As an international moving company, we are doing everything we can for our customers under the restrictions. And with one of the UPak team catching an emergency flight back to the UK after just moving to New Zealand – we know firsthand the impact of this uncertainty.

However, if you have found you have more time than previously planned for your move, we want to put some positivity into how you can use this time to make your move more affordable.

Depending on your reasons for moving abroad, you may have a relocation allowance provided by your job. At the very least, you should have a rough budget on how much you’re willing to spend on the process.

So, how can you use these extra months to your advantage in the meantime?

1. Book Cheaper Flights
If your flights were booked for lockdown, most airlines are offering refunds or new flights in the knowledge you can’t fly currently. With this in mind and no date for resuming normality, it could be worth accepting the refund rather than the new flight date.

Flight prices are expected to drop dramatically, with airlines desperate for their grounded planes to be full of passengers. The chances are, if you get a refund and then rebook your flights when the time suits you, you’ll save much more money than on the ticket you initially bought.

2. Research potential movers for the best deal
Having time on your side means you don’t have to rush into finding a mover for your needs and wants. The safety of your belongings shouldn’t be compromised, which is why shopping around is incredibly important when deciding to move anywhere.

On top of this, you’ll often find some movers are less transparent than others. Make sure the mover you go with has no-hidden-fees, and the price you are quoted is the price you pay when your shipment is delivered.

3. Save money on movers by packing yourself
Packing yourself is one of the easiest ways to save money on your move – and right now, you have the time to do just that. UPakWeShip is currently able to deliver pallets and U-Crates straight to your front door.

By having the service there with you, you can practice packing, have a better idea of the most efficient way to fit, and save yourself money by not paying for movers. Not only will it save you money, but having your service ready for collection when business resumes to normality puts you right at the front of the line!

UPakWeShip is continuing to offer services with certain limitations. Keep up-to-date via our Facebook page or email move@upakweship.com.

The post How to use this time to budget for your move abroad appeared first on UPakWeShip.

It goes without saying, that travel right now is the last thing you should be considering – no matter how cheap the fares are.

However, thousands of people around the world have no option. New jobs may be starting, houses have been bought and sold and for many, there’s no choice but to travel.

Staying hygienic is the optimum way to contain the spread of Coronavirus – not only to yourself but to those you come into contact with. Social distancing is pretty hard when you’re crammed on a flying metal tube, let’s face it.

However, just because you are traveling, it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get Covid-19.

Here are some ways to minimize its impact on you:

Make the most of empty airports and stock up

There aren’t many perks to flying right now, but the empty terminals means there is plenty of hand sanitizer, tissues, wipes and everything else you could possibly want to fly with right now. Whilst customers fight for the final bar of soap at your local supermarket, the airport has full stock.

Wipe down your space

If you can get a hold of them, use anti-bacterial wipes to clean your tray table, seat arms and even your seatbelt when you sit down. From then, you’ll be the only one to sit in it until you get off.

Use paper towels to avoid bathroom contamination

We’ve all experienced the toilets that you have to pull to open instead of push. Airplane toilets are notoriously fiddly. When in-flight, if you need to use the bathroom, wash your hands thoroughly (for twenty seconds) and then use a paper towel or toilet roll to open the door with, before throwing the paper away immediately and using hand sanitizer back at your seat. It may sound extreme, but you’ll be grateful to it if you avoid the virus.

What to do when you land

As soon as you reach solid ground and a shower, peel off and jump in. Throw your clothes into the wash and wipe down your suitcase. There is a lot of contrasting information on how long the virus can exist on surfaces and right now it is far better to be safe than sorry.

We all know the best way to contain the virus is to stay inside and uphold the social distancing regulations outlined by health professionals. However, for those who do need to travel, the most important thing is to maximize your hygiene and keep an eye on the local news from both your origin and destination.

Despite the current socioeconomic impact on businesses and the travel industry, UPakWeShip is proud to remain open. Keep an eye on our Facebook for general updates or contact us by phone for direct queries:

US: 1.866.868.6386

Europe: +31 (0)629 262 052

Canada: 306.382.8797

UK: 02030049700

The post How to Avoid the Coronavirus if You Need to Travel appeared first on UPakWeShip.