The COVID-19 crisis has brought on some big challenges throughout 2020, whether you’re a student, professional, retiree, small business owner, or somewhere in between. From office and school closures to complicated business reopening plans, every day brings up new questions and concerns. Moving offices during COVID brings another set of challenges.
If you’re looking to move office spaces during the pandemic due to downsizing, scaling, or transitioning your office to remote work, we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll give you the lowdown on what it means to move in these strange times, the precautions you should take, and finally, we’ll offer up some tips to make the process much more manageable.
Start By Assessing Your Moving Date
Depending on the reason why you’re moving, you probably have some or no flexibility at all. If you’re moving because your lease has been terminated, you may be looking to move office spaces ASAP, whereas those transitioning into the work from home model might have a little more wiggle room.
If after assessing the risk of moving during COVID-19, you realize you can postpone your move, you might want to do so. Alternatively, you can break your move into several phases so that workers and movers can maintain social distancing more effectively.
Tip #1: Use a two-week buffer between moving phases to account for the virus’ incubation period.
Pay Attention to Local Health Directives
Every state, city, and county across the United States has their own variation of COVID-19 restrictions depending on how affected the region is. For the most part, residential and commercial office moving services are still available across the country. However, before you start to plan your move, it’s a good idea to take a look at your city’s restrictions ahead of time.
Tip #2: If you do hire a moving company, check to see if they have any requirements or requests that will support them as they help you move safely and efficiently.
Most Moving Companies Can Give You A Quote Virtually
Every moving company structures their quote system differently, but most will have the ability to provide you with a quote over the phone or online. Many companies will just ask you a few quick questions regarding the size of the space, the amount of items that need to be moved, and where you’ll be relocating to. Some companies may need more detail, but this can generally be done with a basic virtual tour, no contact necessary.
Safety Is Of The Utmost Importance
It might go without saying, but health and safety should be among your top priorities while relocating during the pandemic. Whether you’re doing most of the moving on your own, hiring a moving company, or some combination of the two, you’ll certainly want to make sure that everyone on the move has the appropriate tools to help you relocate as smoothly and safely as possible.
Providing items such as hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and masks can help minimize the potential for spreading throughout your move and as employees pick up any personal belongings that they may have left at the office before lockdown.
Tip #3: If you have employees that need to pick up personal items before the moving process starts, try to schedule time slots to minimize face-to-face interactions as much as possible. While employees are in the office, consider creating a care package for them to take back to their new work from home space or new COVID-safe office space. Resources about improving focus and productivity, a mini hand sanitizer, and healthy snacks are a great place to start. Your team will appreciate the nice gesture and immediately recognize your commitment to their health and safety.
Most Storage Facilities Are Still Open
Storage facilities, much like moving companies, are considered essential services in most parts of the country. This means that most will be open for business. So, if you need to store your office furniture while you figure out the future of your business, it shouldn’t be a problem for you.
Tip #4: If you don’t see a need for your office furniture in the near future, you might consider selling or donating it. Platforms like OfferUp and Craigslist are still operating and allow individuals to buy and sell items easily online. Just be sure to mask up and take extra precautions whenever you’re interacting with people outside of your home or immediate circle.
Moving Companies Can Be Flexible With Cancellations Or Reschedules
Planning anything during the time of COVID-19 is seemingly impossible. Moving offices during COVID requires flexibility. With restrictions constantly evolving and business circumstances changing at rapid speeds, you should know that your moving plans can be flexible. Most moving companies are flexible with cancellations and reschedules, especially during these unprecedented times.
Tip #5: Before signing a contract with a mover or paying a deposit, make sure that you get clarity on their COVID-19 cancellation policy. Knowing what’s expected of you in advance will help you avoid penalty fees or other complications later on.
Prioritize Your Health First And Foremost
Above all, it’s more important now than ever to put your health above all else. With that said, if you’re feeling sick the day of your move or earlier, make sure to let your moving company know ahead of time. Additionally, if you are feeling sick afterwards, make sure to report your symptoms to them and your local tracing bureau if applicable. Taking these measures will help keep everyone safe and healthy!
Tip #6: Provide your staff with COVID-19 information, reporting details, and other health and safety actions that apply to your move.
Final Notes
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought nothing but uncertainty, stress, and confusion into our lives. We hope this guide to moving offices during the pandemic has shed some light on what to expect and how to protect yourself, your staff, and your moving company.
As you begin to move offices during COVID, don’t forget to brush up on the best practices for disinfecting your home and office and office moving tips, all of which can be found right here on our blog!
We hope you found this blog post What to Know About Moving Offices During COVID-19 useful. Be sure to check out our post 7 Money and Time-Saving Tips to Consider When Moving Your Office for more great tips!
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