The global coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live and conduct business. For countless companies, it meant going bankrupt, while others had to dramatically reduce their activities and lay off part of their employees.
For the transportation industry, even if such services were deemed to be essential, the pandemic has brought lower profits and fewer clients. Still, people need to move and pursue job opportunities, personal affairs, or further their education, even if the COVID-19 virus has changed how we live.
Here is how moving companies have been carrying their business during the pandemic, and what you should prepare for if you are moving in the near future.
Special Precautions Movers Have to Take During the Pandemic
Hiring a company to handle your move involves having at least two employees in your living space, handling your belongings, and loading them into their own truck. With a virus that spreads so easily and is potentially deadly, safety and hygiene protocols are absolutely crucial.
Any moving company in the Bay Area that still carried their business since the pandemic started had to adapt to the new situation and tighten up their regulations and safety plans, according to the statal guidelines.
Things were more complicated at the start of the pandemic when the Bay Area was in lockdown and people who were just moving had to wait with their belongings stuck in storage units until the situation cleared out. Now it’s more like the normal we knew before COVID-19, and moving services are not as subjected to unpredictable changes.
Here are some of the ways in which the industry has changed, with some of them probably being the new norm.
- Anything that can be done online is preferred to in-person meetings, from getting a quote to letting the movers see via video call what exactly they need to ship.
- Every staff member wears protective face gear and gloves, uses disinfectant and respects social distance
- Packing materials and boxes are being cleaned and disinfectant in between customers
- Vans and trucks are cleaned and sanitized daily
Customers should also take measures to prevent the potential spread of the virus by wearing protective gear, keeping a distance, or letting the movers pack and unload by themselves, using new packing materials and cards instead of cash.
How to Choose the Right Moving Company in the Bay Area
With all these extra things to have in mind and a lot of movers limiting their business, it might be harder than usual to find good movers in the Bay Area. But, as the pandemic takes its course, you should have the following things in mind when you pick the ones you hire:
- Make sure they are licensed and certified, members of trade associations
- Ask about the protective measures they are taking during the pandemic: Do they provide masks and gloves for the customers? Can they arrange online evaluations and contract signing?
- What kind of insurance do they carry for the cargo? Will a third party insurance be needed?
- How much will it cost to move your things to the destination? What does the price include?
- How fast can they fulfill the transportation task? Are there delays to be expected?
Take your time to find out all these details when you search for a moving company in the Bay Area. A good example of what to expect from one of the top bay Area movers can be found here.
Call a few of the local companies that have good reviews and give them all the details you have on the move. You should quickly get a few quotes to compare, and have a good idea of the options you have.
Final Thoughts
The good news is that stay-in-place orders are no longer needed, which allows moving, housing, and financing companies to carry their activities more like they were before the COVID-19 pandemic.
