{"id":16113,"date":"2020-04-23T07:20:32","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T14:20:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=16113"},"modified":"2026-04-06T06:32:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T13:32:08","slug":"moving-during-coronavirus-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/moving-during-coronavirus-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving During Coronavirus? What to Expect and How to Protect Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"

Roughly 80% of people who move every year<\/a> do so between the months of April and September. That puts the coronavirus outbreak hitting the U.S. precisely before \u2014 you guessed it \u2014\u00a0peak moving season. While some people can delay or cancel their move, anyone who recently sold a home does not have the ability to change plans easily. Their move date is tied to their closing date, and one way or another, they need to find a way to be out on time.<\/p>\n

Moving services are considered essential, but prepare for delays<\/h2>\n

People selling homes aren\u2019t the only ones in this situation. It also applies to anyone who bought a house or has a strict lease. The Feds have deemed moving an essential service<\/a>, and generally individual states and municipalities have followed suit. That means you can still rent a moving truck, hire professional movers, arrange for a shipping container, or line up any of the moving services you need.<\/p>\n

However, moving \u2014 like everything else \u2014 looks a lot different than it did pre-coronavirus, and you could face backed-up mover schedules or unexpected delays. Fortunately, large moving companies remain open and are adapting to these new circumstances to help customers move as safely as possible.<\/p>\n

We spoke with Allied Van Line and PODS to find out what the new moving landscape looks like and how they\u2019re protecting customers. We also consulted guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Moving and Storage Association so we could relay their advice on what\u2019s recommended for movers during this time.<\/p>\n

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Source: (Markus Spiske \/ Pexels)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Decide how you want to move<\/h2>\n

Off the bat, you\u2019ll have to decide how you want to move. Some methods might prove more challenging than others when it comes to social distancing. Full-service moves are going to involve more contact with others than a DIY or shipping container move where you load up your furniture yourself. Your decision should be based on the traditional moving criteria: How much stuff you have, how far you\u2019re moving, what your budget looks like. But now there\u2019s another factor to consider: What\u2019s the safest way for me?<\/p>\n

DIY your move<\/h3>\n

Movers on a budget facing a local move might opt to do the entire move on their own, using their own vehicle and manpower to save a bundle of cash<\/a>. Just remember, in the time of social distancing, you won\u2019t be able to call on friends or neighbors for assistance. This is a true do-it-yourself route that cuts out any interactions.<\/p>\n

Rent a truck<\/h3>\n

Call this option, DIY-plus. Truck rental services like U-Haul have responded to the coronavirus outbreak by offering completely contactless pickup. Customers can check-in online<\/a>, then pick up the freshly disinfected truck (with the keys in it, of course) all without meeting face-to-face.<\/p>\n

Use a self-storage container<\/h3>\n

PODS<\/a> and other portable self-storage solutions offer contactless dropoff and remote support. You can fill out an online form with all the information about your move, explains PODS community development manager Trent Brock. Instead of knocking on the customer\u2019s door when the POD has arrived, the driver will call the customer to answer any questions via phone. Everything else, including where to drop off the storage pod and when, is gathered from online forms and emails.<\/p>\n

Hire movers<\/h3>\n

Professional moving services are taking extra precautions to limit interactions, explains Ricardo Ramos-Seyffert, marketing manager of Allied Van Lines. \u201cWe\u2019re offering virtual survey options,\u201d says Ramos-Seyffer, which includes video chat consultations in lieu of in-person visits to the home. However, keep in mind that movers will need to enter the home at some point to load your belongings, which can make social distancing more difficult.<\/p>\n

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Source: (Adrianna Calvo \/ Pexels)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kick-off your move and address contingency plans<\/h2>\n

With a preferred moving method in place, you\u2019ll want to double- and triple-check your plan to stay on top of unexpected delays and changes due to the coronavirus outbreak.<\/p>\n

Call to confirm that a company is still providing all services<\/h3>\n

In her dozen years of real estate industry experience, top-selling agent Kriston Gallop<\/a> has never dealt with circumstances that change as frequently as they do in the age of coronavirus. The Greensboro, North Carolina agent has helped clients with constantly shifting business hours and delays due to backed-up mover schedules.<\/p>\n

She recommends constantly checking in with all parties involved with the move \u2014 the van rental, the movers, and the storage unit companies, too. \u201cA lot of people use storage units, and depending on where you are, those are operating on limited hours,\u201d Gallop explains. \u201cThey\u2019re reducing the number of people that are able to access their units at one time. Be aware of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

On top of confirming the details, you shouldn\u2019t be afraid to ask how the company is adapting during COVID-19, Ramos-Seyffer recommends. \u201cWe\u2019re in compliance with all guidelines outlined by the CDC,” he says. “That includes social-distancing while in a customer\u2019s home, frequent hand-washing or use of hand sanitizer by our crews, and use of PPE whenever available.\u201d<\/p>\n

Give as much information as you can online via forms, email, and video<\/h3>\n

If you don\u2019t feel comfortable with in-person consultations, ask for virtual alternatives. Most services \u2014 DIY truck rentals and full-service companies alike \u2014 are providing online tools or calls to gather information, survey the home, and answer any questions.<\/p>\n

Allied, for example, is offering virtual survey options, which are readily available to customers who may feel uncomfortable with a physical survey in the current environment. Instead of entering the home, the company will do a video chat to scope out the move.<\/p>\n

Cover your contingency plans<\/h2>\n

Moving services are generally considered essential across the country, and it\u2019s unlikely that they\u2019ll shut down fully. That being said, you\u2019ll want to prepare for the unexpected cancellation, delay, or hiccup on the moving process.<\/p>\n

Ask about the cancellation policy<\/h3>\n

Check with your moving company to see if they have a flexible cancellation policy in place related to the coronavirus. With so much uncertainty about the future, don\u2019t sign a contract unless your reservation is refundable. Work with companies who are willing to waive any fees for delays or cancellations. If you already made a deposit on a move and had to change plans or cancel, it\u2019s worth asking whether you can get a refund as many companies are being flexible and accommodating in these unique times.<\/p>\n

Agree up front on how to handle roadblocks or delays<\/h3>\n

Most companies have adopted a policy for coronavirus-related delays. PODS and other self-service storage solutions typically offer pay-as-you-go pricing, but they\u2019re loosening it further, explains Brock. Customers can get in touch last minute if they need to extend the use of their PODS, or delay its delivery: \u201cOur customers are only paying for the time that they actually use our container,\u201d Brock says. However, restrictions might apply based on availability in your area. Ask about how your moving company is addressing COVID-19 related delays before you\u2019re faced with a roadblock.<\/p>\n

Stay in contact with your moving company for updates<\/h3>\n

While moving companies are doing whatever they can at this time to ensure smooth service, they don\u2019t know what they don\u2019t know. Unexpected delays in service could crop up, or additional restrictions could mean limited service or operating hours.<\/p>\n

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Source: (Anna Shvets \/ Pexels)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Adapt your packing strategy<\/h2>\n

You can save a few bucks with DIY moving solutions, but when it comes to moving supplies, you can\u2019t be as thrifty as you once were. The priority right now is safety over cost savings.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t use free or recycled boxes<\/h3>\n

The average three-bedroom home will require between 80-100 boxes<\/a> to move, but experts recommend you buy these new. \u201cI would be careful about using free and recycled boxes when you\u2019re packing,\u201d Gallop says. \u201cUse ones that are already in your home, or buy new ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

These retailers sell boxes, and are still shipping on a regular schedule:<\/p>\n