Moving is stressful at the best of times, but for residential and business clients who have the added pressure of worrying about COVID-19 and associated restrictions, it can take a toll.
Being able to relate what the moving experience might look like, and how to go about “normal” recommendations such as getting three quotes, can offer some reassurance.
As with everything else, the moving experience has changed exponentially. For one thing, the DIY move is no more. With social distancing requirements, people no longer have an option.
People would normally set up an appointment for a moving company to do a walk through in order to get an estimate and figure out details such as the number of trucks, movers and time required for the job.
Some moving companies are now doing virtual tours and then creating estimates based on those tours. Even though they are an essential service, their office is closed to walk-in traffic. A sign on the door directs customers to call to order packing supplies and arrange a move. Free deliveries are made to a porch or garage and estimates can be done online.
A couple of days before the move, movers will touch base with the home or business owner to ensure no one in the household has travelled or is in quarantine. Preferably only one person be home during the move to make it a mostly contactless experience.
.Movers and drivers are checked out before they head out for a job, and they are equipped with face masks. They carry hand sanitizers in their pockets and there are disinfectant wipes in their trucks.
Home and business owners are asked to respect the two-meter social distancing practice, and to make a washroom, along with paper towels and soap, available for movers so they can wash their hands frequently. Homeowners should clearly label boxes so movers don’t have to interact with anyone at the new location.
Two Men and A Truck is limiting the number of movers per truck to two and is staggering arrival times for movers/trucks so they don’t overlap. The same two men will work in each truck rather than rotating. Employees are being asked to wash their uniforms every day and to go home right after work and stay there.
When recommending or hiring a mover, it’s important to remember all moving companies are not created equal. Some movers may offer a price that seems less expensive, but charge extra for everything, from the number of steps movers have to climb, to surcharges for heavy objects. Look for a company that has a per hour price that’s all inclusive. Also, looking for a company that hires, trains and pays benefits to its employees along with appropriate insurance is recommended.
To narrow the search for three companies to provide quotes for comparison, we suggest contacting the Canadian Association of Movers for a list of reputable movers. Ensure to put in the proper information and make full disclosure to get an accurate price
Along with residential moving, it’s a busy time for small businesses that are moving to new locations, putting their businesses into storage or reconfiguring spaces. So it helps if you hire a full-service moving company that offers storage for businesses that need facilities until they can get back to business. This service is also handy for military personnel redeployed to other areas or overseas, or people who have to move temporarily to smaller quarters to weather the COVID-19 storm.
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