How can you plan a no-contact move? You might use no-contact food delivery and shopping services. But what about your move? If you have health and safety concerns, take a look at what you need to know about a contact-free move.

Can You Get a Contact-Free Estimate?

How much will your move cost? Before the professional can provide you with this essential piece of moving information, they’ll need to know more about what and how much you have to move. If you don’t want the movers to make an extra trip into your home, ask about the possibility of a virtual or video visit. You can provide additional details over the phone or via email in most cases.

After the contractor assesses what you need to move and gets information on what, how much, and where you need to move, they’ll create either a non-binding estimate (the price can change based on weight, potentially costing you more than what is in the original estimate), a binding estimate (a fixed-cost estimate that shouldn’t change), or a binding not-to-exceed estimate (you’ll pay for the actual weight of the move, which could result in a lower price).

Whether you get a non-binding, binding, or not-to-exceed estimate, you need more than a verbal agreement. This means a no-contact phone call isn’t usually acceptable. Ask the mover to email you a quote or send you a paper copy in the mail.

How Should You Get Moving Supplies?

The movers aren’t the only people you might possibly have contact with for your next move. If you don’t already have boxes, bins, tape, labels, and protective items (such as bubble wrap or packing paper), you need to buy these items before you begin the packing process.

Keep your move contact-free and purchase everything you need online or choose a curbside pickup option (depending on where you buy the packing supplies).

Can You Pack in a Contact-Free Way?

The packing step is one of the easiest parts of your move to make completely contact-free. You have two basic packing choices — a full-service mover (a company that provides all moving-related services, including packing) and a do-it-yourself job.

If you prefer a full-service move, you’ll need to leave your home during the packing process. You may want to schedule the packing and move together. This allows you to bundle the services and reduces the time between when you leave your old home and get your items delivered to your new one.

For a truly no-contact move, pack everything yourself. A DIY strategy gives you the ability to pack everything in your home for the move — minus the need to have anyone else touch your clothes, dishware, decorative accents, or children’s toys. If you choose this contact-free method, make sure you securely pack everything and label each box, bin, or bag before the movers arrive.

Is Contact-Free Transportation Possible?

At some point, the movers will need to come into your home to lift, carry, and transport your belongings from point A to point B. Stay at a safe distance and create a no-contact move with a few simple steps.

Organize everything for the movers. Provided you’ve already packed everything (for homeowners who choose a DIY packing option over a full-service move), you can bring everything to the front of your soon-to-be old home or organize the containers by room.

Discuss your organizational strategy with the movers before they arrive. This can help them to plan a safe and efficient move. This also allows you to leave your home or stay outside when the movers take over.

Repeat the same steps in your new home. Let the movers know where you want them to place your furniture, boxes, and bins — but stay clear of your new home’s interior until after the move is complete.

Do you need help with your next move? Contact Dixie Moving & Storage, Inc., for more information.