We can all say that the coronavirus pandemic has put us in a challenging situation. Many of us had plans that are now ruined, while others have their everyday routine in a mess. With that said, we cannot completely give up on our lifestyle.
Whether you had a move planned for months, or you are just now considering reuniting with your loved ones, special preparations will be necessary. In this post, you will get practical advice on how to do just that. If you want further information, you can refer to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 advice for the public.
First things first – Moving supplies
Right now, everyone is going after “stay-at-home” supplies. Most grocery stores will likely remain open, so there is no need to rush there. However, you may need to be speedy with your moving supplies. If the situation gets worse, utility stores may close down. In fact, for some specific places, you may already be out of luck.
Still, if you have the chance, go after proper moving boxes, stretch wrap, bubble wrap, and tape. With those, you will be pretty much covered on the supply front. A good piece of advice is not to get used boxes because, at this point, it is not exactly safe.
We know from the CDC’s prevention guidelines that the virus can survive on certain surfaces for a long time. That is why it may be better to choose plastic moving containers and disinfect them properly before use. Even brand-new boxes may have been transported from places without proper containment practices.
Food is essential, but choose the right supplies
You will still need food for before and after the move. Canned foods are always an option, but you may want to go after some other long-lasting choices as well. If you know how to cook beans, you can get a lot out of them. A pound of uncooked beans can be five proper servings. Plus, dry beans take up less space and weigh less than canned. If you don’t have a pressure cooker and want something that can be cooked quickly, lentils are the way to go.
Furthermore, lentils and beans are also rich in minerals and vitamins, so they are much better than many canned alternatives. If you can, forgo the pasta, as it is not a good choice right now. Also, make sure to have some fruit on hand. The best choice here are berries, kiwis, and citrus fruits. Though, eat those before the move, as they cannot be safely transported.
Navigating the moving process
If you have been planning your move for a while, you probably already have a moving company booked. Check in with your movers to figure things out. However, if you do not have a moving company lined up, you will have to act quickly. Below are a few essential steps:
- Cut down on your items. Regardless of the situation, the fewer things you have to move, the easier it is going to be. Consider getting rid of unnecessary items instead of dragging them with you to your new place.
- Get moving quotes. Find some reputable movers that are still working and get a quote. Because of supply and demand, the prices can vary. This is why it is important to get at least a couple of quotes.
- Pack yourself. Usually, professional packing is a better option, but in the current situation, you may want to avoid that. If you choose DIY packing, get to it as soon as you book the moving company. You can even do it prior to that and request a moving quote based on boxes packed.
- Social distancing still applies. Though moving requires some contact, social distancing can still be practiced. Don’t gather all your friends to help you and don’t get in the way of professional movers. Agencies advise us to stay at a distance of at least 6 ft.
Important note: Because the situation is still developing, you should make sure to understand any cancellation policies for the companies you book with. For example, in our Corsia Logistics COVID-19 Update, we talk about amending our car shipping cancellation policy for March 2020, the policy that we may extend.
With all that said, you do not necessarily need professional movers. Depending on how much stuff you are taking with you, consider renting a moving truck. You also minimize human contact that way. Still, that only applies to short-distance moves for most people.
Moving during the COVID-19 pandemic and shipping a car
While transporting your car with a carrier is a fairly hands-off process, some preparation is still necessary. You can check our guide on how to prepare your car for shipping for general information. However, special considerations also apply right now.
For instance, you should clean your car inside and out before handing it off to a carrier and after receiving it. If you do not want to wash your vehicle after shipping, at least keep your disinfectant-ready. How much of it is enough? Wiping down your car’s exterior and interior with it is a good safety precaution. Just make sure your disinfectant is suitable for the car’s surfaces. In any case, the virus cannot usually survive for more than 48 hours on most surfaces.
Booking a car shipping service
The unpredictable nature of the situation means that timeliness is key. If you are already considering shipping your car, you can contact us right away. Here at Corsia Logistics, we will do our best to help you transport your vehicle to the desired location.
If you need more information, our logistics experts are always ready to provide it. You can get your free car shipping quote online right now or just calls us at (818) 850-5258!
