Moving Companies During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically interfered with all sectors of the economy worldwide. And the US is among the countries with the most affected people. The most significant transmission mode of coronavirus transmission is in contact with a victim. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended ‘social distancing’ as one of the key measures to control the spread of the virus. To achieve this, the US Government has limited the regular movements within and outside the country. It drastically affects travel and freedom of movement from one place to another. The Coronavirus Outbreak has significantly affected the operations of moving companies.

The Impact of the Coronavirus Outbreak on the Public Transport Sector

The public transport sector is essential for people’s daily mobility within cities. As the situation escalates daily, the need for stopping public means of moving around has grown over time. And as of now, it has been grounded in severely affected states.

The Impact of Coronavirus on Other Sectors of the Economy

As the coronavirus cases continue to rise, the US Government, like others globally, has put in measures to reduce the spread of the virus. The Government has asked employers to allow employees to work from home. Many businesses have closed down, leaving only those designated as “essential businesses” to operate with strict adherence to the social distancing protocols as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the US Department of Public Health.

Are moving companies still operating?

While increasing the shutdown of major businesses, one can ask- are moving companies still operational? How are they conducting moving during the coronavirus outbreak?

Even during the coronavirus pandemic, life has to continue but with a raft of measures to ensure that the moving crew’s and clients’ safety is not in a compromised state. In response to the question of whether moving companies are still operational, up to now. YES. They are operating. An operator’s decision informs any closures. And do not represent the sector’s position. Therefore, anyone with an upcoming or scheduled movement should expect to get the service. But that is subject to the developments in the measures to manage the spread of the coronavirus. By now, it is uncertain whether there will be a total shutdown grounding all operations soon. Therefore, clients should call to check whether their favorite moving company is operational before making commitments.

While acknowledging the inherent risk involved in relocating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, it is essential to note that it is still safe to relocate, however, with strict adherence to the WHO, CDC, and the US Department of Health’s recommended guidelines.

In its guidelines for movement during the coronavirus outbreak, the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) has advised vulnerable groups (those over 60 years or those with pre-existing health conditions) to postpone their relocation to future dates after the rapid spread of the successful management of the coronavirus.

Steps Taken by Movers During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

The critical measures for mitigating the spread of the coronavirus during relocation include:

1. Avoiding handshakes during interactions between the mover crews and customers.
2. Frequent handwashing using running water and soap for at least 20 minutes before entering and leaving the client’s premises. The moving companies encourage using sanitizers during the relocation.
3. Use gloves and masks by both clients and movers crew to reduce incidences of coronavirus transmission.
4. We are using virtual estimates rather than in-person estimates to determine the relocation service’s cost.
5. They practice social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet of space between individuals.
6. I disinfect all tracks’ surfaces and equipment before and after the relocation exercise.
7. Use Masks: Customers can use masks or face covers during the walk-through sessions. They can use masks for the rest of the interaction period as additional but not necessary protective measures against coronavirus infection.
8. In case a member of the family exhibits corona symptoms such as high temperatures, coughing, running nose, difficulties in breathing, etc. If moving cannot wait, kindly notify the moving crew so that they can exercise maximum caution to avoid transmission of the virus.
9. If customers intend to cancel moving services, they should do it at the earliest opportunity to enable movers to revise their schedule. And allocate that time for other activities.
10. Customers should exploit any opportunity to avoid physical interaction. In this regard, requirements such as paperwork signing have been waived during the coronavirus outbreak. The mover crew will provide alternative ways of transaction authentication.
11. Customers should not be using recycled moving boxes. Studies have indicated that the coronavirus can live on cardboard surfaces for 24 to 72 hours on a plastic cover. Therefore, customers must cease moving boxes from places that recycle time. However, they can use the packages available in their homes or purchase them from stores.
12. During this coronavirus outbreak, pack your items in clean bags and boxes. And sanitize the surfaces of boxes and bags containing your items. Furniture can be wrapped with sanitized plastic bags that will be disposed of at your new home.
13. After the initial walk-through, customers are advised to leave the premises. And leave the mover crew to minimize the interaction level during this coronavirus outbreak.
14. During this time, physical visits by customers to the moving company offices are also discouraged. Customers are encouraged to use phone calls, text messages, e-mails, moving company websites, and social media sites to make inquiries or other forms of interaction during the outbreak.
15. Suppose the relocation involves traveling to distant locations. In that case, customers are advised to make detailed inquiries about the cancellation policies and, if possible, make refundable flight and hotel bookings prioritizing companies that offer free cancellations.
16. The coronavirus outbreak is spreading at an alarming rate. And authorities worldwide are putting in place radical measures, including putting cities and countries on total lockdown. This will alter the relocation plans. And customers need an easy way out of a reservation.

It is important to note that movers are in the low-risk category for coronavirus transmission. They do not serve many customers in a single day. Throughout the interaction period, it is possible to adhere to a high level of hygiene and social distancing as recommended by health practitioners to avoid transmission of the coronavirus.

Remember, coronavirus does not move; people move it from one region to another. Follow your state’s WHO, CDC, and the Department of Public Health Site guidelines, and be safe as you move. More information on the moving regulations, additional safety measures, and significant sector announcements will be available on this page.