Plan a No Contact Move During Coronavirus

If you need to move during the global coronavirus pandemic, safety is top of mind. Most reputable movers are utilizing rigorous sanitation and social distancing protocol. In addition, you may need to take further steps to maximize safety during these times. Olympia Moving & Storage has worked with vulnerable clients who requested we execute no contact moves. Thinking you need to take this measure to move safely during coronavirus? We break down how we perform a no contact move, the pros, and cons, and things to consider.

Pros and cons of no contact moves

Taking a virtual survey for a no contact move

There some scenarios where a no contact move might be the best choice for your family. As a client, you will have peace of mind knowing that the move is being executed while with the most distance possible. If you or a family member are at high risk for the virus’s symptoms, this is the best way to ensure everyone’s safety involved.

A major con to executing a no contact move is communication barriers. Historically, we have found that having the client on-site during the process gives us the best success in meeting their expectations. It is important to have a back and forth between the foreman and the client in regard to certain pieces being moved and any preferences during the process. Having the client on-site ensures everything is double-checked and executed to their liking. While we can perform virtual walkthroughs for no contact moves, it is more likely to have miscommunication. This can be especially tough if your home has a weak wifi or cell phone service.

The other negative is non contact moves create much more work for the client. If you’re considering delivering everything to a garage, you’re then faced with the challenge of moving everything to the proper place in the home yourself. The purpose of hiring a mover is to receive full service, have everything placed exactly where you’d like, avoid any heavy lifting yourself. In order to keep the crew out of your home for a no-contact move, it would be incumbent on the client to pack their items, move furniture and boxes to a pick-up area in the home. All this hassle and heavy lifting typically completed by Olympia’s move crew. In a no contact move, the crew would just provide the transportation of your belongings from home to home.

Instead of a full no contact move, you could request that the crew complete a full move while your family is off-site.  This plan would still entail some communication hassles but would allow your family to have a more re

How to plan a no contact move

Our no contact move protocol begins with our standard COVID-19 move procedures. To begin, a move consultant will schedule a guided or self-service virtual video survey. This will allow the move consultant to take inventory, provide you a detailed estimate, and schedule your move without meeting with you in your home.

If you’re a self-packing, Olympia can provide a pre-paid, no contact delivery of new packing materials before your move date. Also, if your family is concerned in this coronavirus environment, do not utilize used boxes for your move.

On the day of the move, your foreman will perform a virtual walkthrough of the home with you upon arrival, using video chat. This is your opportunity to explain any needs you may have during the process. The foreman will perform a second virtual walkthrough with you before they depart origin. This will be to ensure all work is done and nothing was left behind. Upon arrival at the destination home, a third virtual walkthrough is conducted to discuss details of unloading and placement. Your foreman will do a final virtual walkthrough when items are unloaded and unpacked.

If it is important that you minimize the number of people inside your home, you can ask Olympia to deliver items to a garage or only certain spaces as an extra measure of distancing. These practices allow you to move without ever having people outside your household enter your home.

Regardless of which no contact move measures you would like to take, you must notify your move consultant in advance. They will need to design your move quote and organize the team in comply with these requests.

Things to consider when doing no contact moves

You should consider the health risk factors of you and your family before requesting a no contact move. If you are at low risk, we highly recommend lifting furniture by yourself during a no contact movea traditional move with our extensive sanitation and distancing protocols in place. This will allow for the most efficient move possible. If you choose to not be on-site, make yourself available and engaged with the crew via video chat. Coordinate a drop off in your garage? it’s important to consider your ability to move larger items into your home. You may want to make sure you have someone to assist you with the final steps to the process.

Our crew has been working relentlessly to make sure we strictly follow guidelines to ensure safety for all. This also means executing no contacts move if necessary. If you are looking to schedule your no contact move, please click here for a free estimate.

Moving during the Coronavirus pandemic? Here are some things to consider

Moving under normal circumstances can be stressful, but the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic has significantly elevated anxiety levels. For those of you with a closing, lease termination or work-related deadline, postponing the move is not always an option. Below are some suggestions for how to safely move during the coronavirus pandemic.

