Moving isn’t easy during the best of times, and during a global crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more of a challenge. Whilst you may want to postpone a move during the coronavirus, sometimes delaying is just not an option. So, it is reassuring to know that even with social distancing protocols in place, you can comfortably and safely manage a move with the right company.
There are, however, some things to keep in mind:
- Do your homework on your international moving company
Before you even consider hiring movers, find out how the coronavirus pandemic has altered their protocols. How often are they monitoring the health of their crew members? What kind of supplies, including face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers, are being made available to movers daily, and what protocols are they enforcing? It helps to be armed with as much information as possible before you decide on your movers.
- Be updated on moving procedures during the coronavirus
Even though the city has opened up and things are getting back to normal, you still need permission slips and gate passes from your property management before you can let the movers in. Some communities also require a written letter from the tenant, which includes your moving company’s name and trade license numbers. This is to ensure that only the correct servicemen enter the premises.
- Go contactless
You want to minimise the number of people coming to your premises by remaining as contactless as possible for the entirety of your move during coronavirus. But if you've ever hired a moving company in the past, you know all too well how much paperwork can be involved in the process.
A reputable, professional company can help expedite a lot of paperwork, like clearances, but can also ensure virtual communication, coordination and payment. Also, find out if your international moving company offers virtual video surveys to provide an estimate and quote.
- Stick to SOPs
Whilst moving companies across the city are taking steps to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, it pays to be vigilant. Two metres distancing, masks and gloves are mandatory. Where possible, ask for health and safety certifications. Select moving companies are going above and beyond standard SOPs to provide the highest levels of safety for a stress-free move during the coronavirus. This is especially helpful for families who may have high-risk members.
- Ensure safe packing materials
Make sure your moving company is not using recycled moving boxes. It pays to remember that the virus may live on surfaces for as long as 24 hours. Now is not the time to use a budget mover who may cut corners. A professional moving company following hygiene and safety protocols will bring new, clean packing boxes and cushioning materials to your premises.
- Manage your expectations
Previously when packing and moving, you could arrange for a large team of people to come in and speed up the process by working in parallel. However, with distancing restrictions in place, you need to manage your expectations.
A smaller team who strictly follow protocols may space the packing over a couple of days, rather than finish everything in one day. Manage expectations by keeping a margin around your deadlines. This will not only help with a safe and smooth move, but also alleviate stress.
- Settle your unpacking process
When you hire a moving company, they typically unpack all of your belongings for you. Whilst some companies may still offer to do this, you really want to be careful who you let into your new premises and what surfaces they touch.
Most movers are offering to open everything up in a garage or open space and let you move things to their designated spots at your pace. This not only delays your settling in process, but at 45 degrees, doing this on your own is a daunting and overwhelming task!
A moving company with health and safety certifications can really ease the stress that comes with a move during the coronavirus. They have the requisite trained and certified personnel who know how to disinfect and clean surfaces as they assemble and put things away, making life (and the move) much easier for you!
With decades of experience, GAC are one of the few health and safety certified international moving companies in the country. All staff and personnel closely follow WHO guidelines and SOPs. To find out how we can help you with a safe and stress-free move during the coronavirus, click here.
