Realistically speaking, COVID-19 has been part of the people’s lives and there’s no certainty when it’ll go away and when people can get their normal lives back. Just like individuals, every business industry has to modify the way they do business to cope up with the effects of this pandemic. Unfortunately, the moving industry is no exception.
Due to the government's call to stay at home, wear a mask, and observe social distancing, most moving companies have also taken ways to make sure all safety measures are followed during the move.
If you’re planning to relocate anytime soon, here’s how COVID-19 has changed the way moving companies provide their services:
Availability Of Moving Services During Pandemic
Since moving services are considered an essential business, it’s safe to say that most major companies will not shut down their operations despite the pandemic. With that being said, you can expect that some relocation services may be available to accommodate your needs. However, given the uncertainty this pandemic brings to the world, it would be best if you continue your research on Manhattan movers NYC or wherever you may be, and ask directly what steps should be taken when planning to move.Moreover, even if taking more clients means more money for them, some moving companies encourage their clients to postpone their relocation schedules if they’re flexible. This is especially true if the person concerned or any of their family members belongs to the high-risk group. In such a case, the moving service provider may advise you to reschedule your move or consider another option such as relocating with your own vehicle or a rental truck, provided you perform all the lifting by yourself.
Virtual Cost Estimates
Before the advent of COVID-19 pandemic, most moving companies would visit their clients’ homes to conduct a survey of the items to be packed and move to the new location as well as the potential risks on the relocation day such as narrow staircases, tight hallways, and many more. Once the on-site survey is done, they’d create a cost estimate in writing and submit the same to their clients.Today, with COVID-19 around the corner, most service providers have begun providing virtual surveys and quotes over the Internet without asking a representative to visit your home for the cost estimation process. To make this happen, you may need to send a digital tour of your home to avoid physical contact. Moreover, cost estimates can also be sent online to avoid contamination of pens and papers.
Storage Services
Typically, if you’re moving long distance such as crossing another country, the moving company you hire should offer storage services to accommodate all your belongings that you may not be able to bring to your new home right away. However, just like other aspects of moving services, renting a storage unit from a service provider comes with some changes following the aim of combating the spread of the novel coronavirus.For instance, if you’re getting a storage unit, you can expect that the number of visits would be limited to a certain period of time and number of people. Also, when going to the storage facility, you should observe proper hygiene practices such as sanitization of access pads and wearing of face masks.
Social Distancing On The Moving Day
Since COVID-19 is considered an infectious disease, health authorities and government officials have reminded the people to keep a minimal distance of at least six feet from other people to prevent the risk of infection. This process is commonly called social distancing.That said, moving companies have started to conduct some safety protocols such as asking their customers not to participate in the relocation process itself. This means that on the moving day, all non-relocation professionals should stay away from the action. If you’re hiring cross country movers, let them take care of the job while you stay isolated in a separate room. However, you should keep your mobile phones with you in case the movers need some information about your belongings.
On the other hand, if you choose to pack all your stuff on your own, your moving service provider would encourage you to be completely ready on the big day. This means all your possessions are packed up and prepared for transport. By doing this, you no longer need to have any physical contact with the movers and as a result, you’re able to protect yourself from the virus.
Moving Companies’ COVID-19 Policy
Typically, moving companies have put in place some safety protocols to minimize the risk of COVID-19. While these policies may differ from one company to another, the following are the common practices that movers follow for their operations:- They sanitize their trucks and equipment frequently to avoid contamination.
- They uphold the federal and local safety protocols against COVID-19.
- The employees are urged to practice social distancing, wearing face masks and gloves, and sanitizing hands, wearing personal protective equipment if necessary, and many more.
- As you can see, these policies are essential since they can help ensure that hiring moving services would remain safe and secure, thereby providing the clients with comfort and confidence they need throughout this tough transition.
