MOVING DURING CORONAVIRUS 

Moving during coronavirus is absolutely available and possible.  Moving is an essential business and movers are operating in all states. Even though coronavirus has caused our normal routines of everyday life to become a little more complicated, moving safely is possible as long as the customer and moving company remain transparent throughout the process and follow recommended coronavirus protocol.  Moving companies that are operating during coronavirus are wearing gloves, masks, sterilizing moving blankets, swapping trucks every 24 hours and using hand sanitizer. Any  new moving regulations or changes to the industry will be followed by Movers Near Me.

 

Moving During Coronavirus –  Popular Moving Destinations

Moving During Coronavirus in Boston

Boston is a coronavirus hotspot and many movers have been ordered to pause moving services.  There are a number of movers in Boston that are able to operate based on their precautions during this trying time.  Movers Near Me in Boston has enacted many protective measures beyond the normal sanitization, masks and gloves.  At Movers Near Me, moving blankets are sterilized and trucks swapped/cleaned daily.  What doest this mean for those moving in Boston during coronavirus ” expect us to be using trucks that are rentals half the time while we continue to swap everyday and sterilize/clean for 24 hours between jobs” says Kate Leonard, from Boston’s Movers Near Me branch.

Moving During Coronavirus in NYC

If you’re worried about moving during coronavirus in NYC during an pandemic for a move that is still upcoming and for which you haven’t scheduled movers, it’s hard to say what will and will not be available in the months to come. For now, are certain Movers Near Me NYC is running long distance movers during coronavirus.

Moving During Coronavirus in DC

DC has had many moving cancellations as the federal government has paused all military moves until further notice. If you need to cancel a move, contact your moving provider directly. Most moving contracts are non-binding, which means that you can cancel without financial penalty up to a set period of time prior to your service.

Moving During Coronavirus in Michigan

Most movers are providing virtual moving quotes where you can book movers and get a guaranteed quote without leaving your home at all.

Moving During Coronavirus in Florida

Moving during the coronavirus in Florida hasn’t changed many moves at all.  Florida has been spared from the brunt of coronavirus as the virus has been shown to die quickly in humidity and sunlight which Florida has plenty of.  Movers are still following strict protocol but the risk is much lower moving within Florida.

Moving During Coronavirus in New Jersey

Movers in New Jersey are finding many moves are cancelling because tenants cannot move into new apartments as the whole state is shut down.  Talk to your current landlord about how you can safely drop off keys and collect your security deposit, and talk to your new landlord about the process for a safe move in.

Moving During Coronavirus in Connecticut

Moving during the coronavirus in Connecticut has been a challenge despite moving being an essential business. Most moving companies are able to set their own practices for operating under the pandemic, however you will almost certainly see protocols put into place around physical distancing and sanitization and Connecticut is one of the more regulatory states with regards to moving so movers will be under strict supervision.

Moving During Coronavirus in Rhode Island

You need to take extreme caution when moving during the coronavirus in Rhode Island.  The local government has no restrictions on moving companies servicing clients during the pandemic.  In fact, there are movers from RI operating in MA which is unsafe.  You will need to do your homework.  Suggested movers are Movers Near Me in Norwood which is about 20 miles from RI – you may pay more in travel time but it will be worth it as their operations are certified during coronavirus.

Are Moving Services Still Available?

At this point, yes. We have not seen any notable shutdowns of service among major moving companies. That being said, decisions about closures may be left to individual franchise owners. If you have already scheduled your move and haven’t heard anything, assume that your moving company is still providing services unless told otherwise, but still call just to confirm.

What has changed at this point is largely going to be related to the customer experience itself, including frequent hand washing among movers and no physical contact between movers and clients.

LIST OF MOVERS THAT ARE AVAILABLE DURING CORONAVIRUS

MOVERS NEAR ME

MONSTER MOVERS

LONG DISTANCE MOVERS AVAILABLE DURING CORONAVIRUS

LONG DISTANCE MOVERS

MOVERS NEAR ME

What If I Want to Cancel My Move?

Cancelling a move during coronavirus should come without a fee.  Any reschedules or cancellations at Movers Near Me will have any fees associated, also there will be no deposit fees for local moves and only 10% deposits for long distance movers.

