How to Move in New Jersey During COVID-19
Despite the 2020 pandemic, moving companies have been operational as they are considered an essential business. As the number of cases have dwindled and vaccines have started to roll out, New Jersey has also started to reopen. However, there are now multiple variants so it’s still important to follow safety precautions.
While moving today might be easier than it was a year ago, you and your movers should still follow certain safety procedures to make sure that they aren’t potentially spreading COVID-19. When done properly, these steps can help reduce the chances of a new outbreak and hopefully help achieve herd immunity. Below are some steps you should take when moving during COVID-19 in New Jersey.
Wipe Down Your Belongings
Even if you don’t have to worry about COVID-19, it’s still a good idea to to clean your belongings before you pack them away. By doing so, you’re reducing the risk of transporting germs and other issues like mold to your new apartment. You don’t have to spend hours sanitizing everything, but you should give a good wipe down to items such as cups, bowls, utensils, etc. If you have the time to spare, you should also wash your clothes and bedding so that they’re nice and clean when you get to your new place. There’s nothing worse than having to do laundry right after a big move!
Besides cleaning your personal items, take some time to wipe down all the surfaces in your old place, especially areas that you touch a lot like countertops, doorknobs, light switches, etc. Also, don’t forget to clean the rest of your apartment. It’s a common courtesy for the next tenants and it can help you get your security deposit back. You want to get your apartment back to its original condition as much as possible so take the time to really get in the nooks and cranny and clean out whatever gunk has built up since you moved in.
Pack Everything Yourself
Unless you really don’t have any time, you should pack everything yourself. For one, it will save you a lot of money. Most movers charge an hourly rate so depending on how much stuff you have to pack, your final bill could cost over $5,000! Plus, you have complete control over how everything gets packed. This will make unpacking and organizing much easier since you know exactly what is in each box.
In terms of COVID-19 prevention, the less time you spend around strangers in a confined space, the better. Yes, reputable moving companies will not allow movers who are sick to come to work, however you or they could be asymptomatic. Instead of increasing the risk of transmission by having the movers spend several more hours packing your belongings, it’s better to do it yourself. This way, the movers can be in and out of your apartment as quickly as possible.
Hire Moves Who Follow COVID-19 Precautions
Sure, restrictions might be loosening up a bit, but the last thing you want are movers who have dropped all their COVID-19 requirements. After all, the virus is still around, along with its variants, and chances are you’ll have to spend at least 2-3 hours indoors with the movers who have likely been in contact with multiple people and their belongings throughout the week. Looking for movers who maintain their COVID-19 protocol won’t cost you more money either so why not hire ones that are still taking the risk seriously?
For example, NJ Great movers still continue to follow the following guidelines to keep you and our employees safe:
- Sanitize our trucks and moving equipment on a daily basis
- Our movers sanitize their hands before and after every move
- Daily temperature checks for our movers
- Mask requirement for our movers
- Implementing social distancing guidelines
- Ensuring widespread vaccination of office staff and moving crews
Speaking of vaccinations, while you can ask the movers if they have been vaccinated, under federal law (HIPAA) they are not obligated to disclose this health information. With that said, reputable NJ moving companies (such as us) encourage all our employees to get vaccinated and ensure any new member who gets onboarded books their appointments as soon as possible.
Clean Your New Home
This step is a requirement regardless of whether there’s COVID-19 or not. Even if you’re moving into a brand new apartment complex, you still want to give the new place a rub down before you unpack. This way you can get to spots that might otherwise be cluttered with items. Plus, this gives you the opportunity to take a closer look at your new place and find any holes or cracks and seal them up.
If you’re not sure where to start, go through this cleaning checklist:
- Wipe down all drawers, countertops, and cabinets with disinfectant spray. Add some lining after they dry.
- Clean the fridge and stove top with soapy water and place a tray of fresh or used coffee grounds at the back of the fridge
- Replace all toilet seats and covers and wipe down every surface in the bathroom with disinfectant spray
- Vacuum all floors and mop what you can
Once you’ve cleaned everything, don’t forget to take pictures to keep a record of what the apartment looked like when you moved in. Make sure to timestamp it and even send it over to your new building management so they have it in their files. This way when you move you have evidence of the apartment’s condition just in case the landlord/management company doesn’t want to give you back your security deposit.
Conclusion
For the most part, moving has resumed as normal and most buildings have lifted restrictions on their property. Of course, that doesn’t mean COVID-19 has disappeared. With the new variants popping up, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. At NJ Great Movers, we take your and our health seriously and we are doing our best to make sure we keep everyone healthy and happy.
FAQ
Are moving companies still required to meet state and federal guidelines related to COVID-19?
Yes, moving companies in New Jersey are required to meet the CDC and NJ Health requirements. Ask your movers about the options for moving safely before putting down a deposit.
I haven’t received my vaccine yet, do you have any advice for my upcoming move?
If your move is coming up soon and you can’t book an appointment, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk. First, you should confirm that your movers will wear masks at all times and sanitize their hands before and after the move. As well, you should maintain a six-foot distance and wear a mask. Make sure to sanitize your own hands before and after the move as well.
Does NJ Great Movers offer contactless moving?
Yes, we continue to provide contactless moving. If you’re unsure of what that entails, below is a list of characteristics for a contactless move:
- Virtual estimates
- No hand shaking
- 6 feet distance between you and the mover
- The option to leave the premise once you have reviewed the itinerary list before and after the move
- Movers wear masks and gloves
- Moving trucks are cleaned and sanitized
