Moving in general can be a stressful thing to have to do. Having to do this during the COVID-19 pandemic can be even more difficult. However, there are a number of ways to limit the stress when moving and packing during the pandemic. 



1. Prepare for your move ahead of time

Make a list of all of the things you will need for your entire move. Be sure to plan ahead enough to allow for extra time for things to be shipped during the pandemic. If you need to go to the store, you'll only want to go once, so make sure everything you need is on this list. When in doubt about the quantity of materials needed, buy extra.

If you are having movers help you, make sure that your boxes are packed and remain untouched for at least a day beforehand. This is because the coronavirus can stay on surfaces for up to 24 hours. If you have a garage where all of the boxes can be stored, that is the ideal place to do this before moving. This also means that anyone helping you move will not need to take a trip inside the house.

2. Make sure you have the right boxes

Be sure to avoid boxes that are free or recycled since the coronavirus could be present on them. Feel free to use boxes you already have in your house or purchase new boxes at the store.

Additionally, you can use other alternatives to boxes. This might include suitcases, laundry baskets, bags and even kitchen pots. Pots and containers can be used for smaller items.

3. Use necessary cleaning techniques

Much like the daily necessity to practice safe sanitization during the coronavirus outbreak, making sure to clean your items is key. As you pack, sanitize your belongings with disinfectant.

As an added precaution, clean all of your boxes before moving them. Doing this will lower the chances that germs will present themselves in the new house. If you are having a moving crew help you, have hand sanitizer ready for them. Have soap, water and paper towels ready for anyone carrying these boxes. Wearing gloves is also a good idea for anyone helping with the move.

4. Pack your items in a strategic manner

The moving process can take quite some time, so make sure that anything you don't need in the process is packed first. You'll also want to wait 24 hours to start opening your boxes after they have been handled by a number of people. Non-necessities to pack first might include things on the wall, clothing you aren't planning to wear, seasonal gear, and a majority of your kitchen furnishings.

Make sure that anything essential is in a place you can get at it easily. This might include toiletries and several changes of clothes. Anything you need to work or stay entertained should be in an easily accessible place as well. You might also have some quick and easy to make food while you're in the process of moving.

5. Consider donating or throwing away unnecessary items

There are many people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, and if you are moving now would be a logical time to consider donating things that are not particularly needed. This will also mean there will be fewer boxes to have to lug to the new house.

There are a few obstacles to donating with this pandemic, but there are a few ways you can still do so. You can make a post on Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor for starters. Food banks will accept donations in this time of great need.

If you can't donate numerous unwanted items, make sure to put them all in one place so you can safely throw them away at once. Avoiding numerous trips is the safest thing you can do during the pandemic.