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As we sit firmly in the third national UK lockdown, tenants and home buyers will be pleased to know that there is a special dispensation from all four nations governments allowing house moves to take place. This is great news for those desperate to get into their new home and start making the space their own but of course we all need to be mindful on doing it safely and minimising any risk posed by the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Viewings

It’s hard to envisage yourself in that dream home without setting foot in the place and fortunately in person viewings are still permitted.  You must be accompanied by an estate agent, wear your mask, adhere to social distancing guidelines at all times and wash your hands whenever you can.  The government is recommending that homeowners vacate the property for the duration of the viewing to reduce person to person contact. Of course, agents have adapted over the last year to offer virtual viewings if you really don’t want to step inside another home at the moment, enquire about this with your agent. 

Before Moving 

If you are buying a new house, you can arrange for a deep clean yourself when the current occupiers vacate to make sure you’re entering a fully sanitised space.  If you are renting, check with the estate agent what if any additional cleaning measures have been introduced before you move into a new property. You should also wait for two weeks after the previous tenant or occupier has left before moving in.  

When packing up your furniture and possessions, try to do as much of this as you can by yourself or in your household bubble, minimising contact with the outside world as far as possible. It is also recommended to clean and disinfect your belongings with normal household cleaner before they are handled by external parties. 

On Moving Day 

Removals firms can still operate during the lockdown but be mindful that they are likely to be busier than usual and adhering to a whole new set of rules and hygiene guidelines which could slow them down. Removals staff may come into your home but it is recommended to wear masks and other PPE as appropriate and to maintain social distancing of 2m.  If possible, open doors and windows to ventilate the space before they enter and provide access to handwashing facilities throughout.  Whilst it’s lovely to offer your movers a brew, you simply aren’t allowed to provide refreshments at the moment. 

Once you’re in, take some time to ventilate the new space when anyone outside your household bubble has left and re-clean your belongings when they have finished being handled by others.  

Bear in mind that although you can still move home during the lockdown, you are likely to experience significantly longer delays than usual.  Government guidance states that you are allowed to use a hotel, hostel or second home as temporary accommodation to bridge the gap in moving.  In this instance, you may need to find alternate storage for your personal possessions until you can safely access your new home.  Contact M-Store on 01726 890880  for short, medium and longer term storage options