Questions arise about almost every aspect of everyday activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has changed plans for most people in the US and throughout the world. If you have planned a move within the city of Knoxville or across the country, you are probably asking a very important question: Can I move during COVID-19? The answer depends on your situation and whether your move is considered essential.

Health and Safety is the Priority

The most important thing for everyone during the pandemic is to stay safe and healthy. Guidelines have been issued across the country for social distancing, hand washing, and other precautions necessary to try to stop the spread of the virus.

Of course, there may be things you still need to do and moving might be one of those. If you’ve closed on a new home, have been transferred by your job, or had another life event that requires you to move to a new home, you will need to consider whether you can move during COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. You and your moving company can take appropriate measures for your continued health and safety.

Tips for Safe Moving

Anytime you move, you’ll want to be sure the process is a safe and smooth one. A professional moving company will take extra care to protect your treasured possessions as well as your current and new homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, if you are in a position where you have to move, your moving company will take additional steps to ensure the safety of you and your family.

The normal process of buying and selling a home and of moving to a new home have been disrupted. Extra precautions in moving may include using the minimal number of people necessary (fewer than 10 total), cleaning and disinfecting your possessions before they are moved, and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting your new home before your items are moved in. Movers will need to screen their crews for the virus, use hand sanitizers and wash their hands frequently, and possibly wear masks to protect themselves and you.

Changes in the Real Estate Industry

The normal activities of visiting available houses, attending open houses, and even meeting with your real estate agent or closing attorney have also changed considerably. In Knox County, “Real property marketing, leasing, purchase, and sale services” ae considered essential services; however, certain activities such as inspections may have to be done virtually, for everyone’s protection.

Cleaning and Repairs

Other industries that are typically involved in your moving process may also face additional restrictions that will impact your decision to move during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you choose to hire a professional team for your move out / move in cleaning, you will need to lock them in early. Cleaners are in high demand now.

Likewise, repairmen that you may need to fix items in a home you are selling or to make repairs you have requested from the seller of your new home are quite busy or are simply not available these days as well. Depending on the urgency of their work, some repairmen may choose to not take the chance of exposing themselves to potential infection, which reduces the number available to do your work.

Knox County Regulations

Knox County, which includes the city of Knoxville, has issued a Safer at Home order, effective April 1, 2020. Before moving or attending to any other tasks, be sure to check the guidelines so you’ll remain in compliance and, most importantly, you’ll remain safe.

Continue to Monitor the Situation

If your plans can change and you can delay or reschedule your move, it might be wise to do so given the current situation. Discuss options with your mover as soon as possible. If you do need to move during COVID-19, check with your moving company on their requirements and any steps you may need to take to protect everyone involved.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends that you ask yourself some important questions before traveling within Knoxville or across the country:

  • Will you or your travel companion(s) be in close contact with others during your trip?
  • Are you or your travel companion(s) more likely to get a severe illness if you get COVID-19?
  • Do you live with someone who is older or has a serious, chronic medical condition?

Contact Fox Moving & Storage Knoxville with Questions About Your Move

There are situations in which you cannot postpone or reschedule your move. If you are in a position where you need to move within Knoxville or across the country, Fox Moving and Storage Knoxville wants to reassure you that we will take every precaution necessary to maintain your safety.

Rest assured that our professionals will always take care of the details of your move so you can focus on settling into your new home. Contact us for more information about your move during COVID-19. Call Fox Moving & Storage Knoxville at 865-273-0220 to learn more about our services.