Moving During Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has put everyone’s lives on hold, but some things can’t wait for weeks or months - like moving to a new apartment or residence. Many homeowners who signed new leases only a few weeks ago are now tasked with moving their belongings under the shadow of COVID-19 but you can move safely if you take basic steps to protect yourself. Let’s learn how apartment complexes, rental outfits, and moving companies are handling coronavirus and tips to keep yourself safe.

A note on moving and stay at home orders: Moving and relocation services are considered essential services in the state of Colorado and are not affected by current stay at home orders. Though it will be more difficult to move during lockdown orders, it is 100% allowable by law. Under Governor Polis’s stay at home order, moving and relocations services fall under “Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.”

Though you can still move to a new apartment or rental under stay at home orders, it won’t be a typical move. Use the following tips to keep both yourself, property personnel, and moving employees safe.

Do What You Can on Your Own
Normally you might use a packing and moving company to take care of the entire move from start to finish but it’s recommended you take care of as much as you can by yourself during stay at home orders. This could include packing away all items in boxes, sorting through drawers, and staging your furniture for movers if possible. The less time movers spend in your home or your new residence, the better.

If you want to take care of the entire move by yourself and a rental truck, there are currently no laws or restrictions in place, but you should not invite your friends and family over for the move.

Be Smart About Hiring Movers
Now is not the time to hire a cheap moving crew you found off Craigslist. During the COVID-19 crisis it’s especially important to only hire established, reputable movers, who are taking special precautions during the pandemic. All movers should currently be wearing face coverings and gloves while around and in your residence. If movers aren’t wearing proper protective equipment - send them home.

Double-Check with Previous and Future Landlords
Though moving is essential business, individual landlords and apartment complexes might have their own restrictions and guidelines for new residents. Before you pack everything onto a truck, call your current and future landlords to discuss your plans. They might help you out with ways to better access the property and avoid others.

Keep Social Distance During the Move
It can be difficult but keep a wide berth from any movers in and around your house. If you can, leave your home while movers are packing and moving your belongings. There’s nothing special that makes movers immune from coronavirus, so keep your distance for their safety and yours.

Disinfect, Disinfect, Disinfect
You should disinfect before movers arrive and after they’ve left. Though movers are considered essential business you need to do your part to ensure any visitors to your home aren’t exposed or exposing you to illness. It’s also important to disinfect your new unit before movers drop off your furniture, and to disinfect after they leave. Take special care on commonly touched areas like light switches, door handles, and more.

If You Are Sick or Suspect a Member of Household is Sick
You should not move residences if you or a member of your household is showing signs of illness. Don’t try to push through and risk infecting others, call your landlord, explain the situation, and see what they can do to assist you. Landlords might get a bad rap, but they can be surprisingly accommodating if you explain your situation.

Because everyone needs a roof over their heads, apartment complexes and rental housing units are open for business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though they’re open, many complexes have changed their rules regarding showings, or meetings for leasing options.

Instead of an in-person tour of a potential unit, many complexes have begun conducting tours through picture and video. While this doesn’t allow a potential renter to get a real feel for carpet or cabinetry, it’s necessary in this time of social distancing. Call any prospective apartments to properly plan a virtual tour or access the unit while staying away from others.

You are still allowed to move during the COVID-19 crisis, but it’s recommended you take extra precautions like disinfecting, maintaining social distancing, and keeping open lines of communication. With proper planning and following guidelines, you can move into a new place while keeping yourself and others safe.