Moving is stressful under the best of circumstances, and it can cause even more anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak. Keeping your family and others safe is paramount as you go through all the tasks associated with a move, and this may take a little more work and planning during these unusual times.

Our real estate agents suggest the following five moving tips to help you stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Research your movers and minimize contact
   In a pre-coronavirus world, you'd probably want to be present as much as possible when movers are giving you an estimate or packing and loading your belongings. Now, however, minimizing contact is best for everyone's health. When you're choosing a mover, ask about contactless moving. Many companies are utilizing technology to do everything from seeing customers' belongings and providing quotes to showing customers the loaded truck.
   
   Also ask about other coronavirus policies and practices, including how they ensure their employees aren't sick, whether equipment and trucks are sanitized and how often this is done, and if their employees wear masks and gloves, and use hand sanitizer.
   
   
2. Ask about delays or cancellations
   If you or a loved one gets sick during this time, it may be necessary to delay or even cancel your move. Ask your moving company upfront about any fees or penalties for changing the date of your move. Ideally, your mover will offer a great deal of flexibility during this unique time.
   
   Check to see if a deposit is required, and if so, whether it will be refunded if you need to cancel your move. Also, inquire about how difficult it is to change your moving date if necessary.
   
   
3. Take extra hygiene precautions
   If you do come in contact with movers or friends and family who are helping during your move, take steps to protect your health as well as others.
   
   Wear a mask and disposable gloves and have extras on hand to provide to others. Also, make sure everyone has access to soap and water and hand sanitizer.
   
   
4. Use fresh supplies
   For your previous moves, you may have checked at liquor or grocery stores to score some used boxes to use. That's not recommended now, however. The coronavirus can live on surfaces like cardboard, so you should avoid using recycled boxes from other sources.
   
   Check for boxes around your house and buy new ones from places like Amazon, office supply stores, or your mover. If you're going to a store to buy them, try to get everything in just one trip. And as you pack items, use disinfectant wipes to clean the surfaces of your belongings as well as the boxes.
   
   
5. Call ahead if you plan to donate
   An important part of moving is usually decluttering so you're not taking anything you won't use to your new home. Before you load up boxes and bags of items to donate, contact your local thrift store to see if they're accepting donations right now.
   
   Some are still closed or aren't taking donations yet. If donations are being accepted, ask where and when they can be dropped off and if they should be sanitized in any specific way. Otherwise, clean your items with disinfectant wipes.

Contact us for information about moving to or from Atlanta during COVID-19 as well as when life returns to normal. We can also help you sell your home or find your dream home among Atlanta homes for sale.