Do you want to move house but are worried about doing so during the coronavirus outbreak? Then you’re not alone. COVID-19 has delayed many house moves, with thousands of buyers and renters pressing pause on their relocations. Fortunately, as the government has relaxed lockdown restrictions, it’s also updated its guidance on moving to a new house. It says that unless you have COVID-19 or you’re self-isolating, you can move house, provided you follow social distancing measures at every stage.
Can I hire a removal firm when moving house during the coronavirus outbreak?
Yes, the government has stated that all companies linked to the housing market can now do business. That includes removals companies in Kettering and Market Harborough. As long as the firm you choose observes all the necessary social distancing measures and adheres to safe working procedures, there’s nothing to stop you hiring their services.
Companies should carry out a full risk assessment to ensure that both workers and customers are protected as much as possible from the threat of coronavirus. With this in mind, they may need to adapt their procedures to ensure that removals are carried out safely.
At Metro Removals, our priority is to protect the health and safety of our customers and staff. At the same time, we strive to ensure that we can continue to provide the same high level of service. All our staff have undergone thorough training to make us fully aware of the Covid-19 guidance concerning house removals. We’ve developed a rigorous action plan to allow us to carry out removals in Kettering as safely as possible.
What procedures are in place for removal companies?
Removal companies should use hand sanitiser upon arriving at a property. Staff should also use disposable gloves when touching furniture and other items, and these should be replaced if damaged. At Metro Removals, we’ll use all the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to limit the potential spread of the virus.
Removal teams should carry out social distancing at all times, staying at least two metres away from each other, the occupier, and the public. We aim to minimise the time spent at a property whilst still ensuring the job is carried out to the highest possible standards. Our crew will maintain safe working practices throughout, ensuring that the risk of COVID-19 is reduced as much as possible.
What can I do to make the process safer?
There are several things you can do to make the process safer when a removal team is in your house. As well as ensuring that all internal doors are open (to remove the need to touch door handles), you should also minimise contact with the crew. You shouldn’t be present unless absolutely necessary. However, if this is unavoidable, you should try to keep a distance of at least two metres between you and others. You should also avoid providing refreshments to the team.
Government guidance also states that the property occupier should carry out packing themselves. This is intended to reduce contact between staff and personal effects. It’s a good idea to clean your belongings before they’re handled by the removals team. You can do this with standard domestic cleaning products.
To minimise the risk of coronavirus, it’s important to provide removal teams with access to a sink for hand washing, as well as separate towels or paper towels. These should be washed or thrown away after. Everyone should wash their hands regularly and steer clear of touching surfaces wherever possible.
Can I move house if I’m shielding?
Over two million people in the UK are vulnerable or shielding due to COVID-19. Whilst the medical advice states that these individuals should stay at home and avoid contact with others, the government also recognises that many will need to move house during the pandemic. So, if you fall into one of these categories, rest assured that you can still move home if necessary.
It’s important to make sure that all parties involved in your house move are aware of your vulnerable status. Professionals involved in the process, including removals companies in Market Harborough, may be able to implement extra precautionary measures to protect you further.
What if I become ill with coronavirus?
COVID-19 is still a very real threat in the UK, and so it’s important to remain as flexible as possible when it comes to moving house. If you or someone in your household becomes ill or needs to self-isolate, you may need to reschedule the move. Moving house isn’t appropriate when you’re at high risk of spreading the virus to others.
In some cases, moving house may be essential for people in this group, for example, if there is a serious health and safety risk. If this is the case for you, contact Public Health England or your local public health teams for further advice.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the government may decide to pause all home moves temporarily in order to manage the spread of the COVID-19. They can choose to do this at any time. For this reason, you should aim to be as adaptable as possible when moving house.
Contact Metro Removals today
The government advises house movers to contact removals companies in Kettering and Market Harborough as early as possible before moving. So, why not get in touch today to discuss your requirements? Metro Removals provides a wide range of removals services, with our team helping local people to move house for over 36 years.
You can rely on us to make relocating a stress-free process, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, you can rest assured that your house move will go smoothly.
