Published on May 3rd, 2021 | by Sunit Nandi

How Does COVID-19 Change And Impact The Moving Industry?

Realistically speaking, the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting people’s lives for several months now and there’s no definite stop as to when it’ll stop. However, as time goes by and even if some things start to feel normal again, you can see its impact on the business sectors and the moving industry is no exception.

If you’re running a relocation business, keep reading this article to learn the impacts and changes of COVID-19 pandemic to the moving industry.

1. Social Distancing Measures Are Strictly Imposed

Since COVID-19 is considered a contagious disease, most moving companies NYC or wherever you may be located, have implemented some social distancing measures to fight the spread of the virus. These measures can include:

Keeping a certain distance from other people to reduce the risk of infection and transmission
Requesting the clients not to actively participate on the moving day
Suggesting that clients should pack and prepare all their belongings at least 24 hours before the movers’ arrival
Avoid gathering in groups while the entire relocation process is on-going

As you can see, these social distancing protocols are in place to protect the moving process. But given the nature of the job, many moving service providers are still having a difficult time to cope up. To avoid close contact altogether, they may have to utilize separate moving vehicles to get to the worksites and keep themselves separated while working on the big day.

2. Minimum Safety Standards Are Practiced At All Times

Well, moving companies aren’t only concerned about their clients’ safety. They’re also on a lookout for their employees’ health and safety while at work. Because of this, most reputable movers provide minimum safety standards to keep their workforce safe from COVID-19. These can include:

Wearing of face mask, gloves, and in some cases, personal protective equipment
Frequently sanitizing the moving tools and equipment and the moving truck
Providing basic hygiene kits to moving personnel
Proving extra hygiene kits, including sanitizers, in the moving truck
Conduct proper COVID-19 screening for all employees

3. Contact Minimization Efforts Are In Place

Several professionals like long distance movers have also implemented some efforts to limit the physical contact between clients and the moving crew. Before, representatives from the relocation company would go to the client’s house to conduct an in-person home survey that’ll be used for the creation of a moving estimate.

Now, moving companies are opting to conduct virtual surveys to determine quotes. All they have to do is communicate with the client using a video communication tool and ask them to walk around the home to provide them with an idea as to the work to be done. Once it’s done, a virtual moving estimate will be sent to the client to avoid potential contamination with papers and pens.

4. The Financial Impact Is Significant

Although relocation is considered an essential service in most parts of the country, the moving industry is still not exempted from the financial impact caused by COVID-19. These changes and impacts can include:

Over the past few months, many people have decided to reschedule or cancer their moving plans due to travel restrictions, lockdown orders, or simply fear of getting infected by the virus.
Because of their decreased revenues, moving companies have to change their priorities and reduce their operating expenses while the COVID-19 pandemic is causing major damage to them.
To keep their businesses on their feet and at the same time provide employment to their employees, some moving service providers have decided to seek financial help just to cope with losses. They’ve started to get the most out of small business loans and other financing options offered by the different levels of the government.

5. Moving Companies Have To Ensure The Mental And Physical Health Of Their Workers

Now, moving companies should prioritize the mental and physical health of their workers. Typically, the workers find it stressful to go to unknown homes and transport other people’s belongings. Not to mention the fact that they have no idea as to whether the home owners are infected by the virus or the possessions are contaminated.

Because of these worries, moving service providers will have to provide the support to help them deal with their mental health issues. For example, they can implement the following steps to protect their workers mentally and physically:

Employing some coping strategies
Offering psychosocial support
Creating a work environment of open communication
Monitoring their overall well-being

The Bottom Line

With the information presented above, it’s clear how the COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way the moving industry works. With all the sanitization and social distancing requirements that need to be implemented, things will never be the same for most moving companies.

And just like other business sectors, the future for the moving industry is also uncertain. But for the meantime, they’re making every effort to keep their business afloat and keep their workers and clients safe throughout the relocation process.

Tags: change, COVID-19, impact, moving industry

About the Author

Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.