The coronavirus has introduced a whole new way of life for people around the world.
Below we discuss the following topics:
1/ How to donate space through our #FREESPACECOVID initiative
2/ How to share space at this time - parking, storage and otherwise
3/ Renting a space using a virtual tour
4/ Moving companies
Clearly, we're entering a "new normal" and that means, we must be as careful as possible not to allow the spread of COVID-19 occur between our families and others. Here's a comprehensive list on how you can (still) share space while using the utmost of care to ensure infection isn't spreading:
1/ HOW TO "DONATE YOUR SPACE" IN THE TIME OF COVID
Right now, SpaceiShare is asking people across the country to open up their spaces to share FOR FREE. With that, comes personal responsibility to ensure that you and your loved ones remain a safe social distance from donated supplies and volunteers.
If you're donating your garage or shed for drop-off:
After your space has been selected by The Home Front, it's important that you have as little interaction with people donating as possible. Here's how:
1/ Clear out the space you're offering
2/ PROMOTE to your COMMUNITY via FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, EMAIL and TWITTER. #FreeSpaceCOVID
Example:
To the ________________ community. I have volunteered my space for The Home Front.ca in order to allow donations from people like you to get into the hands of our front-line workers. Here's a list of what we're seeking:
- PPE (personal protection equipment) including masks, gloves, gowns
- Medical supplies: swabs, hand sanitizer, medical grade wipes
- Accommodations near hospitals (hotels, Airbnb, RVs)
- Meals or snacks for staff (granola bars, cookies, water, juice, wrapped chocolate or candy)
- Ventilators
- Baby monitors for staff to communicate with COVID-19 positive patients
- Small gender neutral tokens like lip balm or gift cards
- 3-D Printers
If you have items you'd like to contribute, please drop it off at my home between the hours of ______to______ at this address: _______________________.
If you'd like to offer #FREESPACECOVID, please visit www.spaceishare.com and post your FREE space today.
3/ Plan a system on how you'll accept items (it is NOT a good idea to go outside and meet the donator).
4/ Put up signage at the front door with instructions on how the process will go.
Example:
Hi - thanks for donating supplies for the front line. Once you ring the doorbell, someone will ask you about what you're donating. They will then use their garage-door opener to allow you to place the items into the space. Do NOT touch any other items. The area will be clearly marked in the garage where you can leave them.
Thanks for donating your things. The ___________ Family
5/ If the drop off is at the back of the house in a shed, be sure to leave the shed door open. Assuming nobody is donating perishable items or easily accessible food for animals, it's best to make the "touch points" as minimal as possible.
If you need to help the person donating with their items, please ensure you're wearing latex gloves (and ideally a mask) when interacting. IT IS FAR BETTER that only the one person donating (or along with their family member) go into your space to drop off).
PICK-UP SERVICE:
The same will apply for the pick-up company. They too will be granted access to your space and will ensure they're wearing their own PPE. A member of The Home Front will contact you to coordinate a day/time.
2/ RENTING YOUR SPACE DURING COVID
Clearly many rules for sharing space get thrown out the window at this time - but all is not lost. Consider that everyone is looking for ways to make and save money at this time. Some people have taken down their spaces for apartments and fully reconsidering if they want tenants in their spaces at all. Others might be looking for ways to reduce costs as quickly as possible, and that means searching for cheaper places to store their belongings.
Here's how you can mitigate any risk when sharing.
Storage:
1/ storage spaces removed from your main living area is best (ie. garage, shed, rooms with separate entrances)
2/ ensure your Renter is aware that access may be further limited if they need space in your home (like a basement or 2nd bedroom); those type of spaces are best rented out for people leaving "town" for a while.
3/ if storage is in the home, ensure all walkways and areas where they'll be walking will be clear; be sure to disinfect all those areas once they leave
4/ ensure the "movers" are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves
Parking:
Parking is a much easier place to rent. Should you be renting space in a condo and need to provide a FOB, here's a suggestion:
1/ wear gloves when handing over the FOB; ensure the FOB has just been disinfected
2/ put the FOB on the counter and walk away from the item; wait for Renter to pick up
3/ take separate elevators down to the parking area if you need to show where the parking space is
4/ stay at a distance.
3/ RENTING A SPACE USING ONLY A VIRTUAL TOUR:
We took a page out of StreetEasy's blog on renting an apartment in NYC. Here are the highlights as they pertain to sharing storage and parking spaces:
Yes. In fact, renting (A SPACE) after just a virtual tour is nothing new. “Renting sight-unseen is not a new phenomenon,” says Borbely. “It happened every day, even in the past.” Agent Jessica Swersey of Warburg Realty agrees. “I have tenant-occupied listings that are no longer allowing access, so the video serves as the sole source of access at this time,” she says. Other agents also agree, adding that in many buildings, a virtual tour is the only way to view a rental property right now.
Given that you're not renting an apartment that you're committed to for the long-term, suffice to say that finding a "home" for your belongings or vehicle shouldn't be as daunting or require as much thought. We do, however, encourage you to make sure you and your new Host will agree to terms as best as possible.
4/ WHAT ABOUT MOVING COMPANIES?
At the moment, moving companies are considered an essential business (in NYC), so they are still open. Naturally, many are taking extra precautions to reduce unnecessary exposure to the virus.
Here are some new guidelines put out by one reputable moving company:
- Sending home any movers and foremen showing symptoms.
- Stopping the use of reusable bins and boxes during a move.
- Equipping movers with sanitizers, masks, gloves, and booties.
- Allowing virtual in-home estimates.
- Suspending moves to hot zones.
Another large company in Canada states the following:
At Allied Van Lines, the safety, well-being and overall health of our clients and team members has always been and continues to be our top priority. We take pride in providing a safe and clean environment for our clients, employees, and the communities that we are honored to serve.
In response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, Allied Van Lines employees, agent personnel, and suppliers that interact in person with customers and client personnel have received guidance regarding safety measures beyond the Public Health Agency of Canada’s prevention guidance (Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks). We have also implemented a specific COVID-19 Business Continuity Plan (BCP) that may be referenced here.
Should you require further assistance on the sharing of space, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care team at care@spaceishare.com.
*main photo courtesy of Clay Banks from Unsplash