Yes, even under a global pandemic, its moving season! Packing and moving all your belongings is a stressful experience, add a pandemic to the mix and it is enough to send you over the edge. Not to worry, if you are one of the many consumers who must move during this COVID-19 pandemic there are many licensed, reputable, moving companies that can help you.
The key to a seamless move during these challenging times is finding a reputable moving company who is known for their expertise, customer service and has implemented COVID-19 protocols to protect their employees and you.
Social distancing and limiting contact with individuals are several ways of mitigating exposing oneself to the corona virus. That is why many moving companies are providing options to consumers including conducting virtual surveys via mobile devices to determine your move estimate. Consumers who prefer onsite surveys can still request one if all parties adhere to CDC protocols such as wearing a face mask and maintaining six feet of distance between you and the surveyor. Often, the surveyor will request the consumer open cabinets, doors, etc., for a no touch experience.
Now more than ever it is important to hire a reputable, licensed moving company who is committed to providing honest professional moving services and has invested in implementing CDC protocols to protect the health and safety of its employees, clients and community. These protocols include:
- Daily temperature taking of employees before the start of work day.
- Interviewing all parties regarding symptoms of fever, coughing etc., immediately before a project starts.
- Sanitizing trucks and equipment multiple times a day.
- Sanitizing warehouses, offices, etc. daily.
- Increased handwashing and/or hand sanitizing throughout the day.
- Wearing of facemasks by all individuals during the packing and moving phases.
- Limiting the number of individuals on projects.
- Maintaining distance from clients during the process of packing and moving.
In addition to ensuring a moving company has implemented CDC protocols, obtain at least three estimates if you are not already familiar with a licensed, reputable mover. Waiting until the last minute to schedule your move may result in the mover of your choice not being available.
The average American moves about 12 times during their lifetime. It is not surprising consumers fall prey to scam artists. Every year, thousands of complaints are filed with various agencies from consumers who have been victimized by dishonest and often unlicensed moving companies.
You can avoid becoming a victim by educating yourself. Make sure the mover is reputable; ask your realtor, lending institution, friends and relative for recommendations. Ensure the mover is insured including worker’s compensation coverage and is licensed by the proper authority.
Do not hire a mover based solely on the cheapest price. A cheap move often leads to unreliable equipment, limited resources, inexperienced day laborers instead of professional movers, lack of insurance and potentially having the price exponentially increased on moving day. We all know moving is stressful even under the best of circumstances. A professional moving company’s priority is to relieve much of the stress associated with moving. A rogue moving company will only add to the stress. Choose your mover carefully. Never, ever hire a moving company who answers their phone, “moving company”. Reputable business owners always answer their calls by announcing their business name during the greeting.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates and license moving companies performing moving services within the state (intrastate). It is against state law to provide moving services without a license. You can easily check if a moving company is license by visiting FL Intrastate Movers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates interstate moving services. Moving companies must obtain US DOT authority to move across state lines. You can easily check if a moving company has authority to cross state lines by visiting Interstate Movers.
Gloria Pugh
AMWAT Moving Warehousing & Storage
850-877-7131
