Moving Post Lockdown

Even though we are currently living in unprecedented times, life must go on. In an effort to kickstart the economy of our country, the government has allowed numerous industries to gradually open, including the housing market.

To help the housing market bounce back, estate agent visits are now allowed. You can also start viewing different properties in person but take into account social distancing. Removal services have been given the go ahead to start as well.

If you were planning to move but uncertain as to what your next plan of action should be, do not fret. This blog will guide you on the things you need to know about moving houses and hiring a removals company.

Can I hire a removal company now?

Yes, you can! You do not have to worry about moving your possessions to your new home.

As we have mentioned earlier, various industries are allowed to open as long as they follow the guidelines set by the government on working safely during COVID-19. The guidelines were set for employers, employees and the self-employed to comply with, especially if they need to work in other people’s homes.

How should removal companies and I manage the risk when working in homes?

After choosing a removal company to help you move, it is best to enquire if the company is taking preventative measures to protect their staff and protect their customers. The removal company and you must take note of the following:

• No work should take place in a household if any of the family members have Covid19 symptoms and have been advised to isolate.

• Making sure regular hand washing is carried out.

• Before starting any work, the removal company should educate their employees and ensure that they understand the importance of working safely in homes.

• The removal company should contact you prior to any visit to discuss how you can work together efficiently, implement safety procedures and reduce the risk for both parties.

• A social distancing of 2 metres (or at least 1 metre if 2 metres is not feasible) must be maintained.

To reiterate, these are the 5 steps established by our government for all companies, removal companies in our case, to comply with.

1. The removal companies have completed a COVID-19 risk assessment and the results have been shared to their entire workforce.

2. The removal companies have implemented cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures in line with the government’s guidance.

3. The removal companies have taken all reasonable ways to assist people to work from home.

4. The removal companies have taken all reasonable ways to maintain a 2-metre distance in the workplace.

5. If the 2-metre distance is not feasible in some instances, the removal companies will find practical ways to manage the transmission risk.

How can I keep my household and the removals company safe on moving day?

To facilitate a safe and smooth moving day, you have to take note of the following:

• If anyone in your household has COVID-19, postpone the moving day.

• If anyone in your household is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or has not completed the required period of self-isolation, postpone the moving day.

• If you are a person who belongs to the high-risk category, coordinate with the removals company on how to avoid face-to-face contact or make sure you maintain a 2-metre distance from the removal workers during moving day.

Prepare your household before moving day. If possible, all packing must be done by you and your household. The house must be cleaned before the arrival of the removal team, giving special attention to personal possessions and frequently touched surfaces that will be handled by them.

On moving day, it is best to talk with the removals workers before they go inside your house. You should brief them as to what areas in the home they can come in and where your packed possessions are. Before they go inside your house, it is better if you open all doors so they don’t have to touch it.

As soon as they come inside, allow the removals workers to wash their hands and dry using disposable paper towels. As always, they should minimise close contact with you. Busy areas inside the household must be identified so that the household and removals workers can minimise or manage close contact with other people. Allow them to work in pairs when lifting heavy items, such as furniture, large appliances or interior decorations and large boxes.

Removals workers are advised to bring their own snacks or refreshments but allow them access to your sink to wash and dry their hands. Assign them an area outside your house where they can take a break and enjoy their refreshments.

The wearing of face masks or covering is not required by law but if you want to implement it during moving day, you should talk about it with the removals company. All parties should wash hands before wearing a face covering and after taking them off. Disposable paper towels and used face coverings should be disposed of properly as well.

If you are looking to move home during this difficult time contact Cotswold Carriers who will be more than willing to help you.