Are Movers Essential Workers – How They Helped People During the Lockdown

The novel virus outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. Most countries went into lockdown to help stop the spread and save lives, and people were advised to take safety precautions. Some services and work positions demanded to continue their routine, and amongst all, some people have planned to move. There were many reasons to move, even with the safety measures present, because leases came to an end, people had to sell houses, and some others had to relocate the business to another state. That means that moving professionals handled relocations during the Coronavirus outbreak.

What is Covid-19?

According to WHO, Coronavirus disease is an infectious disease caused by a type of virus that has been recently discovered. Symptoms may range from mild to moderate respiratory illness from which you can recover without requiring special treatment. Those who have cardinal medical issues such as cardiovascular or chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, and cancer are more likely to develop a more severe illness. It hits older people far more seriously as well. The Worldometer lists more than 4,140,000 deaths until today, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in history. The good news is that, since December 2020, most countries have distributed several vaccines, and work is underway to develop certain medications that will inhibit the virus.

Which Were the Typical Essential Services During the Coronavirus Pandemic Lockdown?

Certain vital systems and job positions have to continue to function normally in their line of work, even during the lockdown. And when we say vital, this is what usually comes to mind:

• Healthcare facilities, such as emergency, medical, and veterinary, with workers who perform clinical testing and research needed for COVID-19 response, but also healthcare practitioners and caregivers, and hospital and laboratory personnel,
• First responders, including firefighters and law enforcement personnel, both public, private, and voluntary,
• Food, agriculture, and retail, with their agricultural workers, grocery and food retail workers, and meat processors. Workers supporting pharmacies, groceries, and convenience stores are included, too,
• Mail and delivery service,
• Transportation services,
• Car repair and maintenance,
• Home repair and HVAC,
• Public services and sanitation, with sanitation and wastewater workers, utility employees, waste collectors, and recyclers,
• Schools and child care programs.

It may not come to mind that movers and their cross-country moving services stand out as of significant importance among these vital jobs.

One Question Has Arisen During the Coronavirus Pandemic – Are Movers Essential Workers?

But are movers considered essential services? Since life can not be stopped, not even during such severely troubling times, people needed to relocate for different reasons, and many ask themselves, “should I move back home.” To avoid anxiety about moving out during the virus outbreak and dealing with moving stress under lockdown, people requested professional help for their relocation. And thus, the question “is moving considered essential” has been asked and eventually deemed a vital service.

Did Cross-Country Moving Companies Manage to Overcome the Obstacles?

The virus outbreak has made an impact on every aspect of our lives, and the economies of all countries have suffered. As with any other business, the relocation industry also felt the impact. But still, people continued to move, and moving cross-country statistics say that many had chosen to leave densely populated areas and exchanged them for suburban living. It is primarily true for digital nomads and all the other people that worked remotely; they wanted out of the crowds and closer to nature, even if it meant moving to a new state. That is why relocation professionals had to take safety precautions to be able to live up to the task and continue their service to the customers without obstacles.

How Do I Pick the Best Long-Distance Moving Services?

Different things can drive us to move during such troubled times. Some work at jobs that require relocation, while others are relocating to another state alone in need to downsize to a smaller home so they could cut down on their budget. But, even with the virus outbreak, steps for finding a reliable cross-country moving service stay the same. The initial step is to get recommendations for long-distance movers from the people you know, like friends and family. Looking at online reviews is also a crucial step, as comments left by customers can tell you if the company you’re interested in is reputable.

Make Sure That the Long-Distance Moving Company Is Legitimate

Are long-distance movers essential workers is a completely legit question when preparing for a big step yourself. A legitimate relocating business will have a USDOT number with The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA.) When you’ve narrowed down your search to a select few, contact each company to make sure they offer a free quote based on a household inventory list to their customers. A company that’s taking care of customers should offer to estimate the value of household goods through a virtual service. It’s a safer way to get the price for your move and avoid contact with others. Also, pay attention if they ask for a hefty deposit upfront and how they form their prices. A lowball price usually has hidden fees along the way.

