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Moving to a new home can be stressful at the best of times. During these unprecedented times, there are several new concerns to take into consideration if you are moving due to COVID-19.

Many Canadians are moving in back with their parents due to the coronavirus pandemic, while some are looking for a safer location outside of their current city.

If you have to plan a move during the pandemic, here is a list of things to consider.

Hire professionals

Getting friends to help you move is always a big ask. During a pandemic, it simply may not be an option. Always keep your health, the health of your family and your moving crew as your top priority.

Notify your movers if anyone in your household may have been exposed to the coronavirus and ask how your moving company is mitigating the health risks.

Minimize Contact, mitigate risk

If the people in your household are able to pack and carry their own belongings, you may want to choose a company that minimizes human contact.

PODS will deliver an empty moving container and transport it to your new address once you have loaded it. They can also store your container for as long as you need it.

This could come in handy if any complications arise concerning your moving date. If you cannot load your own belongings, they'll put you in touch with local companies that can help you move due to COVID.

Sanitation precautions

On moving day, provide your movers (and yourself) access to a sink, soap and paper towels. Having hand sanitizer on hand is also a good idea. The coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours. Avoid using recycled boxes.

New cardboard boxes will be available from your mover, or you can find them online at places like Amazon. Use disinfectant wipes to wipe down your boxes and furniture before loading.

Moving in

Moving tip: When you arrive at your new address, you may want to do a deep clean of the premises before you unpack to further mitigate the risks.

If you are moving into a Panoramic rental property, you can rest assured that we are taking all necessary precautions and have increased our cleaning and sanitation precautions in all public spaces and common areas.

Physical Distancing

Whether inside or outside, practicing physical distancing is crucial to flattening the curve and protecting ourselves and the most vulnerable among us.

If you are moving due to COVID, you should maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from anyone that does not live with you.

Connecting emotionally, virtually

Keeping our physical distance does not mean we cannot connect with the people we love. Feelings of loneliness and isolation are not good for us. Now is a great time to virtually reach out to friends and family.

You can arrange a group Zoom or Skype call, FaceTime a friend, or just have a good old-fashioned phone call. If you miss going to the movies with your BFF, why not have a Netflix Party?

Avoid contact in common areas

Physical distancing is crucial, but we also need to be aware of what we touch and what has been touched by others. Panoramic Properties is taking extra precautions by increasing our cleaning and sanitizing of common areas in our rental communities.

We are all in this together and we can all help each other while taking care of ourselves. You may want to use a napkin or handkerchief when opening doors. Use a knuckle or elbow to press buttons and remember to wash your hands as soon as you get inside your apartment.

Doing laundry

With so many more people at home during the day, on-site laundry facilities may be in higher demand. Try to avoid peak times, if your schedule allows. Remember to practice physical distancing and be aware of what you are touching while doing laundry. Be careful not to touch your face until you have washed your hands.

Keep busy

Try and keep busy during this time. For many of us, there is no other option. Working from home while homeschooling the kids is enough to fill anyone’s day!

If you do find yourself with too much downtime on your hands, you may want to take up a new indoor hobby, learn a new language, cook a meal from scratch, or do an online yoga or fitness class.

Consider your neighbours

With so many more people in self-quarantine and working from home, it is possible that noise levels will increase. People moving due to COVID will be stressed out. We are all in this together. A little consideration can go a long way.

If you are playing music or watching movies, you may want to step into the hallway and shut the door. If you can hear the music, your neighbours probably can as well.

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Panoramic Properties hopes this helps you stay safe during this unprecedented time. We are all in this together.

Looking for a place to call home? Panoramic Properties provides apartments and houses available for rent across Ontario.