As if moving home wasn’t stressful enough, the universe has decided to throw a pandemic into the mix.
A home moving checklist ensures you miss nothing
With the massive surge of people seeking to move home for a better way of life, for a more suitable home which allows them to work from home more comfortably, or just to find their own haven of peace and tranquility away from the current madness, removal companies are busier than ever.
And whilst the removal company will have their own safe systems of work to help prevent the spread of Covid 19, we have created a home moving checklist for a safe moving day during the pandemic to help you keep yourself and others safe.
Planning a Home Move During the Pandemic
Moving home is a time consuming and stressful undertaking and it always pays to be as organised as possible.
So start planning for a safe home move now using a home moving checklist to ensure that you do not miss any important tasks that need to be done.
Think very carefully about how the restrictions may impact upon your move, especially if you are contemplating moving by yourself.
There may be the possibility that your friends and family may not be able to travel to help you move home, or the mixing of households may be banned.
Or the vehicle rental companies may have restricted opening times and then there is the potential risk that the vehicle may not be as sanitized as you would hope.
It is therefore highly recommended that you hire a removal company to carry out your home move during the pandemic.
This way you can be sure that all those involved in the home move are taking all the necessary precautions to prevent the further spread of the virus.
A professional removal company will have procedures in place to ensure the safety of you and the removal team and will make the home move as safe and stress free as possible.
Circumstances can change quickly and restrictions can be imposed at a moment’s notice, so here is our home moving checklist to ensure that you are as prepared as you can be to move home during these uncertain times.
Note that we have created a special Covid-19 moving day checklist which can be found after this next section and explains the best way to protect everybody during the home move, and makes things as safe and easy as possible.
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Checklist for Moving Into a New Home During the Pandemic
Clean and disinfect your new home
Ensure the home is pet and kid-proof
Change locks and alarm codes
Check smoke alarms
Take meter readings
Set Up your most important rooms first
Unpack room by room
Change of Address Checklist
Checklist for Moving Home During Covid Restrictions
#1 Declutter
Nothing is going to make your home move easier and cheaper than getting rid of the things you no longer need.
You can donate unwanted items to worthy causes, many of whom will collect the items for free if you leave them outside your home. Just be sure to totally clean the items before you bag or box them.
Request a floor plan of your new home from the estate agent so that you can determine if your existing furniture will fit in your new home.
Do this well ahead of moving day so that you have plenty of time to dispose of your unwanted things.
It may not be possible to sell or even donate your unwanted things in some places depending upon your local restrictions.
You may therefore want to consider putting those items into storage until you can dispose of them.
Getting a cost estimate for your home move is quick and easy
Get removal cost estimates as soon as you can. The home moving industry is seeing unprecedented levels of people moving home and the best removal companies are being booked fast.
In the first instance, you can get a ballpark quote from the safety of your armchair. Up to 4 top-rated removal companies will provide you with a free cost estimate for your home move.
Read reviews and compare the services that each of those companies offers, do not base your choice on price alone.
Once you have done your research into which is the best removal company for your needs, you should get a more accurate price via an inventory or video survey.
Most removal companies are giving estimates for home moves via video apps or from the inventory that you supply them with.
Make sure that if you do supply the removal company with an inventory that it is as accurate as possible or you may find that the price of your move increases on moving day.
It is far better if you can use a video app to do your in home moving survey.
There are plenty of questions you will want to ask any prospective removal company you are thinking of hiring and this guide will give you some useful pointers of questions to ask: Questions to Ask a Removal Company
During this pandemic you will also have additional concerns and questions that you should ask your removal company, which may include:
What precautions do the removal team take to help prevent the spread of covid?
Is there anything, such as handwashing facilities, which you are expected to provide?
What happens if the move is cancelled due to the pandemic?
Should you have all boxes in one room, near the exit door, to minimize the amount of time the removal team spends in the house?
After thoroughly researching any removal company you intend to hire, book them as soon as you can.
Due to these uncertain times most removal firms are flexible and know things change, but double check what their cancellation procedure is, and be sure to go through every detail of any contract you are given to sign.
Ask for everything in writing and go through it thoroughly to avoid any nasty surprises when it comes to paying the bill.
Normally hiring professional packers would be the best option for any home move to ensure the safety of your things.
However, you may wish to limit the number of people coming to your home so choose to do the packing yourself.
To save money on packing materials costs most people would, under normal circumstances, get used boxes from grocery stores for example.
But this time of year the weather results in many boxes being water damaged and you may not even have the opportunity to be able to get out and source used boxes.
Crucially, the WHO advises that Covid can stay on the surfaces of cardboard for up to 24 hours, and you have no way of knowing who has touched those boxes that you find at supermarkets for example.
You may therefore choose to buy packing boxes and have them delivered directly to your home.
