Moving companies have been busier than you’d think

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — Even during the pandemic when everyone is being urged to stay home, there are people who are moving.

Moving companies are considered essential businesses and they have been busier than you think.

Lisa Rivard runs Gentle Giant Moving & Storage company’s COVID-19 task force.

“We want to make sure we are keeping our employees and our customers safe while we can still perform the move”, said Rivard.

Rivard says kits were put together that includes “spray disinfectant. Paper towels. They wipe down the truck every stop.”

There are also gloves and face coverings that are easier to wear while working. Customers are also asked to dedicate a bathroom for the movers. Rivard says, “they bring their own soap so we know the guys can wash their hands as much as they need to and they have the supply.”

The employees also have their temperature taken when they report to work.

“We do screen questions on do they have any symptoms. Have they been near anyone with a positive,” said Rivard.

Even though business is down about 40 percent, the pandemic is also creating work for a variety of reasons from people losing their jobs and needing lower housing costs to working remotely having an impact on their housing needs.

The moving company’s CEO Tom O’Gorman says “We are certainly getting more calls for away from the city center. Maybe it is just to a second home in some cases. I think people want to get out of the city and wait it out and see how this plays out over the coming months."

Gentle Giant says with the lighter workload they are also helping food banks and nonprofits with moving assistance.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

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