Pre-Move Health Check

Moving companies should be asking their employees on a daily basis how they and their family members are feeling. If anyone is showing signs of illness, the employee should be sent home immediately.

Clients also need to be vigilant and, if anyone in the home is feeling unwell, the move should be postponed. If there are higher risk individuals within the residence (those over the age of 65, or with immune deficiencies), they should be removed from the premises prior to the move or, if this is not possible, they should be quarantined within one room of the house.

Sanitizing for a move during the coronavirus pandemicProtective Gear and Sanitizing for Move Day

Movers have been doing their best to source PPE in the interest of protecting all stakeholders. They should be sanitizing truck interiors and facilities on a daily basis. Gloves and masks (as available) are becoming part of the standard uniform.

If possible, clients should also wear masks and gloves for the duration of the move. Clients also have the option to provide additional PPE to the moving crew. It is a good idea to sanitize door handles, railings, and bathrooms prior to the mover’s arrival and immediately following their departure. Some clients are taking extra precautions by cleaning furniture after the move.

Distancing Before and After the Move

Before the move, pre-move surveys for estimates can be conducted virtually using various mobile video solutions. This best practice is safe, efficient, and accurate.

During the move, refrain from any direct contact (shaking hands) with your crews. You should maintain 6 feet of distance at all times. It is best to only have one point of contact on move day. Once the initial walkthrough with the foreman is complete, it is recommended that family members remove themselves from the premises or isolate themselves in one area of the residence.

Identify one bathroom for the movers to use and leave soap and, as available, sanitizer and wipes for the movers.

Pre-Move Preparationboxes of items for a move during the coronavirus pandemic

Even under normal circumstances, the client’s preparation largely dictates the success of the move. If clients are packing themselves, it is preferable to use new moving boxes. You can avoid a trip to the store by asking your mover if they provide a packing materials delivery service. While packing, make a “first-night” box filled with immediate essentials such as clothes, linens, toilet paper, cleaning products, toiletries, and hand soap.

We want to minimize any potential confusion. Make sure that all boxes are completely sealed and clearly labeled on the top and two sides. Organize the space so that all items are accessible and, if you are able, stacked around the periphery of the room. Some clients are asking the crew to move boxes to or from a garage or having their belongings moved into their new home a few days before moving in themselves.

Communication Leading Up to Move Day

Communication is always the essential ingredient to a successful move. It is incumbent upon the client to keep the moving company apprised of any relevant developments (packing progress, potential date changes etc.). If you are moving to or from an apartment building during the coronavirus pandemic,  check first with your management, as some residences have revised moving rules during shelter-in-place. As much as possible, we want to avoid surprises on moving day.

Be Respectful of Your Moving Team

On a daily basis, movers make the impossible look easy. They expected to work incredibly hard and maintain a great attitude without exception. Many moving companies have been working around-the-clock to assist organizations with COVID-19 response efforts. Moving crews are doing their best, in uncertain times, to protect their families and their clients, so please be respectful and appreciative.

Staying safe while moving during coronavirus pandemicShared Responsibility for a Healthy Move

During this pandemic, it is incumbent upon moving companies to do everything within their power to protect both their clientele and employees. Similarly, you also need to take all available precautions to secure your own safety and that of the moving team.

We are all operating in unchartered territory. The above precautions will limit the potential for exposure.

If you need to move during the coronavirus pandemic, or any other time, call Olympia Moving & Storage at 800-222-4744 or click here for a free moving estimate. We can start with a virtual video survey.

On the Move: Belmont, MA

Location: Belmont, MA

A Belmont-to-Belmont move | May 2019

Move Overview

Flowers and fresh green grass lit up the front of this charming single family home in Belmont. We sent four movers and one truck to complete this partial pack, load, and deliver. The job was completed in one day between the two Belmont locations.

This move posed some unique challenges. The front door opened into a cornered staircase, so every item on the truck had to be carried up to the second floor at an odd angle. There were also a few items that needed to be disposed of at the destination, including a large sofa.

