health in shape is important as well. The Mayo Clinic recommends you aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
Unemployment Resources & Tips During COVID-19
Individuals may find themselves unemployed during this pandemic. Whether the company you work for was forced to close or you may have been furloughed. We have compiled a number of resources to help you adjust to your current situation.
- File for unemployment: How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?
- Consider creating a budget: 5 Smart Steps to Take
- Downsizing during COVID-19: Downsizing
- Consider contract work or applying for a new job: UpWork , Indeed , Glassdoor
Education Opportunities
Right now we have a rare opportunity to learn something new from the comfort of our home. Taking the time to work on yourself during this time could be extremely beneficial. Here are a few resources that could help you kickstart reinventing yourself during this time.Â
- Online classes: Online classes: 6 sites that offer free and affordable online classes
- Embracing a career change: Reinventing Your Career in the Time of Coronavirus
- Pick up a new hobbie: This List of 50 Low-cost Hobbies Will Excite You
Learn to cook: Learn To Cook – NYT Cook