[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/moving-safety-tips-for-nyc-during-covid19\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/moving-safety-tips-for-nyc-during-covid19\/","headline":"Moving Safety Tips for NYC During COVID-19","name":"Moving Safety Tips for NYC During COVID-19","description":"Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still moving to NYC in droves. In fact, in 2020, New York […]","datePublished":"2022-03-22","dateModified":"2025-10-14","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/author\/kevin\/#Person","name":"Great Moving (Kevin)","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/author\/kevin\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b4997c379c86a878ffe0e2cbc54f56f2298ff0763e895fa10c13c22bfb54a237?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b4997c379c86a878ffe0e2cbc54f56f2298ff0763e895fa10c13c22bfb54a237?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NYC Great Movers","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nycgreatmovers-logo-20250918.png","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nycgreatmovers-logo-20250918.png","width":600,"height":363}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Moving-Safety-Tips-for-NYC-During-COVID-19.jpg","url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Moving-Safety-Tips-for-NYC-During-COVID-19.jpg","height":648,"width":1152},"url":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/moving-safety-tips-for-nyc-during-covid19\/","about":["Moving Tips"],"wordCount":1547,"keywords":["COVID-19 pandemic","Hire Movers","moving during a pandemic","Moving Safety Tips","moving to nyc","NYC moving companies","professional movers","reputable moving company","safe NYC move"],"articleBody":"Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still moving to NYC in droves. In fact, in 2020, New York City was among the three most popular destinations for relocation behind Tampa and Phoenix. While restrictions have eased somewhat, it\u2019s still important to take precautions for a safe NYC move. Most professional movers have procedures in place to follow the necessary CDC guidelines.However, there are a few moving safety tips you can follow to make your move safer and easier. The best part is that you can apply these tips even after the restrictions and pandemic end. Not only will it save you time, but it will also make your move less stressful. Below are a few moving tips on how you can stay safe during COVID-19.Confirm Moving TimeframeRegardless of whether you\u2019re moving during a pandemic or not, it\u2019s important to know the timing of your move and whether your building has availability during that timeframe. This applies to both your pick-up and drop-off destinations. Some buildings might only allow moving during certain hours to reduce contact with other tenants.Once both buildings have confirmed the timing, the standard process kicks in. That means booking the service elevator if your building has one, hiring NYC movers, and arranging a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Speaking of COI, while you\u2019re asking about the time frame of your move, make sure to check if either building needs a COI to access the building. In many cases, the building will need to receive the COI before it can book the service elevators.Ask Movers About Their Safety PrecautionsNYC moving companies are considered an essential service, so they have been working throughout the pandemic. In order to ensure the safety of both the customers and employees, reliable moving companies go above and beyond the recommended CDC guidelines for COVID-19 safety. COVID-19 Safety Measures Checklist for MoversSafety MeasureDescriptionWhat to Ask \/ VerifyFrequency \/ StandardMask RequirementAll movers should wear masks to reduce virus transmissionAre your movers required to wear masks at all times during the move?Every move, all dayGloves & PPEMovers should use gloves and protective gear when handling itemsDo your movers wear gloves and any additional PPE?All handling tasksDaily Health ScreeningMovers should have temperature checks and health screening before each shiftDo you conduct daily temperature checks and health screenings for all workers?Daily, before shiftVaccination PolicyCheck if movers are vaccinated or follow CDC safety protocolsAre your movers vaccinated, or do they follow enhanced safety protocols?Verified per employeeTruck SanitizationMoving trucks should be disinfected before and after each moveHow often do you sanitize your moving trucks?Before and after every moveContactless Move OptionOption to limit physical interaction during pick-up and drop-offDo you offer a contactless move where I don\u2019t need to be present?Optional, per moveSocial Distancing GuidelinesMovers should maintain distance whenever possibleDo your movers follow social-distancing guidelines during the move?Always, during packing and loadingSanitizer AvailabilityMovers should have access to hand sanitizer and disinfectantDo you provide hand sanitizer for movers and customers during the move?Continuous accessCustomer CommunicationClear contact if safety protocols are not followedWho can I contact if movers fail to follow COVID safety measures?Anytime during the moveBuilding Access & COIVerify building rules for COVID safety (service elevator, limited movers)Does your company provide a Certificate of Insurance and follow building COVID rules?Each building visit If you\u2019re looking for reputable movers, make sure to ask them the following:Are the movers required to wear masks at all times during the move?How often do they sanitize their trucks?Does the