The move went quickly, however, and our team definitely enjoyed the warm weather after a long, cold spring. Plenty of birds from the next-door park cheered our movers on during the move.

Partial Packing

The move also involved the packing of antique mirrors and lamps. The homeowners packed a large portion of their own items, but they requested that Olympia pack their more fragile items. A partial pack can ease the stress on homeowners who want to do most of their own packing, but are unsure about handling delicate items. In this case, several mirrors and lamps needed protective packaging for the journey. Thanks to our crew, everything arrived at their destination safe and sound.

Olympia offers partial and complete packing services to its customers as part of the move process. We can also provide packing materials to the DIY homeowner.

Great feedback from our client

“This team was extraordinarily thoughtful and felt their way into our needs in such a way to leave us feeling very satisfied and in fact quite pleased…” the homeowner wrote in their review. “In particular we appreciated how the team took the time to move the furniture into positions in our new home that were pleasing to us as well as to disassemble and reassemble those pieces that needed to be separated and reassembled in order to be moved from our previous residence to our new home.”

“Lastly, we were deeply touched by the fact that one member of the team took the time to remake two beds that had been transported from our previous residence to our new home,” the homeowner told us. “As a result of all these factors, we felt the entire team was doing all possible to make us happy and comfortable in our new home. Thank you all.”

If you are moving in the Belmont area, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

Olympia Moving & Storage Acquires Austin Moving Company

American Relocation and Storage’s warehouse located in Austin, TX

For Immediate Release:

AUSTIN, TX – Olympia Moving & Storage, a rapidly growing company headquartered in Boston, MA, added its fourth location by acquiring Austin-based American Relocation & Storage Systems on March 1st.

American Relocation, an interstate agent for Wheaton Van Lines, has been relocating families and businesses for nearly six decades. The company, located in North Austin, will transition to the Olympia Moving & Storage brand, making Olympia the largest Wheaton Van Lines agent. Olympia will offer Austin families local, interstate, and international moving services. The company also plans to expand their commercial division in Austin.

“We are really excited about this acquisition,” says Michael Gilmartin, Founder & CEO of Olympia Moving & Storage. “There was already a great team in place, and with our investment and support, I am confident we can be successful in this market.”  Gilmartin believes, based upon the company’s history, that Olympia will add 15-20 jobs in 2018.

Olympia is a leading provider of moving services in the Northeast and has tripled in size in the past 8 years.  In 2017 the company relocated 8,000 families.

“Olympia keeps growing because we are committed to getting it right. There is no secret algorithm, it is all about understanding our customer’s needs, being accountable, and holding ourselves to a higher standard. Our team understands this and it is reflected in our performance,” says Gilmartin.

Olympia’s success is based on a 25-year history and an impressive service record that includes an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and recognition as an Angie’s List Super Service Award recipient. The company places a premium on hiring, training, and technology with the goal of providing the same high level of service across their entire footprint.

“Last year 95% of our customers said they would move with us again, the result of really listening to our clients and focusing on every detail. This is a great reflection of what we are capable of,” says Gilmartin. “My goal is to redefine the moving industry, and I am looking forward to showing Austin that there’s a better way to move.”

About Olympia Moving & Storage

Olympia Moving & Storage is a full-service moving company in Boston MA, Washington DC, Philadelphia PA, and Austin TX. Since its inception in 1993, Olympia has built an unparalleled reputation for delivering exceptional local moving, interstate moving and international moving services. In addition to residential moves, Olympia offers specialized services for companies preparing for an office or commercial move. Olympia Moving is the preferred mover for numerous universities, law firms and real estate organizations. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 95% customer satisfaction rate and our numerous awards. For more information, visit http://www.olympiamoving.com or call 800-222-4744.

Media Contact:

Rachael Lyons | 617.231.1290 | [email protected]

9 Week Move Checklist for a Smooth Relocation

Move day can be crazy. The weeks moving up to move day can be hectic and stressful. Making a moving checklist and checking it twice is always a good idea, but how do know if you have what you need on your list? In order to make your move as smooth as possible, we made a timeline moving checklist leading up to the big day.

