Under current restrictions many businesses and industry sectors have been considered non-essential and under government directives forced to close or restrict trade (e.g. cafes providing only take away service). So far, in directives and statements at a national and state level the transport and logistics sector has been considered ‘essential’ and largely unrestricted.

Removalists fall under the transport and logistics industry sector and are currently not restricted from operating.

Currently you can still move house during the coronavirus pandemic. Restrictions on gatherings and social distance may make DIY moving illegal, however using the services of a professional removals company is still permitted.

Whilst all removals companies are permitted to operate, not all are taking prudent steps to minimise risks and so it is important to consider whether your chosen company is taking suitable safety measures.

A quality removals company will maintain a variety of safe work practices for the heavy and physical labour of moving home. In the midst of the covid-19 crisis, a responsible removals company will also take a variety of steps to minimise risk of infection and transmission of covid-19.

Premier Removals is taking the following steps to minimise risk:
-Regular hand washing: all our trucks have hand washing tanks and anti-germ soap on board.
-Cleaning and sanitising: anti-germ sprays and wipes to maintain our truck cabin and tools in a sanitary state.
-Social distancing: we are avoiding hand shaking and unnecessary physical contact and maintaining as best as possible 1.5m distance between staff and customers.
-Ventilation: we are opting to maintain truck windows open wherever possible and requesting customers do the same with their doors and windows.
-Paying attention to symptoms: workers are aware that in the event of them feeling unwell they are able to stay at home without financial or other penalty.
-Protective plastics: during this crisis protective bags to cover your mattress will be supplied by us (at near cost price) and considered mandatory.

Premier Removals is asking customers help minimise risk with the following precautions:
-Ahead of our arrival please open all doors and windows to ensure adequate ventilation.
-If possible please disinfect commonly touched surfaces including furniture and door knobs.
-Please designate a bathroom you are happy for our staff to use and a suitable space (and soap) for regular hand washing.
-Where practical please limit the amount of people present during the move. If it is not possible to have just one person in the property, try to keep the others on a balcony, verandah, or other distinct space to our staff.
-If you or anyone in your household is feeling unwell, or subject to self-isolation/quarantine requirements, please inform us so we can take the appropriate steps to manage this higher level of risk.

In QLD, the current order for home confinement means “you should not leave your home unless absolutely necessary (for the following permitted reasons)”.
One of the permitted reasons is “to obtain essential goods and services”. Whilst the government mandated restrictions around coronavirus are continually vague and ever changing, the fact transport and logistics (including removalists) are NOT on any list of ‘non-essential businesses’ means our service is considered essential.

As it is necessary for customers to accompany their removalists to a delivery a logical conclusion is that it is permissible to leave your home to meet your removalists at your new home

At the time of writing (10/04/20) news headlines are already beginning to indicate a positive response to the current restrictions (i.e. a slowing rate of infection).

However it is still possible that further restrictions may be placed on our day to day lives. The idea of ‘level 4 restrictions’ or a ‘lockdown’ is heavy on peoples mind Currently these restrictions are present across the UK, Europe, NZ and in some states of the USA. Under the current regime, moving house is NOT permitted in the UK, NZ and France.

In our opinion the best approach for anyone moving is to push for a quick settlement (or early start to a lease) and seek a free quote. In the event further restrictions are imposed and cause moving to become impossible, Premier Removals will be ready to reschedule and accommodate any changes necessary.

QLD currently has a strict policy on border crossings that offers some clear direction for people moving to QLD from other states. Per the QLD government:

Only Queensland residents,  residents of border communities undertaking essential activities and those considered an ‘exempt person’ are allowed to enter Queensland via air, sea, rail or road from another State or Territory.

From 12:01am on the 11th April increased restrictions will apply for those who have been to a Covid-19 hotspot.

With reference to people traveling to QLD from another state for the purpose of moving to Queensland, the government states:

“People moving to Queensland to take up permanent residence will be allowed to enter, but will also be required to self-quarantine for 14 days, which could be at the new residential address.”

“You will also be allowed to enter Queensland if you are moving to make Queensland your permanent place of residence, but you must enter quarantine for 14 days (which could be at your new residence).”

With reference to the movement of your removalists, the Queensland Government states:

“Heavy vehicles carrying any kinds of freight or good across the border do not have to apply for an entry pass.”

“Existing compliance routines for transport and freight vehicles will remain in place to minimise disruption.”

From our experience since the beginning of restrictions we have not seen any delays with respect to our movement across the border.