Moving home using a removal company

How can restrictions be lifted to allow home removals? Some ideas include:

Allowing removal companies to operate while observing social distancing practices, wearing masks etc
Restrict teams to a maximum of 2/3 who must show no sign or risk of contracting the disease
Owners / customers must not be present while removal taking place
Customers must prepare home and possessions appropriately before removal takes place
Inspection should be done by both parties and passed before removal can proceed
Removal company takes measures to mitigate risk of transfer of covid-19 once removal completed and a second inspection should be carried out upon removal completion.

Why the contribution is important

I am in the process of moving home and this was all put on hold when my removal company was forced to halt operation due to lockdown restrictions. My current contract states the exchange date as “14 days after the lockdown is lifted by the Scottish Government.” I have no way of knowing when that would be and I also have a buyer and a seller in the same situation. Terms of my contract also allows either party to exit the agreement with no penalty if the lockdown is not lifted by August 2020.

by GoingSolo on May 05, 2020 at 02:02PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 24 votes

Comments

  • Posted by anniec May 05, 2020 at 14:27

    I'm in a similar position and would obviously keen to see removal firms being up and running. I do know that according to the British Removers assosiation they have processes in place for urgent moves and see know reason why this could not be expanded. Solicitors have also got processes in place for completio of paperwork. The anount of money involvled in a sale purchase transactions is substanstial for a number of businesses - key to get a small part of the economy moving. i.e Morrtage completion - allows Banks income that they currently don't have. How much money is curremntly held up in mortgage offers that are awaiting completion. Estate agents normally don't get fees until sale/purchase is complete. Solicitors gain income through fees and the rmoval firms start to get their income back

  • Posted by Gillian66 May 05, 2020 at 14:41

    Agree - am in same position see no reason why move cannot process as above

  • Posted by yewtree May 05, 2020 at 14:43

    I have sold my house and have committed to the purchase of a new build which is complete and ready to move into. My buyer is also ready to move.
    I cannot see any reason why we cannot complete the transactions and make the move. We must assume that my removal company is not going to risk the lives of their staff and I would ensure that social distancing is observed as I am certainly not going to risk my own health and that of my wife.

  • Posted by GrahamB May 05, 2020 at 15:05

    Allowing removals makes a lot of sense with appropriate controls, that include clear and enforced distance rules; masks; limited team size and maximum customer preparation prior to the actual removal. Removal companies should even prioritise clients who have exchanged contracts and completed financial arrangements.

  • Posted by PatientlyWaiting May 05, 2020 at 15:53

    was due to move into a new build on 3rd April after selling property in England - allowing removal companies to work with masks / gloves and owners to social distance whilst packing and unpacking will assist. Our chain consists of 1st buyers of our property and us moving into a new build - limited risk. We have re-scheduled for 5th June and waiting on decisions as to whether they will be back working by then and lockdown eased slightly.

  • Posted by Furgen May 05, 2020 at 17:34

    If it is a local move I don't see any reason why it shouldn't go ahead. I am in same position, stuck in limbo unsure when I should give notice to my landlord, hoping i dont end up with both a mortgage and rent to pay.
    If solicitors are still able to work kn completion then the sales, removals etc should continue.

  • Posted by Islander May 05, 2020 at 18:31

    Feel sorry for anyone that was all packed up and ready to move then lockdown. Yes removals are needed back in work

  • Posted by Jules101 May 06, 2020 at 20:21

    I wonder how all removals personnel feel about this?

    If required to work by their employer, and they feel this will put them at risk will they lose their jobs?

    I recognise your dilemma, but yourselves in their shoes.

  • Posted by MrsAytsy May 06, 2020 at 21:47

    I agree. Proper social distancing should be put in place to allow moves to happen. Everything is in limbo for us as it will be for our purchaser and seller. This is not good for mental health.

  • Posted by chachachakt May 07, 2020 at 12:26

    In similar position, purchase and sale agreed and was due to move 2nd April. All put on hold
     but all parties still keen to complete but we can not without removal company. Our company say they have a 5 page document of guidance prepared that will allow for moving and maintaining social distancing, etc but waiting for government go ahead.
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