The long summer months (even longer now thanks to COVID-19) are the most popular time to move as kids go on summer vacation.
But the pandemic has made it difficult to determine whether it’s safe to bring moving boxes into a new apartment, or hire professionals to do it for you. You want to bring your floor lamps in, but still keep the coronavirus out.
“It’s the peak of the (moving) season,” said Thom Dale, vice president of sales and marketing for Houston-based A-Rocket Moving & Storage.
Here’s what you need to know about finding and moving into a new home during the coronavirus pandemic.
How do I find a new home to begin with?
Yes, you are allowed to move into a new home, even if there is a stay-at-home order.
You may lean heavily on finding prospective rentals on real estate websites versus driving around to look at rental signs in front yards. Rentals are more popular now for two reasons: summer, when people are moving around, and economic uncertainty, meaning an influx of people who don’t want to be on the hook for a mortgage.
MORE ‘HOW TO’: Here's how you can stay safe as cases surge around Houston
Real estate experts discuss more tips in the Houston How To guide on apartment hunting during COVID-19. Landlords and agents are showing properties less frequently, but if you can’t find an appointment to visit a home, you can tour virtually over FaceTime or ask them to describe the property via phone.
As the Chronicle’s Nancy Sarnoff reports, open houses have also taken on a more distant feel, with real estate agents opting to do tours by appointment to limit the number of people in a home, or offer 3D tours online.
Can I catch the virus from touching contaminated surfaces?
Understandably, some folks are hesitant to touch any surfaces, particularly ones that see a lot of different hands, such as door knobs and gate latches.
Surfaces are not the primary method of transmission, though, said Dr. Eric Sandberg, an immunologist at the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.
“Theoretically the virus may live for days on surfaces,” Sandberg said, “but it is less likely that the virus is spread often via this route, especially with good hand hygiene.”
Should I hire movers?
You might need to hire movers for a myriad of reasons. Maybe you’re not strong enough to lug heavy couches and tables into a home, or you’ve hoarded so many antiques you’re afraid you’ll be there all week bringing bubble-wrapped parcels into your new place.
Most moving companies have posted what they’re doing to mitigate transmission of COVID-19; if you plan to use such a service, call to confirm that movers will be wearing masks and social distancing when possible.
What is this?
I’m Gwendolyn Wu, and I’m writing “Houston How To,” a series on how to navigate the city and its complexities. Humans have an innate drive to improve themselves, and we’re always striving to live better, smarter and more efficiently by throwing countless dollars and hours at our problems. The Houston Chronicle wants to simplify that for you.
As a reporter, I usually ask the questions, but I can’t be the only one wondering how something works. What are things you need to know how to do, Houston? You can find me on Twitter at @gwendolynawu or by email at gwendolyn.wu@chron.com.
Because the folks bringing heavy furniture out of your old home and into the new will be huffing and puffing, they’ll need to adhere to masking protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. At A-Rocket, movers are also wearing gloves and frequently hand sanitizing and washing.
“Our trucks, tractor-trailers and vans are sterilized the night before the move,” Dale said.
While services in some industries have tacked on fees to pay for personal protective equipment, A-Rocket and other moving companies generally have not. Things may change if the price gets too high, Dale said.
Sandberg recommends waiting at least two hours after movers have brought boxes and furniture into your home and opening up some windows to circulate air.
Is renting a vehicle safe?
You and many others have the same idea, it seems — skip the movers in favor of moving everything yourself.
Vans, box trucks and hitchable trailers have been in high demand at the nation’s rental vehicle companies especially as some cities’ virus peaks subside, according to U-Haul, Penske and Enterprise.
While rental numbers originally dipped, they’re starting to trickle back.
“Moving has been permitted this entire time,” said U-Haul spokesperson Andrea Batchelor, but “people are now starting to feel comfortable enough to proceed with their moving plans.”
Hand sanitize after you get out of the car. When you get behind the wheel, if you still have Clorox wipes handy, scrub down the “high-touch” surfaces like steering wheels and radio buttons. Wear disposable gloves when entering and driving the vehicle, if that’s not an option.
If the vehicle’s been parked and empty for a few hours, there’s much less reason to worry than say, hopping into an Uber or Lyft, Sandberg said.
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But if someone is coming by to drop off the vehicle, let the air conditioning run for a few minutes before driving off.
“After an initial airing out of the vehicle, the circulating air would not be a significant risk,” he said.
What are the best practices for bringing things into a new home?
At the very least, medical experts recommend airing out the house for a few hours after the previous property owner or landlord turns the keys over.
“If the new home is unoccupied for a couple of days before you move in, there will not be significant risk,” Sandberg said.
Realistically, you can hire professional movers or use a rental vehicle safely. It will require taking extra steps, such as stopping by just to unlock the door for movers and then staying very far away as the staff brings your home decor inside.
gwendolyn.wu@chron.com
twitter.com/gwendolynawu
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July 09, 2020 at 04:00PM
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How do you move during the COVID-19 pandemic? - Houston Chronicle
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