If you were considering moving home this year, you’ll know only too well that your plans have been disrupted thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing rules make it extremely difficult to move home due to the risk of spreading or contracting the virus. However, sometimes a move cannot be delayed, whether that’s down to your landlord needing you out of the property, or you’ve sold your home and its new owners are waiting to move in themselves. So how can you safely move home during a pandemic? We’ve got some tips on how you can do exactly that!
Many real estate agents are offering virtual tours to allow potential buyers to see your home without having to risk breaking social distancing rules. If your home has been on the market for some time, it’s likely your real estate agent has already taken pictures of your home using a 3D camera. They can use this footage to create a virtual viewing of your home. Speak to your estate agent to set up virtual viewing. They may ask you to record a walk around video to add to their online listing too, which will help further the chances of your home being sold.
When it comes to viewing properties yourself, it’s very likely you’ll be using virtual tours too. Find real estate agents that offer the most intricate virtual tours. While it may not be the same as physically entering a property, it’s a great way of getting a feel of your new home. Another tip would be to drive past potential properties to see what the garden looks like and help you make a decision on where to move.
Moving home can be a slow process at the best of times, and now we’re living through a pandemic, it’s best to prepare yourself for the fact it might take even longer to move home. Use this time wisely by completing any necessary paperwork now. Many companies such as removal companies, or even your mortgage provider will now offer an online form to minimise the spread of coronavirus, so take some time to fill out all of the necessary forms so that when moving day does come, everything can go off without a hitch.
Speaking of removal companies, now more than ever it’s important to put plenty of research into removalists in your area to help your move go as smoothly as possible. You should be checking things such as:
You can’t be too careful when it comes to hygiene at the moment, and no matter how clean your new home looks, it’s a good idea to hire a cleaning company to perform a deep clean on your new home. Call in advance and find out what their waiting list is like so that you can book yourself in as soon as you have a moving date. You may want to consider cleaning services such as:
You may also want to consider giving your current property a deep clean too, before you move. This way, all of your furniture and belongings will be nice and clean to bring to your new sparkling home!
Moving with small children around your feet can be extremely stressful, and now it’s harder to find childcare than ever before! If you live with your partner, you could take turns watching the children throughout the day to help keep them occupied and so you can keep an eye on the moving process. Perhaps you could take them to a public park or on a nature trail? There are plenty of free things to do that don’t involve putting yourselves at risk of contracting coronavirus!
While you may be more desperate than ever to get the move over and done with, if a member of your family becomes unwell, it’s important to follow guidelines and isolate together as a family. Remember, your health should always come first, even if it’s not coronavirus related.
When moving home you will eventually have to come into some sort of contact with people outside of your household. This might be to collect your keys, or even letting the removals company in to begin moving your belongings. Be sure to abide by the law and practise good social distancing measures. Avoid being closer than 2 meters with anyone from outside of your home, and wear a face mask at all times. This way you can drastically minimise the chance of contracting or unknowingly spreading the virus.
Moving home can be an extremely stressful time, and with the extra worry of staying safe during this pandemic, it’s likely you’re feeling rather stressed out. Take time for yourself as much as possible to gather your thoughts and come up with a plan of action. Being prepared will help prevent any mishaps and therefore, reduce your stress levels!
Finally, moving at a time like this is bound to leave you with many questions. Speak to your real estate agent or your new landlord and ask any questions you have! You can’t be expected to know exactly what to do, and asking questions will prevent you from putting yourself or your family in harm’s way!
Full time I'm an ambitious Head of Marketing and Communications in the luxury industry. Part time, I'm an enthusiastic British Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber from Manchester, UK. This blog has been my outlet for the past 7+ years, and as a longstanding, Award-winning blogger I take the most enjoyment from creating content I truly love and believe in. All authentic. Always.