MOVERS DURING CORONAVIRUS

Moving companies are taking the coronavirus pandemic very seriously. Many mover companies across the country have put into place protocols designed to protect their employees and their customers. These include:

• Following federal and local guidelines around social distancing and sanitization
• Sterilization of moving blankets
• Swapping trucks every 24 hours instead of daily truck use
• Providing virtual surveys instead of in-home surveys to provide estimates
• Frequently sanitizing trucks and equipment
• Practicing social distancing with customers
• Wearing masks,  gloves, and face covering
• Ensuring trucks are stocked with hand sanitizer

Most movers are also offering  a social distancing alternative to an on-site moving estimate by way of  a virtual move estimate  which can provide you with the same quote you’d expect any time you hire movers without the need to have someone enter your home.

PREPARING FOR YOUR MOVE DURING CORONAVIRUS

Prepping and planning for your move during coronavirus is going to be more cumbersome than a regular move and you will have to remain one step ahead to ensure that you have the right supplies to make sure that you leave yourself enough time to pack and get ready for your movers.

To prepare for a move amidst COVID-19, be sure to keep the following steps in mind:

1. Keep In Touch With Your Movers

   Your movers are putting in lots of safeguards to help protect their clients, and it helps to be on the same page as them in terms of what is expected.  Opt for movers that do not charge a deposit at this time and do not charge for cancellations or reschedules.

2. Forgo the Cardboard Box

   Most of us plan on packing for a move with cardboard boxes which are cheap and easily disposed of.  Many go on various neighborhood websites and collect from their neighbors which is not recommended.  The virus lives up to 2 weeks on cardboard – use plastic bins and sanitize if you can.

3. Sanitize Your Items As You Pack
   

   Some people rely on bleach as their #1 coronavirus cleaning agent but it can be harsh on nice furniture and hot soapy water will do the same thing while destroying the virus and not your furniture.

4. Be Ready In Advance!

5. Plan on Vacating Your Residence While The Movers Are Moving Your Items

   Coronavirus can last a long time on surfaces, including up to 24 hours on cardboard boxes. Your movers will be wearing gloves, but for everyone’s safety you should still have your boxes packed and sitting untouched at least a day before your movers arrive.

Tips for Moving During the Coronavirus Pandemic

• Cancel Your Movers If Your Are Sick.  Transparency is very important for keeping everybody safe. And in many cases, your movers will still work with you, but they will put additional protocols into place to protect their workers. In addition to letting them know if you suspect the illness among yourself or a family member (or have a diagnosis), also let them know if you are isolating due to exposure, since the same risk mitigating steps should be taken.
• Provide Masks, Gloves, Sanitizer As Well As Water.  To aid your movers in following necessary hygiene practices, be sure to leave out products that they can use while they transport your items to and from the moving truck.  That includes soap and paper towels by the sink, and hand sanitizer by the door that they’ll be entering and exiting through. If you’re concerned about having enough supplies, let your moving company know so they can be sure to bring them along for use during the move.
• Stay Away From Cardboard From Big Box Stores or Neighbors.  The coronavirus can live on cardboard so now is not the time to be picking up free moving supplies from places that are recycling them. Boxes that you already have in your home are fine, but if you need any extras then you’ll need to go to the store and buy them new (even better if you can then purchase them through self-checkout).

Being smart when moving during coronavirus requires that you follow all of the standard pandemic protocol as well as using social distancing and sterilization while moving.  You should not stay at home while the movers are moving your furniture – at minimum stay in your car. Moving during the pandemic can be done as well as the homeowner and moving company are both transparent and follow the simple instructions.

Is Moving and Essential Business?

For many people, a moving date is not flexible. If you have a lease ending or if you previously sold or purchased a home with an upcoming closing date, it’s important that you have access to the critical services that can allow you to relocate. While cities and states across the country have ordered the temporary closure of “non-essential” businesses, moving is generally considered essential and moving service providers are currently operating in all states including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, DC, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

If you do have flexibility in your moving date, consider waiting—especially if you’re in a high-risk group. If you can’t postpone your move but are concerned about exposure, an option might be to move with your own vehicle or a rental truck, provided you’ll be able to lift and carry all of your belongings.