Essential Tips for Moving During COVID-19

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Moving During COVID-19? Our professionals are uniquely qualified and prepared to maintain strict safety precautions.

Although most of the country is staying home right now due to COVID-19, there are many in New York City who are tasked with having to find a new house or apartment to move into. Moving to a new home is always stressful, but it can be extremely nerve-wracking when done during a pandemic. To ensure that your move is done as safely as possible, we have created an essential list of cleaning and inspection tips to help keep you and your family safe.

First Things First! Can the virus live on surfaces?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has made it clear that the virus is more likely to be spread via respiratory droplets than through contact with contaminated surfaces. From what researchers have observed, the virus can survive on surfaces for up to three days on a variety of materials. Best advice? The CDC recommends cleaning surfaces that are visibly dirty and then sanitize to rid your home of the virus and protect against spreading COVID-19.

Tip #1 Clean BEFORE Disinfecting

To differentiate between cleaning and sanitizing, it is important to understand the following. Cleaning refers to removal: of germs, dirt, and any other impurities that may be resting on household surfaces. In contrast, to disinfect is to use chemical disinfectants that can kill germs on contact. Your best shot of lowering the risk of spreading the virus is to clean all surfaces and to then use an approved disinfectant, such as Lysol Disinfecting Spray. For more approved household cleaners, please check out the official EPA list.

Tip #2 Make Sure to Leave Windows Open

According to the CDC, during times of illness, it is important to have fresh air circulation. When moving and after, be sure to keep all doors and windows open to ensure a breeze to flow throughout the home. Also, leaving doors open will lessen the contact made on high traffic surfaces such as door frames and handles during the moving process by those in your household as well as movers.

Tip #3 Don’t Forget to Check For Mold

If you are moving to an apartment or home that has been abandoned, such as during the COVID-19 outbreak, your new home may be at risk for containing mold. Reoccupying a space after a period of building inactivity leads to the risk of microbial hazards (i.e. mold). Before moving into an apartment, check all ceilings, walls, and floors for water spots, as they indicate a high potential for mold growth.  Moisture is needed for mold to grow, so be sure to also check for any leaks or spots that indicate mold growth. Areas that are most likely to contain mold are kitchens and bathrooms: be sure to inspect each cabinet and drawer as well.

Please remember that if anyone in your household has a respiratory issue, it is considered dangerous to move into any building that is suspected to have mold. If you do see any problem areas, be sure to act quickly and contact a SERVPRO professional as soon as possible to take care of your mold issue immediately. 

Tip #4 Keep Clear Safety Standards with Movers

If you are utilizing a moving company to help with transporting and placing your items, be sure to make your safety standards clear. Movers should be given clear instructions on what your expectations are. This may include correctly wearing PPE, cleaning/disinfecting the truck, removing shoes before coming into a home, keeping a standard 6-feet social distance from others, being sure to minimize contact, washing hands frequently, etc. By communicating these safety standards and expectations, you will be able to minimize the risks of spreading the virus during the move-in process.

Did you know that SERVPRO can help you with your moving needs? Our trained staff can safely box and transport all household items to ensure a successful move. Our team is equipped to make sure your items arrive perfectly intact. Also, all SERVPRO technicians as well as keeping strict hygienic protocol. 

Tip #5 For True Peace of Mind? Hire SERVPRO for a Professional Cleaning!

Unlike a typical janitorial cleaning, SERVPRO has expert technicians who are highly trained and have experience dealing with hazardous work, be it COVID-19 cleaning or the more typical mold work. SERVPRO has both the correct professional equipment and the trained professionals that will give new homeowners and renters an invaluable peace of mind and greatly reduce the stress brought upon by moving. Our professional cleanup process includes cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of all high-traffic spaces that are most likely to contain the virus: handrails, shelving, bathroom fixtures, etc.

If you’re moving into a new space, it is important to follow these tips to be prepared and minimize the chance of contracting the virus. If you require professional cleaning of your new home or help with moving in, our professionals at SERVPRO are always prepared to help you!