 

8 to 9 weeks to move-in day:

  • Begin to look at your home, start sorting, and get rid of anything you don’t need anymore. If you know that the place you’re moving to is smaller than your current home, be sure to plan an aggressive declutter.
  • Sketch out a general floor plan of your new home including furniture placement so you know if there’s any furniture you can’t bring with you.
  • Research your packing options! Do I have the time to pack myself? Do I need help from the movers? How much are materials?

7 weeks to move-in day:

  • Purchase moving supplies 
  • Call a dumpster service, it’s time to cull the forgotten items in the attic and basement.
  • Plan a yard sale, sell things you don’t want to take with you, and make some extra cash. Check out our blog on planning a successful yard sale.
  • Research moving companies and schedule in-home or phone surveys in order to obtain pricing.
  • Call Olympia Moving & Storage to book your move! Booking a moving company 5 to 6 weeks in advance will allow you to have your choice of moving time and day.

4 weeks to move-in day:

  • Begin packing. The earlier you start the better. Add packing services to your move to have us check off this item for you!
  • If you are renting your current home make sure you notify your landlord, neighbors, and whoever else may need to know.
  • Make sure you have a primary care physician and schools set up for your kids and request a transfer of your records.

3 weeks to move-in day:

  • Now is the time to contact your insurance company, car, and any other billing agencies that need to know that you are changing your address. If you move with Olympia you can use our free address change tool to help with this.
  • Schedule transfer or set up of utilities for your new home, including electricity, gas, water, internet, TV, and phone.
  • If you are traveling far to your new home make sure your car is in good shape or your flights or hotels are booked.
  • If you’re moving in or out of an apartment building, reserve the elevator for your move and check if the building requires a Certificate of Insurance from the moving company.
  • Confirm whether your current or new home need a parking permit for the move. If so, ask your moving company to order one.
  • Look at the food and perishables you have in your kitchen. Start to eat what is open, throw away what you can, and plan what you will need to buy for the last few weeks in your home.

2 weeks to move-in day:

  • If you are packing your home yourself, step on the gas. It’s close to go time and the last week to moving day is hectic.
  • Keep track of electronics and valuables. Don’t lose sight of them in the rush of packing.
  • Feel free to call Olympia with any questions you may have, we’re here to help! Be sure to let us know if the scope of your move changed, or if you think you need to add packing services.

1 week to move-in day:

  • We will be calling you to confirm your moving day and time.
  • Pack your overnight bag for your first night in your new home.
  • Towards the end of the week empty the refrigerator and freezer. The earlier you do this the easier and cleaner it will be to move.
  • Disconnect your appliances, or schedule a service to do so.
  • Confirm again that you have electronics and documents handy, we cannot stress enough that you don’t want to lose your essentials.

Moving day!!!

  • Communicate with your movers. They are there to help you! Make it clear to them what is fragile.  Since everything is clearly marked the delivery will be a breeze!
  • Walkthrough your home make sure everything is out.
  • Leave behind cleaning products for the post-move clean, or schedule a maid service, many have move-out cleaning specials.
  • Lock up
  • You are on your way! Congratulations!

Moving checklist complete!

Enjoy your new home!

Ready to get started on a major item on your moving checklist?  Call us for a free moving estimate at 800-222-4744 or request an estimate online.

Olympia Moving Photoshoot with Justine Johnson Photography

Our crews work many unusual jobs in the moving & storage industry including: moving pinball machines, transporting bikes for a 134 mile ride, and converting hockey rinks into basketball counts.  Earlier this fall, John, Richard, Liviu and Eladio were asked to do a job they have never encountered before: being models for an Olympia Moving & Storage photoshoot!

The photoshoot took place at an office building we do work for, a condo neighborhood we partner with, and our warehouse in Canton, MA.  Our crew did some real moving so we could photograph their skills in action and posed for some portraits. Turns out they were naturals in front of the camera!

