Moving is a stressful task; and moving during a pandemic becomes way more stressful. There is an added anxiety hanging over our heads with regard to just about anything during the days of the novel coronavirus, which has halted normal routines not just in UK, but in most other countries. So, let us brief you on how a move during a pandemic works – is it safe? are removal companies in London still available? and some tips on the moving process, keeping in line the new guidelines to keep yourself and others safe during a house removal.
Is it safe to move homes during the Coronavirus outbreak?
While social distancing is the norm these days, moves are not always something that can wait. If you have flexibility with regard to your moving date, it is advisable to wait, especially if you are in a high-risk group or area. However, if your lease is ending or you are under any other housing agreement where the moving date is not flexible, you have to request the local authorities to allow you to relocate. If you do not have the option of postponing but are yet concerned about exposure, you could carry out your own man and van services by personally transporting all your belongings.
While international removals are certainly not recommended at this stage, a removal company in London can always assist you with a local house or office removal. Especially when there are a lot of furniture removals and other large items to be moved, hiring experts is the best choice. Yes, it is absolutely safe to hire a professional removals firm, provided you do a thorough research to learn about the more reputed companies with years of experience such as UKDAR, and how they are aligning their operations with social distancing and other safety protocols.
Are removal services available during the coronavirus pandemic?
While many cities across the country are supposed to temporarily shut down ‘non-essential’ businesses, moving homes is generally considered essential. That being said, the decision to close operations is left to each individual franchise owner.
So if you have already scheduled your move with one, it is a safe bet to call and confirm if the plans are still on. If you have a move coming up in the next few months and you haven’t scheduled for it yet, you can depend on UKDAR to help you out with your move at any time. We have adopted to social distancing, frequent handwashing, and mask-wearing at all times and we guarantee that we will be around in times of need for our valued clients. Feel free to research and read reviews on our services to be rest assured that you can count on us for residential or commercial removals.
Tips on moving during the coronavirus pandemic
Getting estimates
When in search for professional help during a house or office removal, you would ideally want to get estimates from at least 2-3 companies once you’ve decided on a moving date. Most removal companies are now giving quotations when you send a video of the items and boxes that had to be moved. By doing so, you are limiting access of the workforce to your home. But if you do want an estimator to visit your home, he/she will wear a mask and request you to do the same.
Preparing for the move: packing and clearing
During the packing stage, it is best to get rid of items that you don’t really need. Quarantine and lockdown days would have made you realize what excess stuff you have lying around your house. A house move is the best opportunity to clear out unwanted stuff. Do some research to check if donation centers are open. Maybe they have drop off windows where you can make an appointment and drop the items you want to donate. If you want to sell your items, don’t wait until the last minute. Visit online sites, post your belongings with details, and get selling!
With online shopping having increased drastically in the last few months, there should be plenty of cardboard boxes and packing materials lying around. Consult with neighbors, friends, and family to offer you any excess boxes, newspapers, and bubble wrap. If you need to purchase any material (more boxes, tape, markers, etc), make a list of what you need and make just one trip to the store. If you are hiring professional removal companies for packing services, inquire about employee protocols such as gloves, masks, temperature checks and other necessities in relation to safety from Covid-19.
Many companies are adopting to a ‘contactless’ move – this means that clients will be greeted with a smile, not a handshake, and social distancing will be maintained at all times. From your end, it is a good idea to have as less family members as possible to be around when the goods are being transported. One person present on site to supervise and clarify anything for the moving team is sufficient. Also, about 24 hours before the moving team arrives, set aside anything that you do not want them to touch (keys, toiletries, phones, chargers, etc) and clearly mark them so they are not boxed up when they do the packing.
Moving day
In this situation, your moving company based in London will check in with you on the day of the move to ensure that no one in your house is sick. In addition to wearing masks, gloves and conducting daily temperature checks, many removal companies provide a coronavirus safety kit to the clients which include personal protective equipment, hand sanitizers, disinfectant and paper towels. From your end, keep hygiene products such as hand sanitizer, soap, and paper towels easily accessible at your house for the crew to use.
