Moving is always a headache and a half, and managing a relocation during the middle of a pandemic can feel downright impossible. Luckily, unless you’re at high risk of developing severe complications from the virus, taking CDC-recommended precautions should keep you safe. That said, you may need to go about your moving checklist a little differently and be diligent about questioning and following up with vendors.
This Santa Claus double-check mentality means everything from movers and auto transport companies to negotiating real estate contracts and choosing your moving boxes. If you’re planning on relocating during the pandemic, here are some updates you can expect.
Realize the auto transportation industry is in COVID-19’s direct line of fire
The pandemic has negatively impacted the auto transportation industry in several ways. First, social distancing requirements, local mandates, and closures have led to costly route changes. Drivers have had to adjust how many people they can meet along a single route. These drivers also had to change their travel plans due to different restaurants, hotels, and public restrooms requirements.
Shipments from overseas also carry an increased risk of infection and face long delays. Drivers in the U.S. have had to take additional precautions with sanitizing surfaces and vehicles, in addition to wearing personal protective equipment.
COVID-19 has affected the auto shipping industry by attacking its ability to operate as efficiently as it typically does. Despite these challenges, car shipping companies like these have defied the odds and continued to provide top-tier service to clients moving during these unprecedented times.
The process of buying and selling a home is different
If you’re buying or selling a home during the pandemic, the process doesn’t exactly operate the same way it did before. Many buyers and real estate agents are opting for virtual showings, and there’s a lot of pent-up demand from people who spent time quarantined in tiny rentals. In some markets, homes receive multiple offers over asking, go under contract within hours, and sell well above the list price.
If you’re selling, you’ll want to consider your health and safety first. For any in-person showings, ask your realtor about requiring prospective buyers to wear masks. It also doesn’t hurt to pre-sanitize surfaces in your home before showings and afterward. For buyers, be prepared to make several offers on different homes if you’re in a hot market.
Moving and truck rental companies may have stricter requirements
If you hire movers to help you, they should be following CDC guidelines for social distancing, protective equipment, and sanitization. However, double-check with the company before hiring them and find out how their insurance, booking, and cancellation policies work.
Even if you don’t usually spring for movers’ insurance, you might want to reconsider during the COVID era. If you come down sick with the virus, you don’t want to find yourself stuck paying a cancellation charge or other fees. Keep in mind that movers may also have tighter schedules because of staffing shortages and demand. The early bird wins the worm in the pandemic world.
Before you go
Moving during COVID-19 is trickier than a regular relocation. There are more things to consider, primarily your health and safety. However, you can still pull off a move with a bit of foresight and research. These tips will help you step over your new threshold as happy and healthy as when you left your old home.