Olympia Moving worked with Justine and her assistant Natasha of Justine Johnson Photography, a portrait, family, wedding, and business photographer from Portland, ME.  Justine had never photographed a moving company before, but she was up for the challenge!  Both Justine and Natasha learned a lot about the ins and outs of the moving & storage industry and were especially impressed with the size and vaults in our full-service warehouse!

We loved the photos we captured because they showcase the skill, organization, and friendly personalities of our crew. Here are some of our favorite photos from the shoot, expect to see some of the new photos on our website and in future marketing materials!

Justine Johnson Photography was a great local business photographer to work with. She took the time to get to know our crew and our company and our crew enjoyed spending the day with her team. Justine was patient & flexible working with the variety of locations and activities to photograph, welcomed our team’s ideas, and brought many ideas of her own. Contact Justine if you need moving company photography or any kind of business or personal photographer.

Our crew with Justine & Natasha of Justine Johnson Photography!
Our crew with Justine & Natasha of Justine Johnson Photography!

Although they did a great job representing Olympia Moving in the photoshoot, John, Richard, Eladio, and Liviu are going to stick with their moving careers. If you want to hire them, or any of our other professional moving crews, request a free, no obligation moving estimate today, or call 800.222.4744.

You might also be interested in:

Olympia Moving Foreman Chip Caspreac Featured on Boston.com

Olympia Moving & Storage foreman Chip Caspreac
Olympia Moving & Storage foreman Chip Caspreac

We’re so proud of Olympia Moving & Storage foreman Chip Caspreac who was featured today in a Boston.com article titled “A professional mover shares his Fitbit data to show what you’re in for on moving day.”

In the article, Chip shares his Fitbit data and talks about the challenges of being a mover in Boston. Many Bostonians dread moving on September 1st, but Chip is an expert who’s moving in Boston every day!

According the numbers, Chip takes 14,442 to 35,582 steps every day. That’s more than 15 miles, and about half those steps are while he’s carrying 50-150 lbs of boxes and furniture!

You can check out Chip’s stats in the chart below:

Chart from the 8/31/15 Boston.com article by Megan Turchi
Chart from the 8/31/15 Boston.com article by Megan Turchi shows Chip’s FitBit steps data over the past few weeks of August

Chip has worked with Olympia Moving for two years and is one of our top foremen. A client we moved from Lynnfield, MA to West Harwich, MA this summer told us in a review “Yesterday’s move was flawless. Chip was an extraordinary team leader.”

We so proud to see a feature on how hard Chip and all the crew members with Olympia Moving & Storage work. It’s not an easy job and requires a lot of energy, strength, and sweat. Our crew achieves these athletic feats every day – all while providing extraordinary service with a smile.

Click here to read more press articles about Olympia Moving & Storage, including a mention in ESPN magazine earlier this year.

If you want to move with Chip, or any of the other amazing Olympia Movers, click here to get started with a free, no obligation estimate.

Olympia Continues Work With Alzheimer’s Association

995710_10153020635145725_150788514_nOlympia Moving & Storage is entering our second year in partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association of New England.

Each year the Alzheimer’s Association holds two great events – The Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the RUN TRI RIDE to End Alzheimer’s.

Our friendly Olympia crew is always well-received by both Alzheimer’s Association employees and volunteers as well as participants in their events.

We just completed the RUN TRI RIDE event a few weeks ago. Event coordinator Angela Floro had the following to say:

“Olympia Moving has been a tremendous partner with the Alzheimer’s Association fundraising events. In July, Olympia Moving helped with our Ride to End Alzheimer’s. This event is a one day cycling event and we had a record breaking year with 450 cyclists and we are entering our goal of $500,000! We truly could not have put on this event without Lou and his crew. They were outstanding in every way. Thank you for your support!”

We are looking forward to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event next month in September. Events take place throughout New England. Please consider joining the event…and say hello to Olympia while you are there! http://www.alz.org/manh

Do you need help preparing for a renovation or another type of commercial move? Please feel free to contact Despina Sidiropoulos in commercial business development at [email protected] or visit this link to set up a free estimate.  We’d welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you.

Read more about Olympia’s commercial moving experiences

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