Moving and Coronavirus

Is Moving Essential?

For many people, a moving date is not flexible. If you have a lease 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. While cities and states across the country have ordered the temporary closure of “non-essential” businesses, moving is generally considered essential and moving service providers are currently operating in all states.

If you do have flexibility in your moving date, consider waiting—especially if you’re in a high-risk group. If you can’t postpone your move but are concerned about exposure, an option might be to move with your own vehicle or a rental truck, provided you’ll be able to lift and carry all of your belongings.

Note that the closure of non-essential businesses does vary by state, or sometimes even county or city. It’s possible that the orders are different in your locality, so it’s important to do your research. However, in states where lock-down orders have been put in place, moving companies are so far considered to be essential, and are still in operation.

Are Moving Services Still Available?

At this point, yes. We have not seen any notable shutdowns of service among major moving companies. That being said, decisions about closures may be left to individual franchise owners. If you have already scheduled your move and haven’t heard anything, assume that your moving company is still providing services unless told otherwise, but still call just to confirm.

If you’re worried about moving during the pandemic for a move that is still upcoming and for which you haven’t scheduled movers, it’s hard to say what will and will not be available in the months to come. For now, continue to do research on companies and ask directly what steps are being taken when you reach out.

What has changed at this point is largely going to be related to the customer experience itself, including frequent hand washing among movers and no physical contact between movers and clients.

What About Storage Services?

Same as moving companies, major storage companies continue to run operations. What you might be able to expect however is limited hours of accessibility and/or a reduction in the amount of customers who are able to access their units at any one time. Storage companies should also be following proper hygiene practices, including sanitization of access pads and the requisite six feet or more of space between customer and customer and customer and employee.

Does Someone Have To Come Into My Home to Provide a Moving Quote?

No. Moving companies are now offering virtual surveys instead of at-home surveys to provide you with a price estimate for your move.

I Have An Upcoming Move, Is It Still Happening?

If you have an upcoming move scheduled assume that it is still happening unless you have heard otherwise from your moving company. That being said, it is still a good idea to call and confirm. Get in touch with your moving provider as soon as possible to verify the status of your move and find out what precautions they will be taking.

Moving company cancelled but you still need to relocate at a set date? Reach out to other companies to check availability, or look into renting a moving truck and doing your move on your own.