The boxes you buy will likely be far stronger and more suited to packing your precious items than the free boxes you find.
After your move you then have the option of reselling those boxes to recoup some of the costs.
If you do pack your own things ensure that all the packing is done at least 24 hours before moving day.
Do not leave things to pack whilst the removal team are in the home, it will be impossible to social distance and may even be dangerous to have the removal team moving heavy and large furniture whilst you try to pack your china.
#5 Start Packing Now
Packing for a home move is a time consuming task so start the process as soon as you can.
Start by boxing up seasonal clothing or things that you rarely use.
Thoroughly clean your items before you box them.
Photograph and label any electrical connections so that you know exactly how they reconnect in your new home.
Clearly mark each box with the room that it should be placed in within your new home. You may also wish to number the box and make a note of its contents so that you can easily locate an item of you need to.
Important: It is recommended that all moving boxes are finished being packed at least 24 hours before moving day as the virus is believed to be present on cardboard boxes for that amount of time.
#6 Get Insured
You should always check the level of insurance that you have in place to cover your household items when moving home.
But it would be prudent to also consider taking out insurance cover for if your home move was delayed, or even cancelled.
Although most removal companies can be flexible to a certain extent, you may still incur costs if the release of the keys for example is delayed.
For the small sum it costs, it may be a good idea to take out additional insurance for your home move.
Whenever you plan a home move it is always worth considering what you would do in certain circumstances, for example, what would you do if the van rental company had no vans for you on moving day?
During this pandemic it is especially prudent to think about what would happen in certain scenarios so that you have a plan B prepared.
What would you do if the chain collapsed?
What if there is a delay and you cannot move on your scheduled moving day?
What would you do if you had to quarantine suddenly?
What would you do if the removal company suddenly had to quarantine the removal team?
What if there was no hire van available or they had reserved you too small a van on moving day?
What if none of your friends and family turned up to help?
Considering such things will greatly ease any stressful situations that may arise. If you have already planned for that scenario and know how you will deal with it, it becomes an inconvenience rather than a panic-inducing moment.
Deep cleaning will feature heavily in your home move checklist
As you pack each room you could disinfect and give them a thorough clean. That way, on moving day all you need to do is give them a final disinfectant wipe down.
Before leaving your old home for the last time be sure to wipe all light switches, door handles, and sets of keys.
Bonus Tip: Do an online shop for groceries and cleaning equipment and arrange to have it delivered to your new home the day after you move in. This will save you valuable time when you get to your new home that can be spent unpacking and getting organised.
Bonus Tip #2: If you live in a block of flats that has a service elevator, then you may be able to organise that the lift is available for your sole use during the move so that your neighbours are able to socially distance from the removal team.
Moving Day Checklist Covid 19 Edition
There is enough to do and worry about on moving day, without having to try and remember what it is you were supposed to remember.
Having a checklist for moving home during this latest Covid wave will help you remember all those things that will make your moving day easier and safer.
#1 Charge Your Phone
Ensure that your mobile phone is fully charged and that you have all the essential numbers that you may need on moving day stored in at least two devices.
Solicitors, estate agent, landlord, bank, Removal Company, and a storage company are just some of the phone numbers that you may want to keep in a safe place.
#2 Set an Alarm
Make sure you get a good night’s rest and set your alarm so that you do not oversleep on moving day. Start nice and early, make sure everything is ready for the removal team and that you have had a good breakfast to set yourself up for the busy day ahead.
#3 Confirm the Removal Team Arrival Time
It would be prudent to give the removal company a quick call to confirm the arrival time of the removal team, it is also a good opportunity to confirm that none of your family are showing any symptoms of the virus and neither are any of the removal team.
It is also prudent to check with the estate agent/solicitor/landlord that all is proceeding smoothly.
#4 Keep Pets and Children Out of Harm’s Way
Knowing your kids and pets are safe is one less thing to stress you
During any home move it is safer to keep pets and children away from the home whilst the move is taking place.
During these times it may not be possible to have your pets or children looked after away from the home, so designate a room where they can safely be kept whilst the removal team do their work.
Put a clear sign on the door of the room they are in so that the movers do not accidently let your pet escape.
You will also need to keep a safe distance away from the removal team, but ensure that you are available to answer any questions that they may have.
#5 Keep Paths Clear
Make an effort to clear the path from your home to the removal van of tripping hazards such as wet leaves for example.
Not only will this be safer for the removal team but will help keep the floors of your home cleaner.
#6 Open The Windows
It may be a good idea to open all the windows in your home if the weather allows and it is safe to do so.
This will help ventilate the rooms and circulate the air.
#7 Keep Essentials Close to You
Keep your moving day essentials box and cleaning equipment well away from the items that you want loaded onto the removal van.
