Can I move house during the coronavirus outbreak?

Many people have been left wondering whether it’s safe or even legal to move house whilst we’re still dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. The good news is that you can still relocate as long as specific rules are complied with. Legislation around moving home has been amended more than once over the past six months, but it’s possible to switch properties if you adhere to social distancing measures and other rules. Darvill’s are waiting to hear from you right now if you require removals and removal companies in Bradford and Halifax.

About the pandemic

The coronavirus has affected most countries around the world. Only a small handful of territories haven’t seen any cases. Covid-19 is transmitted via droplets through the mouth and nose, hence the use of masks. Although masks aren’t thought to be 100% effective in protecting people from the virus, it seems they can certainly slow transmission down. Sadly, there have been over 46,000 Covid-related deaths in the UK since the pandemic broke out in Wuhan, China. 

Although restrictions on our freedoms have been eased over recent weeks, local lockdowns are still being put in place in cities where cases have started to rise. Restrictions have been tightened back up in parts of West Yorkshire, including in Kirklees and Bradford.

Who can and can’t relocate?

You are permitted to move house unless you are currently infected with the virus, are self-isolating, or belong to a vulnerable group. It’s essential to stay at least one metre apart from people who aren’t part of your household during the removals process. You must remain apart whether you are attending or have arranged a house viewing, when organising a removal, and during the house move itself. All property industry processes are now allowed to operate. This includes removal companies as well as estate agents and surveying businesses.

Staying safe during viewings and removals

Virtual house viewings have become increasingly common over recent months. Open-house viewings are still prohibited. It’s essential that homes are cleaned and sanitised before and after visits. Windows and doors should be left open throughout the surveying, viewing, and removal processes. Visitors, removals staff, and others must be allowed access to a sink so they can wash their hands regularly.

How the industry has adapted

Until the rules were changed a few months ago, people could only move homes “where reasonably necessary”. Since May, visits to letting and estate agents have been permitted, as have trips to show-homes and developer sales offices. Residential properties can now be prepared for moves and visited so essential activities can be carried out. It’s now possible to move whether the relocation is absolutely necessary or not. 

The Government says repairs and safety checks should be carried out between properties being vacated and tenants moving in. If this is not possible, measures to minimise physical contact should be followed. For example, tenants or residents can wait in another room whilst an appliance is being serviced by a professional.

Key rule changes

At the start of lockdown, the British Association of Removers said only moves that were already underway should be completed. It instructed people to cancel or postpone moves that were yet to begin. The advice was amended in May, with the BAR saying measures to minimise risk should be followed whenever social distancing isn’t practical or possible. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has been collaborating with various industry bodies, companies, and organisations to develop guidance on removals.

Changes in attitudes

Many recent articles and surveys suggest there has been an upturn in relocation plans. According to reports, the pandemic has caused many homeowners and tenants to think again about what they want from their homes. Proximity to local healthcare services has become more important, as has outdoor space. Those without access to gardens and yards have become increasingly eager to obtain these facilities. 

Home office space has also become increasingly sought-after. As more homes start to double up as workplaces, there as a growing appetite for additional space. Falls in house prices have been predicted by many experts. This means it could become much easier for people to move on from properties they feel unsatisfied with.

What studies say

According to research, more than three-quarters of people are now thinking about moving abroad, with over a quarter open to moving to another part of the country. Nearly two-thirds of people say they are more likely to work from home in the coming months and years. More than a quarter of people say they are now more likely to buy a second home since the pandemic broke out. It’s clear the pandemic has shifted many people’s attitudes towards what they want from a home and where they wish to reside.

How Darvill’s can help you move home during the Covid-19 Outbreak

We are eager to hear from you right now if you are planning a house move during the pandemic. Sadly, it doesn’t seem like the pandemic isn’t going away any time soon, so it may well be worth getting the wheels in motion rather than waiting months or years to take action. We can get you and your goods from A to B safely and securely, complying with social distancing rules as much as possible. 

Over recent months, we’ve already gained much experience in getting people moved safely during the pandemic and are passionate about keeping you safe. We also clean down the vehicles with industrial quantities of sterilising solution both in the loading bay and cab at the end of each shift. 

A prestigious service

Darvill’s has been helping people relocate to, from and around West Yorkshire for more than 100 years. We are one of the region’s most trusted and best-known removal companies. All removals staff are fully trained and qualified to carry out this work. As we are fully insured, you are completely covered should damage or breakage occur.

Measures we have introduced

We do ask our customers to let us know if anyone in their household has Covid-19 symptoms. To keep you and ourselves safe, we do ask you to sanitise all handles, rails, and surfaces. It’s also important to turn your heating off and to vacate the property when we arrive and to keep a safe distance from our crew. Our removals team use appropriate PPE during the move. We also ask you to provide a floor plan so we know where to place items at your new property. We are not accepting cash payments to reduce the risk of transmission.  In summary, the answer to the question ” Can I move house during the coronavirus outbreak” is yes as long as you stick to the guidelines.

Contact Us

At Darvills, we’re proud to be a member of the National Guild of Removers. You can rest assured that you’re working with an accredited service when you choose us. We always arrive on time and are more than happy to answer any queries you might have, especially if you are about to move house during the Coronavirus outbreak.  Get in touch today to learn more about removals and removals companies in Bradford and Halifax.