Blog | moving-during-a-pandemic-questions-answers-and-tips

Moving During A Pandemic: Questions, Answers And Tips

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has put a stop to the normal routines of everyday life. Social distancing is the norm; real estate sales have slumped. According to CNBC, March 2020 home sales fell 8.5%. Fannie Mae, the publicly traded US Government sponsored mortgage giant, projects home sales will decline by 15% for the year and movers have canceled, postponed, or otherwise been caught in a housing limbo. But moving is not something that can always wait

For many people, moving is not flexible. If your lease is 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. So, how does moving during a pandemic work? Below, we’ll outline answers to the biggest questions about moving during the pandemic.

Moving Companies Are Considered An Essential Business

For the most part, moving companies have been deemed an essential business. Moving services are available in all states. If you have flexibility in your moving date, consider waiting especially if you’re in a high-risk group.

What If I Want To Move Myself, Can I Still Rent a Moving Truck?

Yes. Major rental truck companies continue to be in service; they too are considered essential. The process of a DIY move looks pretty much the same now as it did before COVID-19. Storage companies continue to run operations. So you can still arrange for off-site storage.

What If I Want to Cancel My Move?

If you need to cancel a move due to COVID-19, contact your moving provider as soon as possible. Most moving contracts are non-binding, so you can cancel without financial penalty up to a set period of time prior to your service. If you provided a deposit, look at your contract to see whether or not you can expect it to be returned to you. Even if your deposit was non-refundable, there is a chance your moving company will return it to you due to the unique circumstances of COVID-19. Read any force majeure terms. These too may help!

What Should I Do To Prepare For My Move?

Plan, plan plan! Remaining one step ahead of your move is more important than ever! Ensure that you have the right supplies (since you can’t be running back and forth to the store). Ensure that you leave yourself enough time to pack and get ready for your movers. And, as you prepare for your move during this pandemic, be sure to keep the following steps in mind:.

1. Stay in Close contact with your movers. Confirm your reservation. Discuss best practices for moving day. Moving companies 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.

2. Try to buy all of your supplies in one go or even online. Minimize your trips to the store. Compile a list. Make sure you know exactly what you’re going to need for your move. Use a good packing calculator to get an estimate of what you’ll need based on the number of rooms and people in your house.

3. Clean and disinfect as you pack. Use your move as an opportunity to sanitize your belongings, wiping all items down with disinfectant as you pack. Here is a good guide on how to clean and disinfect from the CDC. And here is a link to EPA sanctioned disinfectants for use against the virus that causes Covid-19.

4. Finish packing at least 24 hours before the movers arrive. Coronavirus can last up to 24 hours on cardboard!boxes.

5. Let your mover know right away if you or anyone in your family is experiencing coronavirus symptoms. Transparency and good communication is more important than ever. n many cases, your movers will still work with you, but they will put additional protocols into place to protect their workers.

Here are some final thoughts and tips to help you with your move:

Provide hygiene products for your movers.
Don’t use free or recycled moving boxes.
If you’re in a high-risk group, cancel your move if possible.
If you have to cancel your moving services, do so earlier rather than later.
If traveling for your move, plan accordingly. Need to book flights or hotels for your move? Make refundable reservations and/or only work with companies that offer free cancellations. Ask about cancellation policies before you book so that you don’t end up wasting money later on.
Be safe! And try not to stress too much!

About AddressGenie

AddressGenie tells the whole world you moved in 5 minutes! AddressGenie files your official USPS Change of Address for you. And we notify all your companies too. Just check off your companies and we take care of the rest. You can even notify your Gmail and Outlook contacts at the same time.