You will also want to keep hand sanitiser, soap, paper towels, and face masks readily available.
#8 Move and Clean
As the removal team empty a room, if it is safe for you to do so, give the room a final wipe down with disinfectant, paying particular attention to light switches, stair handrails, and door handles.
#9 Final Walk-Through
Before the removal van departs have a final walk through to ensure that nothing has been left, especially in the garage, shed, or loft.
Take final meter readings, taking date and time stamped images if possible.
Close all the windows. Have a final wipe down of door handles, lock the doors and windows, wipe down the keys, and head off to your new home.
After Your Home Move Checklist
Arrive at your new home wearing the appropriate safety equipment such as a mask. This will put your neighbours minds at ease who may fear that you are bringing the virus into their neighbourhood.
Ensure that all your family wear gloves and masks until you have thoroughly cleaned your new home.
Setting up your new home can require just as much organisation as moving out of a home.
These are the things that you should prioritise after moving into a new home:
#1 Cleaning and Disinfecting
Keep plenty of sanitiser handy
Clean and disinfect the whole home thoroughly. Keep windows open to create a flow of fresh air.
As we mentioned above, the WHO advise that Covid 19 may be present, and survive for many hours, on a variety of surfaces.
Although the removal company may be wearing gloves and have taken all necessary precautions, you do not know what precautions the previous owners of your new home, or the removal team they hired took, so you will want to disinfect your new home as soon as you possibly can.
Ensure that your cleaning materials are easily accessible, perhaps by taking them with you rather than on the removal van.
Start by cleaning the keys you are given, all door handles, light switches, and any hard surfaces with disinfectant.
Bedrooms, bathrooms, and a communal area are the priority to be cleaned next so that you can get clean, relax, and have somewhere to sleep.
Leave the unpacking until tomorrow, when you can tackle the task with renewed vigor.
#2 Make the Home Pet and Kid Safe
Make the home and garden pet and child friendly so that it safe for them.
Take meter readings and ideally take photos with date and time stamps.
#6 Set Up the Important Rooms
You will want to shower, have a safe a warm place to relax on your first night in your new home, and have the bedrooms set up so that you get a good nights rest.
Once you are happy that your family are safe and secure then you can start the process of making the house into a home.
Unpack Your Moving Boxes
A smile and positivity is essential for a great home move
Unpacking is just as important as packing, but if you have taken the time to label your moving boxes correctly then this will make the whole process easier.
You may wish to wait at least 24 hours before unpacking your boxes as the Covid virus is thought to remain active on cardboard for up to 24 hours after being handled.
Place all used packing materials into a shed or garage if possible and dispose of them when it is safe to do so. Ensure you thoroughly cleanse the area having emptied it of used packing materials.
This is normally a task that you would do before moving home to protect yourself from identity fraud.
But if you are uncertain whether the move will actually go ahead, or if you are in a particularly long chain, then you may wish to wait until you have actually moved.
We have compiled a comprehensive change of address checklist for you, but just a reminder to remember to change the delivery details for any online stores that you use.
This is something that people easily forget and with so many people shopping online during the lockdown, you may have registered your address with many sites.
Here is a link to the latest government advice about moving home and the precautions that your removal company is expected to take:
Removals firms
Removal firms are allowed to operate and should follow the latest government guidance on safer working. Where moves are carried out, social distancing should be followed. Companies should ensure employees understand how to operate safely and communicate this to customers.
Removers should contact the household in advance to check that no member of the household is showing symptoms of coronavirus or self-isolating. If they are, works should be delayed.
They should also encourage households to ensure all internal doors are open and surfaces and possessions have been cleaned with household cleaning products prior to them entering the property.
No work should be carried out by a person who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild.
Removers should wash their hands on entering the property using separate towels of paper towels which need to be washed or disposed of safely after use.
Removers should seek to minimise contact with homeowners and, where possible, remain 2 metres apart from householders at all times.
Removers should implement a buddy system and ensure that the same people work together when moving bulky items and furniture.
Removers should bring their own refreshments but you should ensure they have access to hand washing facilities, using separate towels or paper towels if possible, which should be washed or disposed of safely afterwards.
Removers should also make sure they have read the latest guidance on travelling safely.
Obviously, things are changing rapidly and frequently as we battle the pandemic, so always refer to the government website link above for the latest information.
Finally,
Stay in frequent contact with all those involved in your home move so that any potential problems are quickly highlighted.
Maintain social distance at all times and wear the appropriate PPE when interacting with anyone outside of your immediate family.
Make your moving plans as robust as you can, planning for every foreseeable event
Accept that things may not move as quickly as you would wish
Stay positive, stay as relaxed as possible, follow the guidelines, and do all you can to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
We wish you a safe home move and a happy and healthy life in your new home.
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