If you’re trying to set up a consultation or an appointment with a mover during the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure to use digital tools to avoid exposure. When searching for movers online, ask if they’d be willing to do a video chat to assess the size of your move. This will be in place of the typical “walk-through” they perform, and they may be able to give you a price quote. You can also discuss safe strategies for completing the job during your call or video chat.

If you decide to hire a mover, consider making adjustments to accommodate current guidelines. This may involve staying outside while the mover works inside your home or letting the mover handle only parts of the move.

It’s important to follow social distancing guidelines while performing any service work. For example, do not make physical contact with the movers, maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you at all times, and use digital payments instead of cash or a check.

Your local city or state’s government website is a great resource if you’re trying to figure out whether a mover is considered an essential service provider during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For a source of national guidelines, visit the CISA website’s Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19. On this page, you’ll find 16 categories of critical infrastructure sectors. But note that some -- not all --  jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure. 

Most local moving companies are likely to accept some form of digital payment. Particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies are likely to conduct transactions through platforms like PayPal, Zelle, Square Cash, Venmo, Google Pay and more. 

To ensure the mover accepts a platform you can use, you can peruse the mover’s online profile and see what is listed there. You can also ask the mover about payment policies during a consultation call.

A mover will likely need to enter your home -- unless you’ve placed all of your belongings outside beforehand. To stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might to consider keeping all (or most) of the work outside and/or having at-risk individuals leave the house while the movers work. 

You can minimize exposure by doing a preliminary walk-through by video call instead of in person. Discuss your options with the top movers near you before hiring one.

Movers generally need to be present to do their job. But if you come across a mover’s profile that states they’re offering remote services, you can contact them to see what those services include. 

In Atlanta, the top movers range from $75 to over $100 per hour. This is an estimated cost that can fluctuate throughout the year and vary depending on several factors. Factors that can impact the cost of your move include whether you need flat-rate or hourly movers, specific moving services (i.e. packing services or moving boxes) or additional movers to load your belongings. 

First, you’ll want to compare the best moving companies Atlanta has to offer. When comparing, check the estimated costs. When you see movers who might fit your budget, read their profiles and reviews. Keep an eye out for movers who respond quickly and arrive on time. If you’re moving within Georgia, make sure the moving company you choose has a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. You can check by reaching out to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

The best long-distance moving companies in Atlanta will have a familiarity with the Georgia area and know how to manage some of the challenges of an Atlanta move, such as peak traffic times and high temperatures. You might also want to hire movers who are skilled in packing quickly and carefully, as well as efficiently relocating your belongings.

For moves within Georgia, you can check the Georgia Department of Public Safety website for more information on licensed movers in the state.

When researching the best long-distance moving companies in Atlanta, compare reviews and ratings. Pay attention to reviews that mention the movers’:

• Quality of work. Have customers complained about their belongings being damaged during the move?
• Punctuality. Are the movers known to show up on time?
• Professionalism. Were the movers nice, respectful and responsible? 

After you’ve narrowed down your top picks, reach out to the movers and ask for estimates.

The cost to move across the country from Atlanta may vary depending on various factors. For example, the long-distance movers you choose when moving from Atlanta to Seattle or moving from Atlanta to New York may charge you different rates based on your destination. They may also charge a flat hourly rate. The cost will also depend on the company you choose and the time of year.

To find out how much it will cost you to move across the country, contact the top movers in Atlanta.