Moving Into a New Rental Property During COVID-19
Over the past few months during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have found your perfect apartment. After a couple of months of anticipation, your moving day is quickly approaching. At any other time, you would simply have to pack boxes, throw away old furniture, and work together with moving companies to move into your new rental property.
With social distancing, moving safely has a whole new meaning. Along with this, the weather is getting colder, quickly! Don’t let the Albertan winter and cold get you down. Embrace the season and make your move easy with these guidelines.
Before The Move
1. Hire movers.
When planning for your move, hire movers. You can rent a moving truck and receive full-service help, as the movers are used to all road conditions in Alberta. They do this for a living so make your apartment move with the professionals who will make sure all of your belongings arrive to your new home safe and sound, even during the snowy season.
2. Find the right moving company for you.
You want to find a reliable moving company who understand the seriousness of keeping their workers distant, clean, and respectful. This also means the company is completing their due diligence in providing masks to each mover and keeping cases of hand sanitizer on them as per Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) guidelines. Save time by doing research beforehand and have multiple options in case one does not meet your safety standards. Lastly, ask how their method of payment is conducted. You don’t want to be exchanging cash with another person so ensure they have debit or credit card options ready. Lastly, try to opt for a virtual moving quote.
3. Ask the right questions.
This discussion is also the time to ask any questions you may have, as it is a risky time to be moving. Go in-depth on how exactly they have managed to change their working protocol to coincide with the changing conditions. Since they are completing other moves in different homes as well, ask if they have any testing guidelines or have strict rules regarding the onset of symptoms. Don’t fret that you are asking too many questions because you need to know the fine print. A good combination of convenience, affordability and good safety measures in a company will be valuable in the end.
4. Be prepared.
Once you have chosen a moving company, ensure you have packed as much as possible to avoid any last-minute rushes. Neatly arrange your boxes so that they are easy to grab for the movers. The day before the move, call your chosen moving company and confirm all details and times to complete your move efficiently and safely.
For efficient packing, make sure you have:
- Boxes (square, wardrobe)
- Tape or a tape gun
- Permanent markets
- Scissors
- Bubble wrap (if needed)
- Packing material
During The Move
5. Take precautions.
In the past, you may have been used to having many friends and family help you move your things into a moving truck along with the movers. This time, you may have to keep it to a couple of close friends and family members.
When the movers arrive, greet them with kind words, but avoid shaking hands with each other. Throughout the move, maintain space between you and each of the movers as they complete their job. The moving company will likely send a maximum of three movers, so if that is the case, allow two to go inside or near the front of your home, as the other mover stays outside. Leave lots of hand sanitizer around your home and soap in the washroom in case of any emergencies. You should also be wearing a mask covering your nose and mouth.
6. Bundle up.
Be wary of snow and ice banks. Even the smallest patch of ice can wreak havoc. You don’t want your movers or yourself falling and injuring themselves.
Make a checklist of items you need:
- Extra blankets and drop clothes in case of snow and/or sleet
- Hats, scarves, gloves, and jackets should be kept on hand so they don’t end up in the moving truck
- A squeegee to mop up water and keep floors dry and free from the potential of falls
7. Stay flexible.
Moving during a pandemic and the cold is never easy, so allow extra time for your move; your new rental property can wait. Nobody can control the weather and if the roads get too icy, or temperatures plummet, have a back-up plan.
8. Call your utility companies.
In between the move, you want to ensure that your utility, cable, and internet providers are ready to make the move with you. If you have made an appointment with a provider to come to your new rental property, make sure they are arriving at the appropriate time.
After The Move
9. Have a rest.
Wash your hands and take a break. If you are sitting somewhere, complete a thorough cleanse with a sanitizing wipe beforehand.
This would also be the ideal time to have a snack or a cup of tea or hot chocolate to re-energize after a long day of moving.
10. Make a good first impression.
If you run into a neighbour at your new rental property, introduce yourself. You are now filling in a void, so even if you give a quick hello during your move, you can start things off on the right foot.
They may even establish some goodwill and help move a box or two inside your new home.
11. Make your first night fun.
You’ve had a long, stressful day. By now it may be the evening, so order a pizza or break out a game to play with the family.
Moving is always going to be stressful on you and your family, especially if it’s a particularly long move, or completely out of your community. Whether you are downsizing, renting for the first time, or moving across the country, some prep beforehand will ensure a smooth moving day.
Are you looking for an exceptional rental property in Alberta? Check us out here and book your showing today!