moving company require health and temperature checks for all its workers on a daily basis?Do they offer contactless\/contact-free moves?Do they follow appropriate social-distancing guidelines?Who can you contact if the movers do not follow these safety precautions?Reduce Time Spent OutsideThe more time you spend around other people, the higher your chances of contracting COVID-19. While you can\u2019t avoid leaving your house completely, you are moving from one house to another, you can limit your exposure. A great way to do this is by having your packing supplies delivered. Instead of going from store to store to purchase supplies, buy them from the moving company you decide to use. They will deliver supplies to you during a time that fits your schedule. The packing materials you can purchase include:BoxesTapePacking paperBubble wrapRentable plastic binsSince you\u2019re already using movers to deliver your supplies, why not hire movers to do all the heavy lifting as well? While it might seem counterintuitive, hiring movers is actually safer than trying to do a DIY move. You\u2019re spending less time going in and out of your building carrying your boxes, which means less opportunity to run into other people. Sure, you will have the movers coming in and out of your apartment, but they will all be following appropriate CDC guidelines for COVID-19 safety. That means wearing masks and gloves, daily temperature checks, and being vaccinated. You can further reduce your risk by keeping at least 6 feet away from movers at all times and wearing a mask yourself.Be Vigilant About Disinfecting\/CleanlinessYou don\u2019t need to wash your hands obsessively, but it\u2019s a good idea to continue the habit of keeping your hands clean anytime you touch something that has been exposed to common areas or elevators. You don\u2019t know who in your building might be sick, and it\u2019s likely the elevator buttons and stair railings have been touched hundreds of times every day. Even if your building has a thorough cleaning staff, chances are these common areas are only cleaned once a day at most. Apartment Cleanliness Checklist During Your MoveActionPurposeTips \/ How to Do ItTiming \/ FrequencyWash HandsReduce risk of virus transmissionUse soap and water for at least 20 secondsAfter touching common areas or packing itemsUse Hand SanitizerWhen handwashing isn\u2019t possibleKeep bottles easily accessible; sanitize after packingMultiple times during the move, before\/after handling itemsAvoid Touching FacePrevent virus entry through the mouth, nose, or eyesBe mindful while packing and moving itemsAlways during the moveProvide Sanitizer to MoversEnsure shared safetyOffer hand sanitizer before and after the moveBefore movers start and after they finishKeep Disinfectants AccessibleClean surfaces as neededPlace sanitizers\/disinfectants in key locationsDuring packing, moving, and the immediate move-inDelay UnpackingReduce virus survival on surfacesWait at least 24 hours before opening cardboard boxesMinimum 24 hours after move-inDisinfect Furniture & SurfacesReduce contamination riskUse strong disinfectants for high-touch or exposed items (bed frames, wardrobes, tables)Immediately after unpacking While you might not be able to control how often these areas get disinfected, you can manage your own cleanliness. Washing your hands is the most effective option, but if you can\u2019t do that, keep a bottle of sanitizer handy and avoid touching your face during your move. Only sanitize your hands after you have packed everything. From there, you can let the movers handle it. Make sure to also offer them some hand sanitizer before and after the move. Make sure to keep all sanitizers and disinfectants in easy-to-access locations. That way, when you move into your new place, you can have hand sanitizers and disinfectants ready immediately upon move-in.If possible, wait at least a day before you start unpacking. COVID-19 survives for about 24 hours on cardboard, so the longer you can leave it untouched, the lower your chances of contracting the virus. Once you do start unpacking, take the time to clean and\/or disinfect as many items as possible. Opt for stronger options for items that are more exposed, like bed frames and wardrobes.ConclusionMoving at any time is stressful, but it\u2019s doubly so during a pandemic. However, if you work with a reputable moving company, you can reduce your stress significantly. Just make sure that you follow these moving tips, and you should be fine.FAQHow far in advance do I need to book my move?In general, you should book your movers at least a month in advance to ensure they have availability during your preferred dates and times.What happens if I\u2019m not vaccinated?If you don\u2019t have the vaccine you\u2019ll want to reduce your risk of contracting the virus. That means wearing maks, staying socially distanced, and sanitizing your hands before and after the move. You should also confirm with the movers that the crew will wear masks at all times and follow appropriate cleaning measures.What if I test positive for COVID or have come in contact with someone who has COVID?Let the moving company know as soon as possible and they will reschedule for a later date. Some companies offer a contactless move where you do not have to be present for pick up or drop off. If you can only move on that particular day, ask if the company offers that option."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Moving Safety Tips for NYC During COVID-19","item":"https:\/\/nycgreatmovers.com\/blog\/moving-safety-tips-for-nyc-during-covid19\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]