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How to move house safely during the coronavirus pandemic

moving house safely during the coronavirus pandemic

One of the key queries we’ve had from both potential buyers/sellers, and also from our existing clients in the midst of the property purchasing process, is how on earth can they actually move house safely during the coronavirus pandemic? We’ve had clients all up-to-date with paperwork, ready for exchange, but wondering how to actually get going. Here, we give you some tips and advice if you find yourself in that position…

MOVING HOUSE DURING COVID-19

With the housing market now tentatively re-opening, people are also now feeling able to start to move in and out of properties, with many people requiring removal services. We believe that whilst there are no strict guidelines when it comes to being able to move house safely during the coronavirus pandemic at the moment, most reputable local removals companies have put their own safety measures in place to protect both their removals team and their clients.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR REMOVALS COMPANY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC?

The actions taken by each removals company may vary from company to company, but in general they should all follow roughly the same agenda. Understandably some removals firms may not be operating at the moment, or may be offering a reduced service due to staff shortages etc, so it’s important to contact them and get them booked in ASAP.

ASSESSMENTS

Before a quote is provided, removals companies generally need to assess the size and number of items you have to move. This initial consultation is now occurring quite often via video calling, and during the call removals firms may also ask about the current health of family members involved in the move. If the consultation cannot be held via video chat, then the removals team and homeowners will need to respect social distancing guidelines and follow similar guidance to that for house viewings, with all windows and doors open where possible, PPE worn and access to handwashing facilities available.

PACKING

To avoid unnecessary touchpoints, our government has advised that households try to pack as many of their belongings themselves (probably ruling out packing services that are usually available from removals firms) and that they should clean them with disinfectant if they’re are to be handled by others. If you can’t pack your own belongings, or there are certain items that you cannot pack, you should discuss these with the removals firm well in advance.

ON MOVING DAY 

As mentioned previously, the government has advised homeowners to follow similar social distancing practices to those for house viewings. To protect everyone, most removals companies are also operating using some degree of personal protective equipment (PPE). At a minimum, this should include a mask and gloves. Removal persons should also be given access to handwashing facilities should they need them, and to reduce the likelihood of homeowners and removals people coming into direct contact with one another, some companies may politely ask for the homeowners to vacate the property or stay in another room. The government has also advised that no refreshments should be given or accepted on moving days, so the usually appreciated cups of tea/coffee aren’t allowed sadly!

Once you have keys to your new property, removals companies will probably ask you to confirm where you would like everything placed within it beforehand (use of a floorplan is good here), so they can do this without you actually being in the building. The final paperwork for the moving job will then be left in a secure location, and if anything needs signing it should be done so using your own pen.

CLEANING YOUR NEW PROPERTY

To make your new home safe once you’re in, it’s wise to give it a thorough clean to disinfect any surfaces. You should focus on cleaning all door handles, cupboard handles, kitchen counters, bannisters and light switches, as well as the usual floors, windows and other surfaces. And don’t forget your new key! Keys are known germ carriers, so when you are picking up your new keys be sure to disinfect them with spray and to wash your hands well afterwards. Although no one should be moving home if they have confirmed symptoms of COVID-19, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When unpacking your belongings, it may also be wise to re-disinfect any belongings handled by the removal agency, and to dispose of boxes too.

WHEN NOT TO MOVE

People who are vulnerable or shielding should weigh up the risk of moving house during the pandemic, and where possible have been advised to postpone their move until it is safer for them to do so. People who are isolating or who have symptoms of the coronavirus should NEVER do any of the following: attending any viewings, having buyers view their property, meet with estate agents or even go through with moving day, no matter how inconvenient it is. Your agent i.e. us or your solicitor will be able to advise further if this is the case. You must delay your move to a date where all members of your household have come to the end of their isolation period. 

If you have any other queries involving moving house right now, then please give us a call for a chat and we can hopefully put your mind at ease.

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Lewis McKale

Director, Residential Sales, Lettings & New Homes

lewis@propertycompanygroup.com

lewis@bromleypropertycompany.com

07507 656 668

020 8462 7155

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Lewis has over 20 years experience in the property industry. As a young negotiator he worked for large South East London Estate Agency and he also worked his way up to Associate Director at a City based Estate Agency by the time he was 25.

He jointly owned and sold a successful business in the East End of London before deciding to come back to his roots and set up Bromley Property Company in late 2016.

Lewis is a life long Bromley Borough resident and hails from West Wickham where he attended Wickham Common Primary School and then Hayes Secondary School.

He's married with three children, all of whom attend local schools. Both himself and his wife are very active with local autistic charities helping with various events.

Football plays a big part in his life, playing for Charlton Athletic youth team in his early days and he is an avid supporter of Bromley FC.

The competitive drive that pushes him on is what helps fuel his passion for the business. This and his in-depth knowledge of the borough is a great combination which helps deliver the results his clients have come to expect.

