5 ways to change your life during the coronavirus: Get married, your first apartment

Despite the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout, people still need to travel, for family, work and nonessential reasons like to take a camping trip or get married.

Or maybe they need to shop to outfit a first apartment?

Here are ways to make life changes easier during a pandemic:

It’s a big step to move out of your family home. Whether you’re going across country or staying in the same city as your parents, setting up a home of your own takes restraint. Not everything you want — or had before — can fit into a dorm room or first apartment.

What are the essentials you’ll need to get started? “Sheets and laundry detergent,” says Stephanie Blair, who organizes new student orientation for Portland State University’s Housing and Residence Life.

ReadBest deals on dorm room, apartment essentials for those going back to college for fall term in midst of coronavirus

Staying safe during a road trip means having the vehicle checked out before the drive starts and, while away from home, adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for face coverings, social distancing to limit exposure and simply practicing smart hygiene: Wash and sanitize hands often; keep hands out of your mouth, nose and eyes; cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and put used tissues in no-touch disposal receptacles.

The most important action to take: Stay home and isolate if you’re sick.

ReadWhat you’ll need to take a safe, relaxing road trip: Hand sanitizer to coolers

Couples who flock to Oregon find romanic places. Proposal Rock beckons people in love to the beach at Neskowin. The state also has vineyards and other scenic spots to tie the knot, even during the coronavirus pandemic when most family members and friends will watch the ceremony live streamed from afar.

What’s next? A romantic honeymoon.

ReadWild, romantic honeymoons: Start a marriage off right or rekindle your relationship

Summer weather has arrived and there’s probably no better way to cool off fast than by jumping into water. In this getaway guide, we look at Oregon vacation homes with a splashy pool.

Or maybe you’d like 10 tempting, crazy Oregon getaways when you’re ready to get out there. If so, Oregon has an amazing collection of eclectic places to stay, from the coast to the Wallowa Mountains, tiny Tiller to populated Portland, a beach cottage to a cabin. And then there are some weird rentals in alluring locations.

ReadOregon getaways for any occasion

Kids look forward to summer camp. Fresh air, fun times and lots of games. The coronavirus has crushed camp time for some, but there are ways to bring the experience to any-size backyard.

The High Desert Museum, which is south of Bend, has online links to virtual hikes and resources to encourage families to explore nature around their home. Dick’s Sporting Goods has a webpage dedicated to creating a summer camp on the lawn.

ReadCreate summer camp at home, with or without a waterslide

— Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

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