A removal survey turns belongings, access and timing into vehicle, crew and service requirements.
In this guide
A removal survey turns belongings, access and timing into vehicle, crew and service requirements. Show every storage area and unusual item; hidden volume produces weak quotes.
In short: the surveyor needs to see everything that is moving, hear about everything that is not, and understand how the crew will get in and out at both addresses. An accurate inventory is the basis for comparing quotes on equal terms, so prepare it before the first survey and give every firm the same information.
What the survey covers
The surveyor records furniture, boxes, dismantling, fragile/specialist items, access, parking, floors/lifts, walking distance, dates, destination and optional packing/storage. They may visit in person or use video and photos.
Prepare
- Open loft, garage, shed and storage areas safely.
- List items being sold or excluded.
- Identify heavy, valuable and awkward objects.
- Provide both-property access details.
- Mention building rules and uncertain dates.
- Decide who packs and dismantles.
Preparation checklist
| Area | What to show or list | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Loft | Boxes, cases, Christmas items, anything you cannot reach safely (describe it instead) | Loft contents are often missed and can add a lot of volume |
| Garage and shed | Tools, bikes, garden machinery, paint, fuel cans, shelving | Some items may be excluded or need emptying before they can travel |
| Garden | Pots, planters, furniture, play equipment, sheds or greenhouses you plan to take | Outdoor items can be heavy, dirty or need dismantling |
| Boxes | How many are packed, an estimate per room for the rest, and who is packing | Box count drives vehicle size and crew time |
| Large items | Height, width and depth of sofas, wardrobes, beds, tables and appliances | Dimensions show whether items fit the route and the vehicle |
| Access at both addresses | Stairs, lifts, narrow doors, parking, walking distance, low ceilings, road restrictions | The delivery end can be harder than the collection end |
Compare House Movers is building Move Planner, an app that keeps a room-by-room inventory with photos and notes in one place; contact us for pricing and availability.
Video or in-person survey
Both formats can work. Neither is automatically sufficient for every move, so ask the firm which it needs and why.
| Format | Tends to suit | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Video survey | Straightforward homes, clear access, a well-prepared inventory | Missed cupboards, poor sense of scale, outside access not shown |
| In-person survey | Large homes, awkward access, heavy or valuable items, storage needs | Arranging a time, and the surveyor still needs to see every area |
For virtual surveys, use a steady room-by-room route and show scale. Do not omit clutter behind doors or outside.
Photos that help, and what to keep out of shot
Useful photos: each room from the doorway, the inside of full cupboards, loft and garage contents, large items beside something that shows scale, the front door, stairs and turns, the lift, and where a van could stop at each address.
Keep private information out of photos and video: post and bank statements, passports and other documents, screens showing accounts or passwords, alarm panels and codes, key safes, safes, children’s names or school details, and close-ups of jewellery or other valuables. Describe valuables in writing instead.
Some items need extra planning before the survey. See the guides on rural moves and vehicle access, furniture that will not fit through the door and moving a marble or stone table.
After the survey
Check the written inventory and assumptions against your own list, then use it to compare removal quotes line by line. If belongings, access or date change, notify the mover and obtain a revised scope. A survey is not permission to add items until the vehicle is full.
FAQs
Should I show loft, garage and garden items?
Yes, including items likely to go. Mark exclusions explicitly.
What if belongings change?
Send an updated list promptly and request written confirmation of vehicle, crew, price and timing impact.
Suggested component
Use a Room-by-Room Removal Inventory with photo, dismantling, value and access fields.
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