Are Moving Companies Essential Businesses During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Long-distance moving companies are considered essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In many places, relocation companies have been classified as essential services, meaning they are allowed to continue operating despite the pandemic and associated restrictions. The reason moving companies are considered essential is that they provide a necessary service for individuals and businesses who need to relocate, whether for personal or professional reasons.

SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious virus that makes all social interactions a possible threat to your health. Although the infection symptoms seem less dangerous with every new strain, the speed of its spreading terrifies us all. Since one of the most effective measures against it is social distancing, the question of vital industries has risen once again. So, is the relocation industry really necessary in these times?

Are Moving Companies Essential Services –
What Does the Phrase “Essential Business” Even Mean?

Before we go into further details, let’s go over what this term actually means. A basic or vital service is a business without which one society cannot operate. This is especially apparent during difficult times, as those industries often become more necessary than before. When the pandemic had struck, healthcare workers, firefighters, food service, and energy field employees all had to continue working. Cross-country movers were also placed in this category as part of the transportation and logistics sector.

Fortunately, we’ve learned how to deal with this infectious disease. All states have fully reopened now, including individual businesses, and life has continued, even though in a slightly different form than before the outbreak. What does this mean exactly, and are moving companies essential services even now? Simply put, if you’re planning to move to another city, you won’t need to wonder whether a professional will be able to help. After all, it’s good to know that you can still count on movers even when the country is in distress.

Who Decides What Essential Business During the Coronavirus Is and
Can Continue to Work During Regularly?

When the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March 2020, one of the recommended measures for public health preservation was shutting down all non-vital industries. However, the question of which service is considered was not decided on a national level but left to state authorities. If you wish to find the list of crucial industries for the state you’re relocating from or to, it’s always better to consult the states’ official websites.

Are Movers Essential Services and Why Are They Needed During the COVID-19 Crisis?

Those not currently relocating to a new state may not understand why any relocation company should be declared an essential business during the coronavirus. Even if you have to move, you can always do it yourself, right? Well, not quite. Long-distance relocations tend to be too much for most people, especially when the entire household has to be moved cross-country.

Getting long-distance moving services is the best solution when you want to move efficiently and keep yourself and your belongings safe during the process. Lond-Distance USA Movers are one of them and you can rely on our experienced and professional crew. Even during a lockdown regime, relocation was inevitable for some – more than 25 million people had relocated between March 2020 and March 2021. People might have had different reasons to move, some simply made relocation impossible to postpone.

Some needed to move for a job, while others couldn’t renew their lease. Many felt the financial struggle due to job loss or reduced salary and decided to move back home. Even though the fear of relocation during the lockdown was present, this step had to be taken. However, people who moved were undoubtedly grateful that the relocation industry was still operating during the pandemic.

How Have Cross-Country Moving Services Implemented Coronavirus-Related Measures?

So that the safety of everyone involved in the relocation process could be preserved, each cross-country moving company had to make some changes, which will remain in force for as long as this disease represents a threat.

COVID-19 policies should be transparent, meaning you should be able to read them on the company’s website or get more information by contacting them. Either way, your chosen team should respect all of the following preventive measures:

• All team members must be adequately trained – long-distance movers must get correct instructions about what to do (and what not to do) and how to behave so everyone stays safe.
• All team members need to wear PPA (personal protective equipment) – aside from masks, movers have to wear gloves. However, protective gloves must be made from materials that will enable them to handle all of your belongings safely.
• To avoid any unnecessary contact, you should be provided with the possibility of a virtual estimate, allowing you to get a quote remotely.
• Employees should be strongly encouraged to report if they’re not feeling well. Also, a relocation team should practice checking the temperature of each worker before they are sent to the client’s home.
• Cleaning and disinfection products must be used – both equipment and relocation trucks must be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis and as often as possible.
• Hand disinfection also needs to be practiced regularly – hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes should always be near cross-country movers.
• Social distancing rules must be followed – some teams have even introduced a contactless way of paying. If you want to tip movers, for example, no cash needs to be involved – you’ll be able to do so via portable terminals.

Proceed only with the business that strictly implements all of the previously mentioned measures, and trust a team that values human health above all else.

Are All Long-Distance Movers Near Me Vaccinated?

Although we are on the way to winning the battle against this disease, the number of new cases is still not the reason to celebrate. Almost 70 million COVID-19-positive patients have been registered since the beginning of the pandemic. With vaccination being the best weapon against the disease, it’s understandable that some want to know whether people who get in their homes are vaccinated or not.

