Written by: Madeline Blake
Date:
Category: Blog Industry News

Unless you have been living under a rock these past two years, you have undoubtedly felt the changes that COVID-19 brought to the world. Many industries are struggling to maintain their operations under these conditions and the moving industry is no exception. COVID’s impact on the moving industry brought many changes, and most of interstate moving companies California, for example, have been trying to best serve the needs of their clients in these circumstances. In this article, we will explain exactly what has been going on and how it impacted the moving industry as a whole.

The significance of COVID’s impact on the moving industry

Every business needs to adapt in the wake of the pandemic. The three most important factors that influenced the process are:

  • Social distancing
  • Minimization of contact
  • Necessary precautions
  • Financial impact

Most of the top moving companies needed to adapt to these factors to provide safe and healthy relocation processes for their clients. As evidenced in many of the cross country movers reviews Florida, some companies have done a better job than others. Let’s take a more in-depth look into these factors, so we can better understand what has been going on behind the scenes.

Social distancing

Social distancing necessitates that people keep a certain distance from each other during the course of the pandemic. This is necessary to prevent widespread infections. Most health authorities advise a minimum of six feet between people, mitigating most of the risk of exposure.

However, this is simply not viable inside our own homes. That is why most moving companies insist that their clients do not participate in the relocation process. Instead of directing things on the spot, clients are encouraged to isolate themselves to an area of their home while the moving process is in effect. All communication is done over mobile phones. However, some Texas moving company reviews indicate that this does not sit well with some customers. Some blatantly disregard the proper precautions while others seek moving companies that will allow them to be more involved in the relocation.

person with a mask, using a phone camera to communicate

These days, you can count on contactless arrangements.

As for the movers themselves, staying 6 feet apart is all but impossible in some cases. Most moving companies have adopted an alternate approach, having their employees use separate vehicles, as well as wearing masks at all times. While it is quite impossible to negate all contact, limiting is the best thing they can do. 

Minimization of contact

Speaking of contact, the way that the moving industry adapted is by minimizing the number of contact points between their customers and their moving crews. Traditionally, movers will visit the home, talk to the residents, and estimate the amount of work required, finishing the process with a handshake. These days, movers determine quotes in another way. The communication is done over a video communication tool, utilizing cameras to get a better “feel” of the premises.

The companies also made it easier to sign paperwork. Today, there is no need to even touch paper or a pen. All documentation can be signed virtually. This is similar to what Verified Movers have been doing all along. We provide all the information to our clients without the need for contact.

Necessary precautions

The main difference between the moving of “old” and in these days is sanitation. While there were always sanitary procedures, they are now strictly enforced. This includes both local and long distance moves. Moving companies sanitize their trucks daily, even hourly. The motto is “better safe than sorry”. The moving crew wears masks and gloves at all times, as well.

person holding a sanitation bottle

Proper sanitation has become extremely important.

In short, the industry adopted heavy-handed coronavirus regulations in a short period of time. And this results in safer moving processes. Some companies also suggest restricting bathroom usage to one bathroom only. This allows them to sanitize only one bathroom after the work is over. And the clients have free use of other bathrooms at the same time.

Financial impact

Financially, the moving industry got hit hard. While it is an essential service, people reschedule and cancel moves on a regular basis these days. This has a huge impact not only on the moving industry but all the connected industries as well. We’re talking about suppliers, designers, storage companies, and many more. Something had to change.

Some moving companies are taking advantage of small business loans to stay afloat. This allows them to stay on their feet and pay their employees during these stressful times. But not only that, the employees are under a great deal of stress themselves. They can’t know if the home or office they will be working in is infected or not. That is why moving companies are striving to provide them with the necessary support. But that costs money.

More costs mean higher relocation prices, and higher relocation prices mean that fewer people are willing to relocate. It is a vicious circle and there’s no clear answer just yet. Furthermore, moves are taking longer and longer due to all the necessary precautions.

a graph and a chart, representing COVID's impact on the moving industry

Every industry experiences financial turmoil in these times.

Conclusion

While the moving industry is not in the best shape, it is showing signs of improvement. With more and more people getting vaccinated, it gets easier and less risky to relocate. While the future may be uncertain, movers are struggling tooth and nail to keep afloat. The fact of the matter is that relocating is something that is essential and the moving industry will never “go broke”. You don’t have to worry that moving companies will disappear. Not by a long shot.

But how high will the prices go? With the global fuel crisis looming over our heads, no one can accurately predict anything. The world itself is struggling to keep up with the current situation. But one thing is certain. Whatever the COVID’s impact on the moving industry may be in the future, top moving companies will find a way to deal with it. The industry is extremely resilient and will surely find a way to adapt even further.