Moving in a Post-COVID-19 World: What does social distancing mean for moving?
With COVID-19 restrictions starting to ease, and businesses beginning to open back up with strict social distancing guidelines, it can be challenging knowing where to start when planning your next household move safely. Listed below are some important steps and strategies that you can follow to make sure your next move is conducted safely, smoothly and with the least amount of stress possible.
Research current guidelines of the country you are relocating to
As Singapore has resumed visitors from New Zealand and Vietnam and essential travel with some countries such as Japan, South Korea and Brunei. Each country is following its own guidance regarding COVID-19 safety measures and permitted activities. You may be required to self-quarantine once you reach your destination depending the border restrictions of the country. Before going ahead with your moving plans, find out what rules apply in your current destination of residence.
Household moving services and associated moving van transportation are widely considered essential, and local moves are permitted while following social distancing guidelines in Singapore. However, it is still important to find out the latest guidance, as coronavirus-related measures and the Singapore’s COVIDSafe plan is constantly evolving.
Request virtual quotes from local movers
When researching home moving companies, it’s easy to initiate the quote request online or speak with an agent over the phone. However, some moving companies may wish to conduct an in-person assessment of your property and belongings before confirming quote details.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions beginning to ease, it is still worth inquiring about a virtual home survey rather than an in-person visit. This is a simple way to reduce contact while still allowing you to provide the removalists with all the information they need.
Find out what social distancing measures your local moving service have implemented
Whilst speaking with local home movers, ask them about their COVID-19 response, and how they implement social distancing measures. This will ensure both yourself and your movers are clear about how to follow social distancing practices safely prior to, and throughout the duration of your move.
Choose a provider who will allow you to reschedule, free of charge
Even if you’re feeling healthier than ever, it is worth finding out what happens in the event that you or someone in your household falls ill. To mitigate risk, choose a flexible organisation that will either issue a full refund if you need to cancel due to coronavirus-related circumstances, reschedule your moving services to a later date for free, or hold your belongings securely in storage whilst you complete your quarantine.
Start early with planning and packing to reduce moving-day stress
Even if you move frequently, a move impacted by COVID-19 is likely to be more stressful than usual. You will probably have more questions and concerns related to moving day logistics as well as big-picture developments.
To help ease some of your anxieties and concerns, spend some time calmly and confidently developing a plan a few months in advance. This could involve creating a moving checklist that highlights each step you need to take and outlining packing goals, so that you finish well ahead of the big day. Establish a system that works for you and the moving process will seem much less overwhelming.
Remain in contact with your local movers as the situation evolves
As Singapore eases restrictions and things start to return to normal, it is advisable to check back in with your local moving service from time to time. This ensures that you are following the right steps and that your move is still possible.
If you or a member of your household experience any COVID-19 symptoms, it is imperative that you communicate this to your moving company. This is important as they will not be able to provide moving services while you are unwell. Even if you don’t think your symptoms are too serious, this is important in preventing the spread of the disease. The best movers will allow you to reschedule your move to a later date, free of charge.
Maintain a safe distance from your team of movers on moving day
The Singapore Ministry of Health advises keeping 1 metre of space from other individuals or groups (of up to five persons) in public places (excluding in vehicles or public transport facilities) to help limit coronavirus transmission. As such, you should refrain from physical contact such as handshakes or lending a hand during the move itself.
The best thing you can do when working with local movers is show the team around your space upon their arrival while maintaining physical distance. Once they begin transporting your belongings and moving boxes to the van, temporarily isolate yourself with the other members of your household in a separate area.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
Prior to the move, spend some time disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs that the movers may need to utilise. After they complete their job and have loaded up the moving van, you can go back around your property to sanitise the space once again. Be sure to disinfect your keys before dropping them off with an agent or landlord.
If you’ve decided to rent a vehicle or drive your own moving van, wipe down any surface you would place your hands, from the steering wheel to the seatbelt.
If you would like to engage a moving service in Singapore or talk about the moving and storage services we offer, call Allied at 6862 4700. We will be more than happy to be part of this exciting stage in your life.