As if moving isn’t already chaotic enough on its own, moving during the current coronavirus outbreak is primed to be even more stressful. That’s why we recommend that, if possible, you postpone your move for now. Although Megan’s Moving is considered an essential business and is still operating, our priority is keeping everyone safe while helping to flatten the curve. So if you can postpone your move, you should, especially if you are in a vulnerable group or have a compromised immune system.
Postponing Your Move? What to Do in the Meantime
If you have chosen to postpone your move, there are some great ways to spend your time while you wait. For example, you can use this extra time to declutter your home à la Marie Kondo and pack your belongings with extra care.
Declutter Your Home
Decluttering your current home allows you to enter your new home with only the things that you need. You’ll be surprised to find how much clutter you have collected without even realizing it. The less clutter you bring into your new home, the more peaceful it will be. Sort through your belongings and make separate piles of things you want to keep, discard, or donate. Many donation centers are not accepting donations at this time, but you can prepare boxes and bags of donated items now for drop-off later.
There are many benefits to decluttering your home before packing. You’ll use fewer boxes, take up less space on moving trucks, save time, and require fewer movers. You’ll avoid wasting time packing things you no longer need only to have to unpack them, too. Use our convenient decluttering checklists to help you decide what to get rid of in each room. Consider deep cleaning each room as you go.
Create an Inventory of Your Belongings before Packing
Since you have the extra time, it’s worth taking an inventory of all your personal items. You can choose to write them down or create a digital document. Taking inventory will help your whole move go a lot smoother, from packing to unpacking. With all your stuff inventoried, you’ll be able to keep track of where everything is at all times.
Learn more about the benefits of creating an inventory »
Tips for Taking Inventory
Color Code
One tip to stay organized as you are creating your inventory list is to color code. Assign each room in your home a color. Use that color to mark your boxes so you’ll know where they go at a glance. This will make the unpacking process a lot easier.
Categorize Your List
As you are creating an inventory list, categorize everything by room. Each time you start a new box, write a number on it and write that number under the corresponding room on your list. Write down all the contents in that box until it’s full. When you move to a new room, don’t start over at “Box 1”. Instead, keep the numbers going to avoid having duplicate boxes with the same number.
Tips on Moving During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Be Transparent
If you are not able to postpone your move, there are important tips to keep in mind. If you or anyone in your household is experiencing coronavirus or influenza-like symptoms, it’s important to be transparent about it—especially to your movers. This will keep everyone safe and movers will have the information they need to take extra precautions.
Try to Use New Boxes or Recycled Boxes You Already Own
Coronavirus can live on cardboard surfaces for as long as 24 hours, so it’s best to use new boxes or ones you already own. Avoid picking up free moving supplies from places that recycle them.
Safer at Home
It is best to postpone your move if you can. It is more complicated to move during the current outbreak and you may end up exposing yourself and your household to the virus. If you can’t postpone your move, take precautions. Follow social distancing guidelines recommended by the CDC and local health authorities. If you have any questions, please contact us regarding moving options during the novel coronavirus outbreak.