What Safety Precautions Are the Relocation Companies Taking?

Reliable companies will act responsibly while handling the move. Whether you are relocating with kids or alone, professionals will take all precautions to keep customers safe. It means that each crew member will make sure to forgo any handshakes and to work six feet apart whenever possible during the relocation process. Other safety measures include using personal equipment for protection, regularly sanitizing of shared surfaces, and washing and disinfecting hands after touching any shared surface. They won’t make the common relocating mistake of letting anyone with symptoms show up at work. It means that any crew members that exhibit symptoms are required to stay home.

What’s Different With Relocations Now?

The pandemic has affected our lives in different ways. It may happen that you’ve lost your job, but managed to get a new job in another city, and you need to move. That is a perfect example of why the answer is “yes” to the question “is moving essential.” But the virus outbreak has made everything more challenging and complex, and it’s no different with relocations.

Is Safe Long-Distance Moving During the COVID-19 Pandemic Possible?

To be able to have a stress-free move, you should take simple precautionary steps, such as wearing a mask at all times, physical distancing, avoiding crowded spaces, cleaning your hands by washing and sanitizing, and coughing into tissue or a bent elbow. A bag of relocating essentials should contain disinfectants, gloves, and spare masks, among other things. You can take a look at a relocation across the world amid the virus outbreak in the video below.

Which of the Relocation Solutions Are Safe to Invest In?

Many people dislike the packing process and consider it the most tiresome part of a relocation. And that’s why you’re probably considering investing in a packing service. But how safe can it be? You are already aware that people will have to enter the house to take out all of your belongings and load them onto a truck. But if you decide to invest in packing, too, they will spend quite some time inside. However, if you prepare for cross-country movers by making sure you keep your distance, wear a mask, and provide them with a bathroom and disinfectants, packing shouldn’t pose a problem. If you want to have fewer possessions left to pack, make sure you donate unwanted items and get rid of anything unusable.

What About My Stuff Being Left in Storage?

Relocations usually require the use of a self-storage unit since relocation companies will not directly transport bulky furniture and other belongings to your new home. But if you are worried about your belongings going through many hands in storage units before they arrive, rest assured that every reputable company will have their employees take every precaution available to them. That means they will carry all the items to be placed in storage while wearing masks and gloves.

What Happens If I Need My Car to Be Shipped?

Transporting a car across the country by investing in an auto transport service is a wise move. Driving such long distances is draining and tiresome, while we should be focusing on other things, such as how to get a job before you move. But then, how does car shipping work after the virus outbreak has started? Since all the reputable companies take every precaution and safety measure seriously, the pick-up and delivery will be done without hand contact and the employees will be carrying their protective gear.

Additional Tips for Your Relocation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

While it’s crucial to arm yourself with many relocating hacks to move effortlessly and plan your relocating budget down to the detail, it’s critical to be safe on both sides during the move. If you or anyone close to you is experiencing any symptoms, you should let your mover know. Being honest and transparent when it comes to these things is of utter importance so that everyone can be safe. You should probably avoid obtaining second-hand boxes and make sure you finish packing at least 24 hours before the relocation specialists arrive. The relocating day tips include providing the crew members with sanitary products and disinfectants and keeping the distance. If you have to cancel the move, do it as early as you can.

Before You Head Out, Plan Accordingly

There are many benefits of relocating, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Whatever has driven us to move, life can take us in different directions, especially when we least expect it. But as things got a bit more complex and demanding since the Coronavirus outbreak, staying safe should be one of the top priorities on our to-do list. Make sure you follow all the safety measures. If you are unsure about any part of your upcoming move, contact the professionals and ask about everything that’s bothering you. They can provide you with answers, but also with an effortless and stressless relocation.

Contact our Cross-Country Moving Company if you want the best relocation experience with the most affordable relocation services, as well. Get the free quote and see for yourself why we’re the right choice for you.