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Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) about COVID-19 and Your Move

Please note: Suddath ® provides household goods moving and storage services for local and long-distance moves. We are currently considered an essential service and open for business. Our professional move teams are ready to safely serve your move during COVID-19. Learn more about what we’re doing to keep our customers and our employees safe in the current ever-changing environment.

With the COVID-19 virus causing so much uncertainty in the world right now there is one thing you can be sure of: the health and safety of our customers and team members is Suddath’s top priority, and we are compliant with all government, WHO & CDC guidelines.

With circumstances and requirements changing so quickly, likely you’re experiencing anxiety over your upcoming move, and have many questions about our operations and what we are doing to keep everyone involved in a move safe. Suddath is taking proactive measures to provide extra support during an uncertain time.

Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions people have been asking.

Will moving services be interrupted?

Moving is classified as an essential service, and therefore we are approved to remain operational and service moves. People still need to relocate, and we intend to be there to help in a safe and responsible manner. However, some of our locations throughout the U.S. are under some form of restrictions, and capacity could be limited in certain markets based on driver and crew availability. To learn more about how your specific area and move might be impacted, please reach out to your Suddath move coordinator. If your move will be impacted by changing local, state or federal guidelines, your dedicated Suddath move coordinator will update you right away.

We’ll continue to provide our services with the same level of quality, commitment and care that we are known for, as long as it’s deemed safe to do so. We’re also operating with additional precautions to keep our customers and teams safe. However, this is a rapidly evolving situation, and we’re asking customers to follow the COVID-19 updates we provide on our website and through our social media.

How do I get a moving quote if no one can come to my home to do a move survey?

Outside of moving day, all touchpoints with Suddath will be virtual or over the phone, beginning with a video home survey to get a move estimate.

This is where a Suddath representative will guide you through your home using your mobile device, like you would with FaceTime or Skype. They will ask you questions, get an understanding for the layout of your home and furniture and answer any concerns you may have. Watch this brief video to see how it works, or to schedule your video estimate please email moving@suddath.com or call (888) 903-7695.

Our virtual video estimate provides local, long-distance and international moving customers with:

  • Security – proprietary video technology that conforms to U.S. privacy laws
  • Expertise – survey and consultation managed by the same, experienced U.S.-based Suddath team that performs traditional in-home surveys
  • Convenience – faster than in-home surveys, even after-work and weekend hours available
  • Accuracy – a virtual estimate is just as accurate as doing an in-person survey
  • Simplicity – easy-to-use technology

How are you keeping your movers and customers safe?

For your protection, our move crews are following Center for Disease Control guidelines, as well as additional Suddath protocols to limit exposure by practicing proven safety measures.

If you have booked a move with Suddath you will receive a COVID-19 care box of cleaning supplies, gloves, hand soap and hand sanitizer that is intended for your Suddath moving crew. You should expect this box to be delivered to your home a week or so before the day of your move.

Additionally, our crews have be trained and are committed to:

  • Standing six feet apart at all times during the move
  • Using personal protection equipment including gloves and masks (all crew members arrive to your home with their own masks)
  • Forgoing handshakes
  • Limiting the handling of your household goods
  • Sanitizing shared surfaces including hand trucks, dollies and other materials used
  • Washing or sanitizing hands after touching shared surfaces or at least every two hours
  • Employees and crew members who are exhibiting symptoms or who are ill in any way are required to stay home
  • Per our enhanced screening process, move coordinators are reaching out to customers 72- and 24-hours in advance to check in, answer any last-minute questions, as well as ask a series of health-related questions prior to the move to ensure everyone’s safety

Are there any precautions I should take during my move?

We’re asking customers to follow basic protocol related to social distancing. This differs from a typical moving day, where everyone in the family is around taking on different tasks, and you are frequently interacting with the moving team. Currently, we advise that only one family member interact with our movers on move day if possible. This is to make sure we maintain proper social distancing during the move to protect you, as well as the Suddath moving team. Some other ways you can help are:

  • Allocating a designated area where your moving crew can wash and dry their hands regularly which will help limit the spread of germs
  • Maintain a six-foot distance from movers and drivers as they work
  • Outside of an initial brief overview of the move plan with the Suddath moving team leader, refraining from any participation in the move if possible
  • Clean commonly touched items prior to your movers arriving – doorknobs, sink handles, door pulls, etc.
  • Clean or disinfect furniture that is being moved prior to movers arriving
  • To be cautious, disinfect items that have been padded and wrapped once they’re unwrapped in your new home
  • Dispose of all packing materials once the move is complete

Can I reschedule or cancel my move if I am feeling ill?

Absolutely. We are happy to work with you to provide the flexibility you need during this time to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. If you are feeling ill, reach out to your move coordinator and they will assist you in picking a new move date, without worry about any cancellation or rescheduling fees. If you have questions about whether you should or should not reschedule your move, please reach out to your move coordinator, who will assist in coming up with a plan for your situation.

We will update this FAQ blog post as information changes, but please follow our COVID-19 Response Plan for the most up-to-date information. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your local Suddath branch or your dedicated Move Coordinator with any questions.

Since opening our doors in 1919, Suddath has created a sense of trust and peace of mind around home moving. Especially during a trying time like this, our commitment hasn’t wavered and has grown even stronger.