Regulations concerning vaccination differ between businesses. Since it isn’t mandatory on the national or state level, employers and workers are the ones who get to decide about it. However, for those who refuse, regular testing must be implemented. Hire a reputable relocation business, and you have no reasons to worry.

Don’t Forget That You’re Also Responsible for Your Safety When Cross-Country Moving

Cross-country movers are not the only ones who have to take precautions when getting in touch with clients. Using a mask, gloves, and hand sanitizers, and practicing social distancing should be done on your part, too, so chances of spreading the disease are minimized.

Don’t hesitate to contact the mover if you’re not feeling well when the first day of the move comes, or even before if you’ve been sick for several days. By not doing so, you’d endanger the lives of movers that come into your home, as well as the lives of their loved ones. Be responsible and try to reschedule.

When you decide to contact the representatives at first, remember to ask about their policy in this case. Due to specific circumstances, many teams will allow you to cancel the move to a new city without penalties. Moreover, some will not charge the deposit at all. This way, you can keep everybody safe without losing a cent over it.

If someone in your home has tested positive in the last few weeks, your preparation for movers must include house disinfection. Check the video below to find out how to do it properly.

Pandemic or Not, Know How to Choose a Reliable Long-Distance Moving Company

COVID-19 policies are not the only criteria to consider when choosing a relocation company. On the contrary, they are just the newest addition to what needs to be done before deciding about the future relocation partner. Even in the time of the pandemic, you must do everything in your power to avoid relocation scams. When looking for a mover, remember to follow the next few steps:

• Step one – look into the company’s reviews – Don’t stop at reviews on the company’s website because some of them (or even the majority) can be fake. Instead, look for recommendations on third-party websites, such as Yelp or Better Business Bureau.
• Step two – check the USDOT number – This is primarily done to see if they have a license and insurance, as a mover that doesn’t possess this number is not a legitimate one. Use this number on FMCSA’s website to see if any complaints are recorded against the team you plan on hiring.
• Step three – schedule several estimates – If you want to avoid hidden expenses or some far worse situations, don’t settle for teams that offer unrealistically low prices. In most cases, extremely low quotes are part of the scam, so carefully think them through before signing the contract.
• Step four – assess the level of professionalism – This can quickly be done as soon as you contact the company’s representatives. If they seem disinterested, can’t answer your questions, or are rude and disrespectful, this team is not a safe choice.

Each Additional Relocation Service Will Help You Reduce the Risks During the Move to a New City

Getting additional services is bound to reduce relocation stress significantly. Are you in need of a storage service? If so, don’t tire yourself by researching a third-party company and go with the one you’ve already chosen. COVID-19 policy will be implemented on their storage facilities, too. That means that the storage units will be regularly disinfected and that there will be a limited number of people allowed at the same time in the storage facility.

The same goes for auto transport. As an addition, remember that most reputable relocation teams offer door-to-door pickup and delivery options. Booking this option is another excellent way to avoid unnecessary contact when relocating during coronavirus, as the long road trips can often take you through places where the infection numbers are on the rise.

Should Packing Be Done By You or Professionals?

If relocation is due soon, you’re probably questioning whether getting packing services is a smart move. After all, it means having unfamiliar people inside your home, which significantly increases the chances of getting infected. However, it may not be the case if the right long-distance movers were chosen. If you go with a capable, experienced, and dedicated relocation team, you won’t even have to be in the same rooms with movers. Add all the previously mentioned measures, and your safety will be preserved.

Of course, you can always decide to pack by yourself. However, know that you’ll be responsible for developing all the packing strategies and keeping track of the packing schedules. Moreover, you will have to learn how to pack fragile items, as well as a thing or two about the best-sized boxes. Since the possibility of making a packing party is off, this daunting process is better left for professionals if there is a possibility for it.

Are Moving Companies Essential Businesses Beyond the Pandemic?

Are long-distance movers essential workers during the pandemic? While the answers and explanations are stated above, are they necessary in general? It’s safe to say that movers are always required by those who plan to move to a new state. A DIY move, especially a long-distance one, can be challenging and stressful. Therefore, many decide to reduce their anxiety about relocation and increase their safety by getting professional help. For those who wish for their move to pass quickly and without a hitch, relocation services are, and always will be, vital.

If you want a fuss-free relocation and be sure you’re in good hands, then you should contact our Long-Distance USA Movers. We’ll ensure everything is organized and done in the best and safest way.