We often get asked – Are moving companies an essential service? The term “essential service” has unfortunately become more and more a part of our every day vocabulary with the rise of COVID-19 and with it, restrictions on which businesses are safe to operate and when. When it comes to moving, though a pandemic can definitely throw a wrench in your plans – moving can at times be unavoidable. As such, throughout the entirety of the global pandemic we have been facing here in Canada and abroad, moving companies have remained open and available to assist individuals and businesses with their moving needs.
Of course, like any successful and well run business, moving companies have had to adopt revised best practices in order to ensure the safety of both the workers and clients participating in the move. Our goal, as expert movers is to ensure the process is as stress-free as possible. Read on to learn more about what we are doing here at Bradford Moving – and what you can do to ensure your move is as safe as possible.
Are Moving Services Essential?
Helping people move is a service that can be needed when a new home is purchased, a home is sold, there is a need for a change in location or a change in circumstances for a landlord or renter. Moving may also be needed for businesses that are changing spaces, or perhaps downsizing or moving to virtual due to the change in the shopping habits of consumers. Regardless of the reason, be it personal or professional, a move is a difficult thing to handle without the assistance of professionals. From providing supplies, to handling heavy items with care from point A to point B – bringing in a moving company is often a critical component to a successful move.
Whether your change in location was planned before the pandemic or as a result of it, finding affordable, professional services needs to be attainable at all times.
If you are in a high risk group and have the ability to push the date back for your relocation – depending on the situation in your particular community, it may be worth postponing. However, the inability to find the necessary services to complete your move should not be the reason for your moving delay.
What Moving Services Are Still Available?
Throughout the many shutdowns that have taken place as a result of the global pandemic, all moving services, and services associated with completing a move have remained opened here in Ontario Canada. At Bradford Moving, we have made it a top priority to provide proper training and instructions on executing all aspects of a move – from entering a clients home or business, to loading the truck and unloading in the new location. Ask us today what steps will be taken to ensure your safety is taken into account with the highest regard throughout all aspects of your move.
In addition to moving services, truck rental companies have remained available for hire as well, being essential to many individuals personal mobility and transportation needs. Storage companies remain open and available as well.
What you will notice as the main differentiators when choosing a full service moving company versus a rental truck company is the overall experience – with rental companies operating with little to no personal interaction, besides the pick up of the keys. Alternatively, when working with a professional moving company – whether you are looking for everything from packing to unpacking or a simple moving of boxes from one location to the next, we can assist with white glove service all the way through. Additionally, if you are looking to have any goods stored, we can assist in dropping these items off at the appropriate location and even loading it into your storage unit.
Are Self Storage Services Essential?
Much like moving companies, storage companies have continued to operate through the entirety of the pandemic. Though some companies have reduced hours of availability or the number of customers able to enter a facility at a given time, access to all storage facilities have remained open and available. Additionally, health and safety protocols should have been instituted within all storage facilities, such as availability of sanitizer and the sanitization of access pads, along with clearly marked signs for social distancing of customers and employees on site.
What Safety Precautions Will be Taken During the Move?
Each moving company may be taking slightly different protocols, but there are some necessary measures that everyone should be taking in order to ensure the safety of themselves and everyone around them. Ensuring that the moving company you will be working with is taking Covid-19 very seriously is a good place to start. Any good company should be following many if not all of the following prorocols:
- Ensuring proper sanitization measures are being taken before any customer products are handled and before employees enter the home of a customer.
- conducting virtual vs in home estimates wherever possible.
- Ensuring trucks and all moving equipment are sanitized frequently, at minimum between every move.
- Keeping proper social distance, not only with customers but also with other employees. This is the best defense we have against the virus, and should be kept to no less than 6 feet apart.
- Wearing proper moving equipment, including gloves, masks and exterior coverings.
Keeping a close eye on federal and local guidelines regarding sanitization and social distancing is a good way to stay ahead of the curve.
Though it may be tempting to have family and friends join you on the day of the move, ensure that you as well are taking the proper safety measures to keep our staff safe. Do not initiate a large gathering or crowd in areas of the business or residence, making it difficult for staff to move through the space or transport items. Continue to limit contact with those outside of your household, even if those individuals appear to have no symptoms.
If you are in a high-risk health group and cannot postpone your move, but are concerned about exposure, make sure to label your boxes and items well, and steer clear come moving day. The benefit of hiring movers is besides the initial and closing transaction, you can take it easy and let the experts handle the rest.
Conclusion
Though during a pandemic may not be an ideal time to move, moving services are available for you to help ease the process and ensure your move is completed as safely and stress free as possible. Whether you are looking for help with packing and unpacking, storing items, or simply moving boxes from point A to point B, our team of experts at Bradford Moving are here to assist you. We look forward to assisting you and your family with your next move. Contact us today!
