Are Movers Essential Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

What Does the Term “Essential Services” Refer to?

You’ve probably heard this phrase a million times since the coronavirus outbreak, but do you know what it means? Vital industries are those which are necessary for a society to function, such as the healthcare service, energy sectors, food production, and the like. March 2020 brought Stay At Home orders accompanied by a temporary shut down of many non-vital businesses. However, those considered fundamental continued working undisturbed.

Where Does That Leave Relocation Companies?

So, are movers considered essential services? Sure, in life or death situations, relocation teams are not crucial like healthcare employees or, for example, firefighters. However, people still needed (and need) to move, and that’s where relocation companies come along.

Some states follow the federal definition of vital workers, while others have decided to provide their own. However, the relocation industry was named fundamental in all of them. In different sources, it can be listed under the following:

• Transportation and logistics,
• Transportation company,
• Highway and Motor Carrier,
• Moving service,

Therefore, if you wish to plan a move to another city, you can count on getting professional cross-country moving services to help you with such a complicated task.

Is Moving Essential During the Coronavirus Pandemic, or Can It Be Avoided?

Sometimes people move because they think they need a change; other times, their current living conditions do not seem fitting anymore. In those cases, and many more alike, relocation is more a desire than a necessity. But what to do when you need to move for a job? Or when your lease can’t be renewed, or you can no longer financially support yourself in the current home?

The urgency of a relocation depends on your reasons to move. If you estimate that you can stay at the same place a bit longer without consequences, then you should do so. This situation won’t last forever, so consider waiting a few more months to move. Hopefully, relocating in a few months will represent a lesser risk to your health.

The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic in March 2020, and many decided to put their life on pause until the danger has passed. However, it was just impossible for some – around 25 million moves between March 2020 and March 2021 are the proof of that. In some circumstances, relocation to another state is inevitable. If that’s the case with you, you’ll be glad that having a professional relocation team by your side to help you move safely is possible.

Which Changes in the Moving Industry Should You Expect?

From the first days of the outbreak, many industries had to adjust the way they operate in order to minimize the disease spreading. But what does that mean for relocation teams? If you’re not relocating for the first time, you’ll clearly notice the changes in how relocation crews are doing business.

Nowadays, when hiring movers, customers can witness:

• Social distancing – as one of the most important prevention measures, every member of the relocation team should practice it. It means that at any moment, you’ll be separated from the crew by at least six feet. Therefore, don’t expect handshakes or similar acts that imply close contact.
• Regular disinfection – all teams will clean the equipment, trucks, and, most importantly – hands, as often as possible. This way, the chances of some object becoming (or remaining) contaminated becomes minimal.
• Usage of PAA (personal protective equipment) – according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masks are helpful against all virus strains. When the relocation day comes, all employees that come into your home should do so while wearing protective masks and gloves.
• Virtual estimates – since every unnecessary contact should be avoided, relocation companies have left in-home estimates to the past. Customers can even use some of the photo inventory apps to provide a company with information about their belongings. Getting a quote has never been easier!

Don’t be surprised when the time for relocation comes – keep these changes in mind when preparing for a move.

Are Additional Moving Services Still Available?

Many people decide to get additional services so they can move efficiently. Therefore, one of the things to consider when relocating to a new home, in general, is whether or not to get them. But is it even possible nowadays, and should you do so?

Let’s start with a packing service. The prospect of having unfamiliar people around doesn’t sound promising. How can you know where they were and if they were infected? Each new strain brings weaker symptoms and more asymptomatic cases, so you can never be entirely sure. However, you should be safe if you go with a reliable cross-country relocation team with strict COVID-19 protocols. That way, professional packers will pack plates and other fragile and delicate belongings without any risk for your health.

Keep in mind that storage facilities are also regularly disinfected and that social distancing rules apply in the case of storage service, too. For however long you decide to keep your belongings in a storage unit, a trustworthy relocation business will ensure both you and them stay safe during the whole process.

As for auto transport, all drivers should be trained as well, meaning that they must follow all preventive measures so your health won’t be jeopardized. In addition to that, the possibility of door-to-door car shipping will allow avoiding any unnecessary contact during the car transportation.

Will All Relocation Companies Stay Open?

Vital workers are determined on a federal, state, or even city level. However, that doesn’t mean that every business has to stay open all the time. If a few employees have tested positive, for example, the company’s owner can decide to shut down the business temporarily until everybody can come back to work.

That is why it’s always best to be in touch with the company from the first time you book the move. Make sure to call the company’s representatives a week before the move to confirm that everything is going according to plan.

Getting a Reliable Cross-Country Movers Group Is Your Best Chance of Staying Safe

Would you say that a DIY move is a safer option? It may seem that way, but some facts must be taken into account. Are you capable of relocating all of your heavy belongings by yourself? Moving cross-country is a physically challenging task that often requires assistance. While having friends help you pack and move is possible, it’s not a smart move during these times – having a well-trained team that follows COVID-19 protocol is a wiser decision.

Choose a reputable cross-country moving company with a transparent coronavirus policy if you aim for a stress-free relocation. If the information about their policy isn’t available on the company’s website, ensure to contact them and find out all you need to know.

However, don’t underestimate the importance of making sure a relocation company is a legit one. Read reviews and recommendations, check if the desired company is licensed and insured, and don’t accept a deal before comparing it with others. Remember – the most reputable companies are leaders in the industry for a reason. They always put their customers first, and they will continue to do so during the pandemic.

How to Prepare for Cross-Country Movers in the Time of COVID-19?

If you decide to go with relocation services, you must know how to prepare for movers. There are a few extra steps compared to the pre-virus preparation process, including:

• Getting soap and hand sanitizer prepared both for you and the crew,
• Sanitizing your house before the relocation day,
• Sanitizing boxes and other storage places, if you decide to pack your belongings by yourself,
• Leaving windows open (keeping the indoors ventilated is also one of the preventive measures),
• Making masks, gloves, and disinfectants your relocation essentials, as well.

Should You Cancel the Move If You’re Not Feeling Well?

What if you gave it your best to organize a move to the fullest, but as the relocation day approaches, you start feeling sick? Don’t be one of those people who convince themselves it’s just the flu – by doing so, you’ll put the movers’ health (and health of their families) in danger.

Instead, contact the company’s employees and inform them. They will most certainly appreciate your gesture and accept rescheduling the move for another date. Many companies are well aware of the current situation and won’t charge you penalties for canceling. Still, it’s always best to ask this question at the beginning of cooperation.

Additional Tips About Relocating in the Time of the Coronavirus

Even if customers get the most reliable relocation team in the business that wouldn’t risk their health, they can still get infected with the virus during the relocation process if they are not careful enough. So, to remain safe and move into a new home with perfect health, ensure to:

• Buy new cardboard and don’t use free-boxes, since they are usually pre-used.
• If you are over sixty or belong to a risk group, consider letting someone else handle the move.
• When looking for a future apartment, use the power of technology and schedule remote tours.
• Ensure you clean the apartment before moving in.
• Disinfect all furniture, boxes, and other storage spaces before unpacking.
• Be responsible while traveling, wear masks, and stay six feet away from others (when possible).

If you need more advice on how to travel and stay safe when relocating to a new city, ensure to watch the following video:

Are Movers Essential Workers in The Age of COVID-19, and What to Expect in the Future Regarding Relocations?

While making friends in a new city may have to wait, relocation doesn’t. Even in the most challenging times, a relocation service was regarded as a vital one. They continue to be so now when the end of the coronavirus pandemic is looming. Therefore, you can count on relocation teams helping customers move successfully, now or in the near future.