Impact on Moving Industry due to COVID - 19

The COVID-19 pandemic which started from China has destroyed the economies of many a nations. Australia with its robust and strong economy had to bear the brunt of the lock downs that had become a norm to stop the spread of the deadly virus which had been turning towns into graveyards.

The spread of the virus was contained in this novel way where nations shut down everything except health care and essential commodities however the world economy too came to a standstill. Australia too had to shut down everything to ensure low mortality rates and stop the community spread which would have meant more deaths on the lines of Italy that did not take the early signs of the virus seriously.

After infecting 23000 Australians and killing over 420 within Australia, almost every business sector has been affected, and many people have lost their jobs, received pay cuts or are working from home.

This rising unemployment vastly increased the government’s debt which of course affects Australian economy. The jobkeeper and jobseeker funds created to help employed people to meet their basic needs has added to the already fall in economy. Australia may suffer more than others because of the unfolding of its two sectors which are export and tourism.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, said that "for many young and old, 2020 will be the toughest years of our lives". 

Australia has slid into recession for the first time in 30 years all due to coronavirus. Its GDP shrank by 7 per cent in April to June period. 

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it is the biggest fall in quarterly GDP since record began in 1959. The fall-off was larger than the economic forecast of a 6 per cent drop.

According to a source in one of the major Moving Company - CBD Movers - Transport and freight sectors suffered a few setbacks from the pandemic however the overall situation was not as grim as it would have been if corrective measures were not placed within the economy on time. There were lockdowns implemented in major cities within Australia to help prevent the spread of coronavirus which meant that movement of people and goods across cities or state boundaries was entirely restricted.

Australia had come to a virtual halt, shutting its borders and restricting domestic travel. Since the Spanish flu pandemic in 1919, Australia has not experienced this kind of border cease.

COVID-19 had a negative impact on the real estate market also after mid-march, when cities and states implemented lockdown orders, there was a major drop in the new listings as compared to last year.

The World Trade Organisation expects that COVID-19 pandemic will reduce the global trade by up to 30 per cent. Australia's domestic freight task is expected to slump throughout the pandemic.      

The Rules for moving houses during coronavirus restrictions in that saved the day for movers

There were rules and guidelines from the government whilst they kept moving in the essential services which made sure that moving activities carried out during the lockdown did not spread the virus further. Every mover who that was operating during lockdown has to strictly adhere to the regulations laid down by DHHS. Major movers within Australia got the COVID Safe Plan into action and carried out moves even during the restrictions.

In Tasmania, the rules said, a person was allowed to move his belongings to his new home, but once he shifts to his new home, he had to stay there because that would become his primary residence.

In Victoria and New South Wales, the government said that anyone could leave their old apartment or home and relocate easily.

In South Australia, the government said that there were no restrictions on travelling within the state. Everyone had to maintain social distancing and manage personal hygiene.

In Western Australia, people were not allowed to travel or move their home even within the state.

Rules for moving interstate which hampered moving houses

Almost all Australian states and territories implemented border control measures. So, if anyone wanted to cross any state border, they had to follow all the rules and stay in a mandatory quarantine period.

If someone was entering Tasmania, they could apply for exemptions, but if anyone failed to do that, they would have to stay in 14 days quarantine in government-managed accommodation. 

People who were entering Northern Territory also had to enter two weeks forced quarantine. They could however apply for an exemption, but they have other conditions too.

If someone was entering South Australia, they had to answer questions regarding entering the state at the border checkpoints. Anyone who was entering had to give them all the details like where the person was staying, and that person should enter a self-quarantine for two weeks.

One needed an entry pass if you were heading to Queensland. You might be turned back if they couldn’t find your entry pass or if they were not satisfied.

The borders of Western Australia were closed. So without exemption, if you wanted to enter, you might be turned away. Western Australia also had restrictions for travelling within the state.

“Moving homes was like walking on a tightrope” remarked a seasoned mover at CBD Movers. He further added “Following the COVID Safe Plan, carrying out a no contact move and keeping safe while offering services at affordable prices was indeed a test.” Moving was considered an essential service since people had already booked moves, provided a notice of vacation to the existing landlord, booked vacate cleaning services and deposited advance rent and lease money with the future prospective landlord.

The number of people allowed to move home was restricted. According to every state's rules maintaining social distancing is necessary. 

For COVID Safe Australia, the Federal Government announced its 3-Step Framework on 8 May. This framework outlined how restrictions would have been eased in future.

A large number of Australians were working remotely due to social distancing restrictions which results in temporary reduction of demand for the relocation of offices and other business premises. However, the ease of restrictions under the 3-Step Framework of Federal Government helped to increase the demand for commercial and office removal services. 
 
Rules for moving overseas

Overseas travelling was totally banned to avoid the spread of coronavirus. The Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, said that "he can't see international travel occurring anytime soon". "The risks there are obvious," he added. For moving in and out flights are limited. If you wanted to leave in this situation, it would have become difficult to move with all your belongings.
 

Impact of the pandemic on moving industry

The Coronavirus has been a part of our life for several months, and no one knows how long it will continue to impact our lives and routine. Every industry has had to change the way they do business.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, there has been less movement within Australia. It is directly affecting the moving industries. People are not moving from one place to another due to fear and restrictions that have been imposed and a few of which might remain in force for a long time. A lot of cancellations for already booked moves was observed within the moving industry. New bookings however have picked up pace with the restrictions being lifted, the doctors finding a better line of treatment and community spread of the virus under control.

"The number of people helping should be kept minimum and, as far as practical, you should observe social distancing while helping them," as stated by Tasmanian Government's website. 

People are extremely concerned about the level of hygiene the team of moving industry will provide. Although Moving companies have been taking all the precautions laid down by federal and health authorities from time to time.

According to industry statistics the moving business size is almost $2bn providing employment to more than 20,000 people within Australia. There are more than 14,000 big and small moving companies active within the Australian market. The future for all those associated with domestic, international and commercial moving is bright as the business is expected to grow owing to the improved demand from the residential property market and increasing demands from rising business relocations expected to happen in due course of time.

The slump in business being experienced within the moving industry is temporary and will subside once the economy is back on track. Corona Virus isn’t dead as yet however the line of treatment being followed by Doctors and Caregivers all across the world has helped in bringing down the mortality rate.

795-797 PLENTY ROAD,
SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752

CBD Movers is one of the leading removalists in Australia. The company is deeply entrenched in the country. We have an extensive network spanning across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide. The company’s widespread infrastructure, state-of-the-art moving equipment and highly skilled staff make us the preferred removalist.

This release was published on openPR.