If you are close to getting the keys to your new home and expect to get moving very soon, here is a short guide on how moving home during a pandemic, safely is important.
Before we start, it’s important to remember the three key rules when Moving home:
Hands – wash your hands with soap, regularly, and for at least 20 seconds.
Face – Be sure to cover your nose and mouth, especially when in an enclosed space with people you don’t usually meet with, and where social distancing is difficult.
Space – keep two metres apart as much as possible.
When to put the plans on pause – if you or anyone in your household is experiencing any flu symptoms or tested positive for coronavirus, you must pause your plans to relocate until you’re better.
Viewing properties safely
Consider a virtual viewing, if it’s an option. The good thing about virtual viewings is it will reduce the number of face-to-face viewings agents do and minimises the spread of germs.
Virtual viewings are also a great time-saver, it will give you a better idea of whether a house is worth seeing or not.
If you have seen a property you like and you’re keen to do a viewing in person, you should get in touch with the estate agent to book an appointment. During your visit be sure to wear a face mask, avoid touching surfaces, and wash your hands or use sanitiser before and after.
Remember: There shouldn’t be any more than two households within the property at any one time, and viewings should only be arranged by appointment, so ‘open houses’ shouldn’t be happening right now.
How to keep safe when selling your own home.
It is recommended that you’re not in the property during the viewing.
When interested buyers have arranged to view your home, be sure to open all the inside doors beforehand, this will prevent them from touching the door handles. You can also have some hand sanitiser available to them in case they forget theirs.
After the buyers leave, we recommend disinfecting all surfaces.
How to stay safe during moving day.
Removal firms can still carry out work, assuming all the usual safety procedures are in place.
When packing, aim to do most of it yourself, if you can. Give your belongings a quick spray or wipe-down with a disinfectant before they are handled by someone else.
If you are using a removal company, do your best to maintain distance from the team and wash your hands regularly.
If you’d like to read more on how to move home safely under the current guidelines, you can find more information here.
If you haven’t sorted your mortgage you can get free advice here