Relocating is listed as one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, along with separating from your partner or the loss of a loved one. Even though it seems unbelievable, moving to a new home is a significant event in our lives. And lately, the pandemic of COVID-19 and all the fear and restrictions around it might heighten the stress around it. Whether you’re moving out of the Chicago area or relocating locally, you will face an overwhelming amount of tasks to accomplish. You can relocate while maintaining good mental health and staying COVID-free. Let’s see how to do it.
Get Chicago Movers with Good Rep
“Is it possible to hire a moving team during the pandemic?” Yes, it is p, and the allowed number of people in a room), but when you choose a professional team of moving experts, it will be easy to respect the current rules. A pro team should know – and follow – all the restrictions and help you and your family stay safe, as well as them. Professional movers are trained to handle relocations efficiently while adhering to safety guidelines. They wear masks, sanitize equipment, and follow protocols to limit exposure risks.
Additionally, virtual or online consultations for moving estimates have become the norm during the pandemic, making it easier for you to get accurate quotes without face-to-face interaction. If you are moving on a budget and need the most affordable option, don’t worry. You can get many estimates and define the services you need from the movers. Choose only the essentials, such as packing fragile items or heavy lifting, while managing other tasks yourself to cut costs.
Clean and Sanitize
Before and after any relocation, cleaning is a must. Now, with the coronavirus, we are even more cautious, so it’s essential to approach cleaning quite seriously. Get enough sanitizer – not only for the furniture surfaces but your hands, too. Does borrowing cardboard boxes from your neighbors sound like a good idea? During coronavirus times, we’d suggest you skip that. Using your old boxes and getting plastic crates (you can usually rent them) would be a more sanitary solution.
When packing, wipe down each item before placing it into the box. This reduces the risk of bringing germs into your new space. Use disposable gloves and clean packing materials whenever possible. Once you move to your new location, you will need to clean and sanitize, no matter how clean it looks. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like light switches, doorknobs, and countertops.
Ask Helping Friends & Family to Follow Rules
If you opt for your friends, family, and relatives to help with all the heavy lifting and moving stuff into the moving truck, kindly ask them to wear masks, use sanitizer, and socially distance. This particularly applies to families with the elderly who fall under the risk group. Limit the number of people assisting you to minimize exposure. Provide plenty of hand sanitizer and masks for everyone helping, and encourage frequent handwashing. If possible, divide tasks so people are working in different rooms or areas, reducing close contact.
Organize and Schedule
When you prepare, you won’t get disrupted and distracted from your goals and daily tasks. The same goes for moving and balancing it with everyday tasks. The better you organize, the more detailed your to-do lists are, and the sooner you start – the easier will the relocation get. Good preparation is an antidote to being overwhelmed, hectic and worried.
Start with a relocation timeline. Break the process into smaller steps:
- Two Months Before: Sort and declutter your belongings. Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need.
- One Month Before: Start packing non-essential items like out-of-season clothes or books.
- Two Weeks Before: Notify utility companies, update your address, and finalize moving day plans.
- Moving Day: Focus on safety protocols and keep track of essential items.
A well-organized schedule helps you stay on top of tasks and reduces last-minute chaos.
Take Time to De-Stress
Sooner or later, you will feel overwhelmed with relocating. Whether you have a big family or being alone, the move will change your life and get you out of your comfort zone. How to cope with it? Whenever you have the time, relax. Be in the now. Whatever your methods of relaxation are, use them.
Here are a few tips to de-stress during the move:
- Practice Mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to breathe deeply or meditate.
- Stay Active: Exercise, even if it’s just a short walk, to clear your mind and boost your mood.
- Connect with Loved Ones: Talk to friends and family to share your thoughts and gain support.
- Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge small accomplishments during the relocation process, like finishing a room or successfully packing fragile items.
Most importantly, look forward to all the positive sides of the new chapter in your life. The excitement of a fresh start can outweigh the temporary stress of the move.
Conclusion
Relocating during a pandemic presents unique challenges, but with the right approach, it can be manageable and even rewarding. Hire professional Chicago movers who follow COVID-19 protocols, clean and sanitize thoroughly, and involve friends and family safely. By organizing and planning ahead, you can reduce stress and make the transition smoother. Don’t forget to take time for yourself—relax, reflect, and embrace the opportunities your new home brings. Good luck with your move!
