Are Movers Considered an Essential Service? What You Need to Know Before You Book
We often overlook the crucial role moving companies play—until we need to relocate. Behind the scenes, movers are helping families start fresh, supporting businesses during major transitions, and enabling people to respond quickly to life’s unexpected turns. Whether it’s the end of a lease, the sale of a home, or a job relocation, moving is not always a matter of convenience—it’s often a necessity.
This brings us to a common question: Are movers considered an essential service?
The answer is yes—and for good reason. Especially during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, governments designated moving companies as essential services, recognizing their integral role in maintaining societal and economic stability. In this article, we’ll break down what that means, why movers like Aleks Moving are so vital, and what you should know before booking your next move.
What Does It Mean to Be an “Essential Service”?
In times of emergency or national crisis, certain services must remain operational to support the health, safety, and basic needs of the public. These are known as essential services. Governments determine which businesses fall into this category to maintain order and ensure communities can still function.
Essential services typically include:
- Healthcare and emergency medical services
- Food production and distribution
- Public transportation
- Utilities and sanitation
- Moving and logistics services
By contrast, non-essential services might include entertainment venues, gyms, salons, and certain retail stores—businesses that, while important, can temporarily suspend operations without endangering public welfare.
Why Moving Companies Are Classified as Essential
So why do moving companies make the cut?
Moving services are the backbone of both personal and commercial infrastructure. Whether people are transitioning into new homes or businesses are restructuring to adapt to economic shifts, movers are key to keeping everything moving—literally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments across Canada and other nations confirmed this by officially designating movers as essential.
Movers support:
- Housing markets by facilitating seamless transitions between buyers and sellers
- Job markets by enabling employees to relocate for new positions
- Public safety by helping individuals avoid homelessness or unsafe living conditions
- Business continuity by moving commercial assets, equipment, and inventory when needed
Without professional movers, these critical transitions would be difficult, delayed, or even impossible during times when speed and safety are of the essence.
Top Reasons People Still Need to Move During Crises
Emergencies don’t put life on hold. In fact, they often accelerate the need to relocate. Here are just a few reasons people find themselves needing to move, even during lockdowns or natural disasters:
1. Lease Expirations and Rental Obligations
Many tenants must move due to leases ending. Landlords may not renew contracts, and tenants must vacate—pandemic or not.
2. Real Estate Transactions
Buying or selling a home often comes with legal and financial deadlines that can’t be pushed back. Movers ensure these timelines are met.
3. Job Relocations or Remote Work Shifts
Professionals may be hired for roles in new cities or may decide to move to more affordable locations if working remotely.
4. Medical or Family Emergencies
From needing to be closer to an aging parent to seeking specialized medical treatment, these situations demand fast and efficient relocations.
In each case, moving companies provide the structure, manpower, and logistics to make these critical transitions possible.
The Importance of Keeping Moving Services Operational
Keeping movers in business during challenging times isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential to keeping society functioning. When movers can operate, people can continue to live safely, work effectively, and support their families.
Here’s how:
- Ensuring access to safe housing: Movers help prevent people from being stranded without a place to live.
- Supporting essential workers: Healthcare professionals and emergency responders often rely on movers when relocating for work.
- Preventing cascading crises: If people can’t move, it could lead to overcrowding, health risks, and delays in important services.
- Facilitating business logistics: From warehouses to retail shops, businesses depend on movers to shift resources where they’re needed most.
These reasons illustrate why governments are quick to ensure that moving companies remain operational, even when other industries are paused.
What This Means for Your Move: Planning and Booking
Just because movers are essential doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to book them. Understanding the nuances of moving during uncertain times will help you plan smarter and relocate with confidence.
Availability During Challenging Times
Most professional moving companies, like Aleks Moving, continue to serve clients even during lockdowns or crises. However, demand often spikes, especially when restrictions begin to ease. This makes early booking essential, even for last-minute moves.
It’s also important to check local and provincial regulations, as service availability may differ slightly based on current guidelines or health orders.
Booking Considerations and Safety Protocols
When booking a move, be sure to ask:
- Is the company licensed and insured?
- What health and safety protocols are in place (e.g., sanitization, PPE)?
- Do they offer contactless services or virtual estimates?
- What’s the cancellation or rescheduling policy if circumstances change?
A professional mover like Aleks Moving prioritizes safety, efficiency, and transparency, making them a trusted partner during uncertain times.
Movers Are More Than Just a Convenience
To wrap it up, moving companies are essential because relocation is often essential. Whether you’re facing a job change, housing need, or personal emergency, the ability to move is a fundamental part of maintaining your livelihood. Movers don’t just transport belongings—they enable life to keep progressing.
Companies like Aleks Moving play a vital role in this system. With professional Kitchener Movers, up-to-date safety standards, and a customer-first approach, they’re not just helping people move—they’re helping people move forward.
Ready to make your next move stress-free and secure?
Let Aleks Moving handle it all. As experienced Kitchener movers, they understand the urgency and care needed for essential relocations. Their team offers timely, reliable, and professional service, whether you’re moving across town or across the province. With transparent pricing and a strong commitment to safety, you can trust Aleks Moving to deliver peace of mind along with your belongings.
Don’t delay—contact Aleks Moving today to book your move with the experts who care.
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