How to Move House in Cambridgeshire During Lockdown
20/11/2020 UPDATE – Following the recent lockdown, we want to reassure everyone that we are still running as usual – just with additional safety measures in place. Following guidance, removal teams are still able to operate to help families and individuals move properties. Get in touch to discuss any concerns.
If you’re looking to move house to or from Cambridgeshire, but are worried about how the latest national lockdown might affect you, we’re detailing everything you need to know to stay safe while moving during this time.
Cambridgeshire is currently below average with regards to infection rates. The worst affected area is Cambridge itself, however, the entire county remains in tier one – the lowest level of restrictions.
Can I move house during lockdown?
As it currently stands you can still move house during lockdown, even if you are classed as clinically vulnerable. However, there are government guidelines which people moving house should follow. These rules apply to all three tier levels.
How DS Movements are adapting:
For all our customers’ safety we are adapting our services to comply with the latest government advice and regulations.
Regularly wash / sanitise hands
Following the latest government guidance, our removers have been instructed to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser on entering a property.
You should ensure removers have access to hand washing facilities, using separate towels or paper towels if possible, which should be washed or safely disposed of afterwards.
Our removers will avoid unnecessarily touching any surfaces.
Maintain 2 metre distancing
Where possible our team will maintain the 2 metre social distancing measures.
Wear face coverings
Where possible our removals team will wear face coverings.
Self-isolating
Any of our team displaying even mild symptoms of COVID-19 will self-isolate and won’t be expected to work until they test negative.
Implement a ‘buddy system’
We are currently ensuring that the same people work together for each move to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Provide own refreshments
Our removers are currently bringing their own refreshments and will politely decline any offers of refreshment from any of our customers.
Top tips on moving house during lockdown:
While we are doing everything we can to help keep you safe, there are a number of things you can do too to minimise the risk of infection when moving house and ensure things run as smoothly as possible.
Plan in advance
It’s advised that you contact a removal company as soon as possible once you know your move date to allow plenty of notice and ensure you are able to move as planned.
In the unlikely event that we or any other removal firm are not available to help you move out, another household is allowed to help you move your belongings. However, social distancing guidelines and hygiene measures should be followed where possible.
Your house move may be delayed if someone involved in the transaction contracts COVID-19 or has to self-isolate. You should talk to your legal adviser about ensuring that any legally binding contract has sufficient flexibility to allow the purchase to be delayed should this happen.
Clean belongings
Where possible, it’s advised that you clean your belongings if you’re expecting a removal company to handle them.
Pack before removal services arrive
You and your household should try and do as much of the packing yourself as possible.
If you need advice on how to pack, we are more than happy to help. You can contact us with any questions or visit our blog for tips and tricks on how to pack for a house move.
Prepare your house for removers
If people are being shown around your home or if removers will be entering the property, you should leave all internal doors open and ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are cleaned with standard household cleaning products.
It’s recommended that you vacate your property while viewings or removals are taking place in order to minimise unnecessary contact. However, if it’s not possible for you to be away from home, then social distancing should be maintained.
You should let your removal company know if you or a member of your household has symptoms of coronavirus or is self-isolating.
For more information on the latest government guidelines and how to reduce transmission, you can visit the official GOV.UK website.
Contact us for help
If you need to book removal services in Cambridge, DS Movements can help. If you have any concerns about your move during this time speak to us as we may be able to take extra precautionary measures for your peace of mind. You can email us at info@dsmovements.co.uk or call our friendly team on 01353 930095 or 07927 248035.
Sources for this blog:
Cambridgeshire Live –
https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/local-news/cambridgeshire-coronavirus-latest-interactive-map-19156159
