The Importance of Cleaning and Disinfecting While Moving

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to remain safe when working with your moving company and throughout your move. This article will focus on how you can successfully clean and disinfect your possessions during the move and avoid potential infection. First, let us discuss some key background information.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

According to the CDC, the Coronavirus is most frequently spread through respiratory droplets when people are within 6 feet of one another. That is why there has been such a heavy emphasis on "social distancing" — it can really help to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Apart from social distancing, the CDC also recommends frequent handwashing, as well as thorough cleaning and disinfecting of potentially contaminated surfaces. What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting? Basically, cleaning involves removing germs from a surface; disinfecting involves killing any germs that remain on the surface. Therefore, it is important to not only clean frequently touched surfaces and possessions, but to also disinfect them.

Here are some tips to keep in mind during your relocation:

Have Cleaning Supplies Near at Hand

COVID-19 is an easy virus to kill compared to similar infectious diseases. All you really need are common home cleaners and appropriate safety equipment. Many homeowners use EPA-registered disinfectants like Lysol Disinfecting Wipes and Clorox Multi-Surface Cleaners to keep their surfaces clean. You can also make a home-made solution using rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, or a combination of water with bleach and/or vinegar. (Please do your own research before using any DIY cleaning product.) Be sure to also have gloves, masks, rags, hand sanitizer, and hand soap on hand. When you have cleaning supplies at hand, you can easily spring into action if you need to clean and disinfect surfaces or your possessions.

Leave Your Doors, Cabinets, and Closets Open for the Packing Crew

COVID-19 can survive on surfaces for quite some time: anywhere from a few hours, up to several days, depending on the material in question. For that reason, make sure to eliminate the need for your professional movers to touch high-contact surfaces, such as doorknobs. Leave as many doors, closets, cabinets, and drawers open as you can and remember to give the moving crew plenty of clearance as they go in and out of the house.

Discuss Safety Preparations with Your Moving Company

Good communication is a vital part of good preparation. Before Moving Day rolls around, make sure that you and your moving company are on the same page when it comes to safety precautions. For example, you may want to ask the following questions:

• Are the movers/packers trained to practice social distancing to the extent possible?
• What kind of safety equipment will they be wearing? Will they be wearing masks and gloves?
• Do all the movers understand the importance of good hygiene? Do they plan to practice regular handwashing throughout the day?

It is important to make your expectations clear before the packing crew comes over, so that neither they nor you will suffer an unpleasant surprise.

At A-1 Freeman Moving Group, we understand that there are parts of your life that simply cannot be put on hold — pandemic or no pandemic. That is why we are committed to offering you the safest and most efficient moving assistance possible. If you would like to learn more, reach out to us today.