The survey is a key component of the moving process because it helps the removals company accurately assess the volume and nature of items you need to move, the items that need dismantling and reassembling and the protective equipment needed for your furniture and to see any access related information. It allows them to provide an accurate quote for their services and to plan the logistics of your move. Here’s what you can expect during a removals survey:
The survey usually begins with the scheduling process. Once you contact a removal company and express interest in their services, they will arrange a convenient time to conduct the survey. This can be done either in person or virtually, depending on the company’s practices and your availability and location. They will require your addresses, information about any packing services you may need and your contact information. They will also ask for information about your move date, to make sure they have availability before the survey is carried out.
An in-person survey involves a visit from a surveyor who is typically a trained and experienced removals assessor. Here’s what happens during an in-person survey:
Walk-Through: The surveyor will walk through your home with you, room by room, noting all the items that need to be moved. This includes furniture, personal belongings, and any special items such as pianos, artwork, or antiques that may require special handling. They will also make a note of items you want dismantling or that need to be dismantled in order to get them out of the property.
Assessment of Access: The surveyor will also assess the access to your property, checking for any potential obstacles such as narrow stairs, small lifts, difficult parking or a long walk from the palace you can park to the property entrance. This information is crucial for planning the plan for your move, such as determining the size of vans needed and the Team needed to ensure your move is completed on time.
Discussion of Services: You will have the opportunity to discuss various service options, such as packing service, storage options and packing materials. It is a good time to ask any other questions such as information about insurance. As well as this, you will find that a surveyor has almost always been a removals team leader before becoming a surveyor so they will often be able to give you tips and advice on packing, protecting items and tips for ways to save you time on move day. This is a good time to raise any specific concerns or requirements you might have regarding move day.
Virtual surveys have become more common, especially during and since the Covid pandemic and are particularly useful in situations where an in-person visit is not feasible. A virtual survey involves:
Video Walk-Through: Using a smartphone or tablet, you will guide the surveyor through your home via a video call, showing them all the items you need to move. They may ask you to open cupboards etc, to ensure that everything is accounted for.
Remote Assessment: Just like in-person surveys, the surveyor will take notes on the volume and type of items and discuss the logistics and services you require.
Flexibility and Convenience: Virtual surveys can often be more flexible and quicker to arrange than in-person visits, however there is always an increased risk of not getting the move quote right, as it is not as easy to see everything or to see any potential access related issues.
Sometimes for smaller moves, companies request a list of items or photo’s of items to determine a quote. This should only be used for smaller moves or as a way to get an initial quote. A survey of some sort should always be carried out, especially for sale day moves as access and having the right equipment is an important factor that cannot be gaged using a list.
Based on the survey, whether in-person or virtual, the surveyor will calculate the total volume of your belongings in cubic feet or cubic meters. This calculation helps in determining the size and number of the vehicles needed and the amount of packing material required.
Following the survey, the removals company will provide you with a detailed quote. This quote should include all aspects of the move, from a plan for packing and transportation to any additional services like storage or special handling needs. The quote will also outline the estimated time needed for the move.
The removals survey is a critical step in the moving process. It ensures that the removal company fully understands your needs and can provide a precise quote and efficient service tailored to your specific situation. By knowing what to expect during a survey, you can prepare adequately, making the survey process smooth and effective, which in turn helps ensure that your moving day goes as smoothly as possible.
Our team is always happy to answer any questions you may have, even if you are not planning to move just yet. Be sure to give us a ring at 0117 259 1010.
