Guidelines for moving during the COVID-19 pandemic

News
Published on May 4, 2020

Times have been better for moving, but some just don’t have a choice, COVID-19 or no COVID-19. Below is a summary of guidelines and recommendations from relevant authorities.   

Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) recommends avoiding moving if possible, even if it means extending leases. This also prevents people from visiting apartments or houses, which should be avoided to limit the spread of the virus.

However, moving is still doable. In this respect, photos and virtual tours are a great help, insurers and brokers are on the list of priority services, and work on construction sites for residences deliverable by July 31 is allowed to resume. The rest of the industry will follow on May 11.

The main challenge is finding help. SHQ asks that people “limit or even avoid help from relatives or friends” and encourages them to hire a moving company. Moving companies are on the list of priority services and take serious precautions.

Some recommendations to follow before the move

  • Inquire about the health status of the occupants of your future home. Call 811 if they’ve had symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Make arrangements with the current occupants to ensure the two moving teams don’t run into each other on the day of the move.
  • Appoint someone to ensure hygiene measures (hand washing, social distancing, etc.) are followed throughout the move, i.e., at your old home, at the new home, and in between.
  • Place as many items as possible near the door to avoid too much coming and going.
  • Make sure the moving truck is disinfected.

Tips to follow during and after the move

  • Don’t accept help from a person with symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Strictly observe the two-metre distance rule at all times and avoid being in the same room as another person who doesn’t live with you.
  • Cough into your elbow.
  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
  • Frequently clean all surfaces that are touched often, such as door handles, furniture, etc. Don’t forget the inside of vehicles used for the move. As a courtesy, clean your home one last time before leaving.
  • Wear gloves and wash your hands.
  • Give your new home a once-over with disinfectant when you arrive, paying particular attention to the bathroom.
  • Wait 24 hours before discarding empty boxes.
  • Wash all fabrics and avoid shaking them.
  • The pizza party after the move will have to be held remotely.

For more tips on moving during the COVID-19 pandemic1, read this leaflet produced by Société d’habitation du Québec.

Tips on using a trailer

You should exercise caution when using a trailer2:

  • Make sure the lights work.
  • Check the safety chain and independent braking system if applicable.
  • Make sure all items are well secured—they shouldn’t move!
  • Do not exceed the maximum load capacity.
  • Reserve a parking spot as close to your door as possible.
  • Practise parking before moving day.

Things to do in your new home

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1 Moving during the1 COVID-19 pandemic

2 Using a trailer