The world is on hold, but the move must go on. For some, this is simply reality. You have sold your house here in the US, and you need to be in your new home overseas as soon as possible.
Don’t Panic. Not all is lost. For starters, you might be happy to know that moving has been deemed an “essential service” virtually everywhere in the US. This means that currently, movers in the US can pack, pick up, load, ship or store your personal items without much difficulty. This checks off one major box for many. However, regulations related to the moving industry are not universal. Many of our foreign partners are currently unable to operate at full capacity due to either government regulations or labor shortages (or sometimes both). So now you might ask, “Do we go ahead and ship or do we wait it out?”
Well, let’s start with research. Fortunately, most everything you need to know about the current pandemic situation in the country you are moving to can be found online. In most countries, the media is doing a pretty good job of reporting on current status of the Covid-19 virus as well as the projected impact of the virus on life in that country. So, as if you need to be told this, the internet will be the first place to start.
Beyond that, you will need to keep an active chain of communication open between you and your shipping company. They should be able to advise you of any relevant changes or events that might impact your move and provide you with the best options available for your particular situation. Here are just some examples of what’s happening around the world:
In the UK, moves are not currently considered “essential,” so all inbound shipments are currently being unloaded into storage warehouses and kept there (mostly at the expense of the owner of goods) until the government resumes allowing deliveries. Most companies are offering very reasonable storage rates considering the times and circumstances.
In Australia, while most movers should be able to deliver shipments, there is a 14-day quarantine for all people entering the country from abroad. This might mean that someone else will need to receive delivery on your behalf, or, alternatively, you might need to arrive in the country earlier than previously planned.
As Canada is one of the few countries where you must personally present yourself to the customs office to clear your goods, this poses a completely different issue. There is a 14-day quarantine there as well, and since the transit time for most shipments to Canada is less than that, you will likely have to plan for additional storage charges as well make a logistical plan that takes this quarantine timing into consideration.
These are just a few of the situations we are seeing around the world, and things are changing so fast that by the time you finish reading this blog there is a good chance something else might have changed. The best advice we can give you is stay engaged and available, plan ahead, and be flexible. Check your emails regularly and make sure you have clear methods of contacting and being contacted by your movers and your forwarders.
That, and pack an extra case of toilet paper!
Stay safe and Stay well!