Moving During COVID-19
Moving has taken on a whole new meaning lately, given the COVID-19 outbreak. Perhaps you’re scheduled to move or planning to move in the coming weeks, but not sure how to navigate this new terrain. We’ve put together some FAQ’s and answers to help guide you! NOTE: These are suggestions based on feedback from our service partners; please always first follow the guidelines outlined by the CDC and follow necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Can I still move during COVID-19?
Movers qualify under the LIST OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES so, if you have hired a moving company, they are likely to keep moving forward business as usual. However, they should have new precautions in place (more on this later.)
Moving companies aside, if you are able to postpone your move and have flexibility, waiting is advised. By waiting it out and moving once things have settled a bit, you are acting in the best interest of not only yourself and your family, but others as well. Staying where you are DOES help flatten the curve and prevent the spread of the virus. If you are locked into a move date, lease, and cannot change the logistics in any form—be sure to contact your moving company as well as the home/establishment you’re moving into to find out what precautions they are taking to keep you healthy and safe during the move.
What precautions should I be looking for when interviewing my moving company and others assisting with the move?
Companies should have emergency precautions in place to protect you and your property. Be sure to ask them what their protocol is and what preventative measures they are taking. Are they…Mandating that their staff wear gloves and masks while indoors? Screening crew members for symptoms on a daily basis? How about adding resources for their movers to practice hand washing and other forms of sanitation before moving from one job to the next?
If you’re moving into a new home or establishment, contact the realtor or person in charge of the transaction and see what cleaning will be done before the move-in. During times like this, you may be able to negotiate further cleaning services to ensure your safety before move in. If not, it may be worth the extra expense to hire professional cleaners to prepare your new space for you before arrival. Check out the CDC’s list of Household Cleaning and Sanitizing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Can I cancel/reschedule my movers?
Most moving contracts are non-binding, however, some require a deposit so contact your moving company’s customer service line and determine the costs associated with canceling/rescheduling. Wondering where you will keep your things while you wait to move into your new space? At Amazing Spaces we offer a wide range of storage options and our helpful team members at any of our five locations are happy to assist and find something to meet your needs!
I am at the beginning stages of looking for a new home, can I still view properties that I am interested in?
Speak with your realtor to learn more specific details, however, real estate firms are no longer able to offer open houses or show homes in person due to the current regulations in place. This is forcing agents to take a virtual approach and offer showings via virtual apps such as Zoom or Skype. Local resources like Houston Association of Realtors(HAR) have released statements around this shift saying that they are no longer listing open houses and that realtors are strictly to use virtual means of showing their properties. This has taken a toll on the market, as people choose to simply stay where they are right now or renew their lease to avoid the hassle.
What does this mean for members of the military who have plans to move?
The Defense Department has halted military moves until at least mid-May 2020. They have accomplished this by banning domestic travel for personnel and families.
What’s one main logistic I should focus on when moving during this pandemic?
If you are moving to a new area, be sure to get setup with your new doctor right away and determine where your local urgent care and hospitals are. Additionally, have your prescriptions and information transferred to your new local pharmacy and ensure that your doctor has the new pharmacy down as their new point of contact.
Are Amazing Spaces properties still open?
All locations are currently operating under contactless curbside service. We are practicing social distancing company-wide, however, we are still here to assist your with storage and moving supply needs. You can read more about this, HERE.
We hope that this list helps and that you and your family stay safe and healthy during this time!
Are you ready to make your move?
Our friends at A Better Tripp Moving and Storage outlined helpful safety tips to follow in preparation of and during your next home move during COVID-19. They’ve also outlined key precautions their moving team is taking to keep everyone safe. Check out these amazing ideas on their blog