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Kyle Peters

Director, Land & Commercial

kyle@propertycompanygroup.com

020 8462 7155

07801 577 782

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In a career spanning more than 20 years Kyle has bought, sold and let Real Estate of all types and sizes in every sector of property industry. Throughout this time he was a long serving founder member of one of the South East’s most successful Commercial & Development property agencies. In addition to a successful agency career he has held senior client-side positions in asset & property management and investment and development acquisitions affording Kyle a holistic viewpoint and greater understanding of the entire process than some agents.

Technically knowledgeable and with a keen eye for detail he has a deep understanding of how to effectively market a property and revels in getting amongst the strategy of a transaction to ensure his clients expectations are regularly exceeded.

With a natural flair for identifying development opportunities and adding value Kyle works regularly with a number of clients on acquisitions and development & planning consultancy and has specialisms in the retirement, care and affordable housing sectors.

Born and raised in the Bromley area, outside of work Kyle enjoys spending as much time as possible with his young family, travelling and all things car related.

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Stuart Jackson

Sales & Lettings

stuart@bromleypropertycompany.com

020 8462 7155

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Stuart has worked in the property industry for 10 years now.

Previously working in the East End of London specialising in Shoreditch and The City but deciding to come back to his roots and work in Bromley, Stuart brings his enthusiasm, knowledge and hard work to the company and local Bromley residents will all benefit from this.

Stuart is also a local lad that grew up in Keston, attending Keston Primary School and Hayes Secondary School so his local knowledge is second to none. Currently living in Shortlands Stuart prides himself on his excellent customer service levels and is always available to talk about property and will accommodate viewings whenever he can 7 days a week.

Stuart works very close with Lewis in ensuring that Bromley Property Company offer a customer service unlike any other local estate agent making sure all of our clients be it Vendors, Landlords, Buyers or Tenants are all looked after and dealt with in the best way possible.

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Angela McKale

Admin & Marketing
 

angela@bromleypropertycompany.com

020 8462 7155

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Angela has worked supporting Lewis and his team for the last 5 years now and has taken the admin side of the business over and helps to ensure that our clients are given a service that is as efficient as possible.

She is responsible for that majority of the companies marketing and she also looks after the properties on our website as well as ensuring our clients are written to promptly.

Helping to run diaries for the team and ensuring everyone is kept on their toes is a real help and she helps keep things organised and ensures the business runs as efficiently as possible.

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Trevor Doran

Head of Property Management

management@bromleypropertycompany.com

07740 055 025

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Trevor has over 30 years’ experience in maintaining and managing properties.
20 years in the home improvement industry rising to director level served him well as a landlord and since 2009 owning and running his own business specialising purely in property letting and management.
A lifelong Bromley borough resident Trevor runs Bromley Property Company’s letting and management department and continues to operate at the highest possible levels of professionalism and service as the portfolio grows.
Sport and fitness play a big part in Trevor’s life as he tries to keep up with two athletic children currently in sixth form and university. He also follows the fortunes of the ever-improving Bromley FC.

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Amy has worked in Lettings and property management for 10 years starting as a Lettings Negotiator for a corporate Estate Agents in Dartford.

She then worked for an independent Estate Agent in Bexley as a Property Manager and then as Branch Manager for 3 years.

She took some time out when she had her daughter and started working again in Property Management 3 years ago.

Amy has a BA (Hons) Degree in Fashion and enjoys making clothes and she is also classically trained to Grade 6 in Piano.

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Becky Freeman

Digital Marketing & Social Media

becky@bromleypropertycompany.com

020 8462 7155

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Becky brings with her nearly a decade of digital marketing and multi-award nominated lifestyle blogging experience, and has worked with both household names and smaller companies to create content and enhance their social and online presence. She has appeared in various Interiors & lifestyle magazines, written for publications including The Guardian, and appeared on Channel 4’s ‘Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas’ winning her category of Christmas table styling!

After a disappointing experience trying to sell her house with a local high street agent, West Wickham-based Becky had heard great things about Bromley Property Company, swapped to us and quickly sold, and says she couldn't rate Lewis and his team's knowledge of the area and honest valuation highly enough.

As a bit of a property geek with a background in both business and lifestyle marketing, Becky is now on board to oversee all things digital for us through her agency Becky Freeman Digital.

Living and raising 3 children in the local area, Becky loves Bromley and all it has to offer a young family.

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Mary Radovanovich

MAAT, MICB PM.Dip., Accounts
 

mary@bromleypropertycompany.com

020 8462 7155

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Mary has been in the accounting industry for over 23 years and has a license with the AAT and ICB. Mary prides herself on excellent customer service and strongly believes in building a close working relationship with her clients.

Mary deals with the invoice payments and tax for the group as well as assisting with all aspects of accounting.