Confused on whether moving house is allowed during Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne? Your questions answered.
It’s okay to be confused
The Victorian government’s announcement of Stage 4 restrictions came as a surprise to many and many of the new rules had the majority of us confused. Leading up to the introduction of Stage 4 restrictions, we’ve had a whole bunch of rule changes. If that wasn’t confusing enough, when the Victorian government first announced the Stage 4 restrictions no one knew which industries were to operate, and which ones were to shut. With so many new rules being introduced and being changed, many are finding it very difficult to keep up with the latest change in rules. One of the common questions among those living in the state of Victoria (especially Melbourne metro) is “Am allowed to move houses during Stage 4 restrictions?”
We answer whether you’re allowed to move houses during Stage 4 restrictions, and what can and can’t be done during your move. We’ll also answer a few frequently asked questions and cover a few points on how to move safely in the midst of an outbreak.
Your concerns about Stage 4 house moving are well warranted
One week into Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne, we’re counting 253 Coronavirus lockdown related fines to individuals. Fines for breaching some of the restrictions range from as little as $200, to maximum of $20,000 for individuals if taken to the magistrate’s court. Given these numbers, your concerns are well warranted and it’s good to see that you are wanting to do the right thing by the law. Find out more about fines for breaches from the Victorian Government website.
“Can I move houses during Stage 4 Restrictions?”
In the simplest form, the answer is – “YES” (However there are some conditions to be mentioned later on.)
Don’t take my word for it, take Daniel Andrews’ word. “I don’t want to see people who are supposed to move from one place to another because the lease has run out, unable to do so.”
On a second thought… that’s kind of more confusing. Thanks, Dan, but no thanks. I’ve got something more solid for you so you don’t have to worry. The following table is from the Department of Health And Human Services (DHHS) Victoria: Business and industry: Stage 4 restrictions page where the state government has listed permitted workplace/industry under Melbourne’s Stage 4 restrictions.
As you can see, as of 11,59pm Wednesday 5th of August “Services related to property settlement or end-of-lease are permitted,” “Including removalists.” So yes, you’re not breaking any rules for moving houses in Melbourne during Stage 4 restrictions, and yes – you are allowed to hire removalists for your house moving in Melbourne. There are some conditions that you should be aware of though……
“Yes,” BUT there are some strings attached
I did mention that the simple and the shortest answer to the question “Can I or Am I allowed to move houses in Melbourne during Stage 4 restrictions,” was a “yes.” However, I did also mention that there are some conditions attached.
Obeying Melbourne curfew
Melbourne-wide curfew is still in place: A curfew is in place between the hours of 8 pm and 5 am every night during Melbourne’s Stage 4 Restrictions. While it is okay to move houses and use removalist services, your move will have to take place during the allowable time frame.
Mandatory face masks during house moving
Removalists and anyone partaking in house moving in Melbourne will be required to wear a face-covering. All Victorian residents are required to wear facemask / face-covering when outside their homes. This also applies to your house moving activities. Do exercise your commonsense and wear a facemask indoor if you are moving houses. Here is a video link on how to wear a facemask correctly. (Many people wear facemasks incorrectly, and a viewing is recommended.)
Socially distanced house removals
Social distancing rules apply: Social distancing rules still apply. Ensure that you are 1.5m apart. This ensures not only your safety but also the safety of the removalist team members. You also can’t have your neighbours or have your mate from work travel to your home to help out with your move. Where possible, consider using a zero contact removalist service. Find out more about Contactless Removalist Services.
Mandatory self-isolation may limit house moving
If you have been tested positive to COVID19, you still need to self isolate. Unfortunately, if you or a member of the family tested positive to COVID19 – you should continue self-isolate and not partake in the house moving activity. If all of the household members tested positive, then your only option might be to inform your removalist company and opt in on a Contactless Removalist Service.
Frequently asked questions about Stage 4 removals
There are a few questions that many ask in regards to moving houses during Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne. Most have to do with clarification of the new restrictions. Contact us, if you have further questions regarding your move.
- “Can I move house outside of the 5K radius?”
“Yes.” Metro Melbourne residents can move to a new home outside of the 5K radius of their current primary residence provided that there is a contract or agreement in place. - “Can I sell or buy a house during Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne?”
“Yes.” However, inspections will have to take place online. Normal auctions are banned and online auctions take its place. - “I have not received my result for my COVID19 test yet, can I partake in the move?”
“No, you should self-isolate and leave the house moving to the other members who have not tested positive to the virus. If no one from your household is available to partake in the move, request a contactless removal and inform the removalist of your current situation.” - “I have a fever, can I still help with the move?
“No, You should get yourself tested for COVID19 and self-isolate until you receive your result.”
Is it safe to move during COVID19 Outbreak?
The short answer is a “Yes.” A longer version of the answer reads something like this. “It depends on whether you and your removalist are well educated on how to keep everyone safe and follow some simple yet straightforward rules.”
It’s a two-way street. You and your removalists keep each other safe by.
- Having the correct set of knowledge about the virus.
Have a sound understanding of the virus, how it spreads and how to prevent person to person spread. - Keeping social distance at all times.
Staying at least 1.5m away from each other. Removalists also need to practice social distancing at depots and in offices. - Consistently maintaining excellent hygiene level.
Washing hands and sanitising hands as required. - Correct use of facemasks.
Incorrect use of facemasks actually increases the chance of infection. By learning and practising the correct use of facemasks you can minimise the spread of the virus.
As mentioned earlier, it’s a two-way street. You and your removalists both need to get these 4 elements right in order to keep each other safe if you want to move houses during COVID19 pandemic. If you plan on house moving in Melbourne during the Stage 4 restrictions or during the COVID19, I strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with safe moving tips during COVID19 outbreak. It will prevent the spread of the virus, and keep you and your family safe.
In conclusion
With so many changes happening so quickly, it’s not so easy to get a clear idea on what is allowed and what isn’t allowed. For those of you, who weren’t sure whether house moving is allowed during the Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne, you now have your answer. Not only that house moving is allowed, you have learnt that house moving during COVID19 can also be safe, so long as all the parties involved in the move are well educated and stick to a few simple rules. If you are seriously considering moving houses during the outbreak / Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne, I would strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with safe moving tips during COVID19 outbreak. Remember that your safety is at the hands of your removalists, and vice versa.
