A home removal survey is a short visit, usually free, in which an experienced estimator walks through your home, notes what is moving and checks access at both addresses. It is the step that turns a rough guess into a firm, accurate quote. It also gives you the chance to ask questions and talk through anything that is worrying you about the move.
Some people are tempted to skip the survey and accept a price based on a room count over the phone. That can work for a very small move, but for most homes it is where problems start. This guide explains what happens during a home removal survey, what the surveyor is looking for and how to get the most from it.
In short: a survey lets your removals company work out the volume of your belongings, the right vehicle and crew size, any access problems and which extra services you need. The more complete the picture you give, the more accurate your quote and the smoother your moving day.
Why Is a Home Removal Survey Important?
Every move is different. Two three bedroom houses can hold very different amounts of furniture, and a first floor flat with a lift is a very different job from one reached by a narrow spiral staircase. A survey matters because it shapes three things.
- The price. Your quote is built from the volume of goods, the number of crew needed, the time the job takes and any extra services. A survey means the price reflects your actual move.
- The plan. Our fleet ranges from 3.5 tonne Luton vans to 17 tonne purpose built removal vehicles. Choosing the right one, and the right number of people, keeps the day efficient and avoids a second trip.
- The surprises. Or rather, the lack of them. Awkward access, a piano nobody mentioned or a loft full of boxes can derail a move that was quoted blind.
Our UK removal costs guide goes into what drives the price up or down, and why a surveyed quote is the one worth comparing.
What Does the Surveyor Look At?
Volume and type of belongings
The surveyor goes room by room, including the loft, garage, shed, garden and any storage cupboards. They estimate the total volume, note large or heavy pieces and look for items that need special handling, such as antiques, artwork, glass tabletops or a piano or other musical instrument.
Access at both properties
Access has a big effect on how long a move takes. The surveyor checks:
- Where the vehicle can park and whether a parking permit or suspension is needed
- The distance from the vehicle to your front door
- Stairs, lifts, narrow hallways and tight turns
- Whether large furniture will fit through doors and up staircases, or needs dismantling
- Any restrictions at the new address, such as a shared entrance, a gravel drive or a narrow lane
If the surveyor cannot visit your new home, describe it as fully as you can. Photos of the entrance, stairs and street help a great deal. Local knowledge helps too, whether it is a cobbled street in Chester or a busy road in Liverpool city centre, and our area guide to moving in Chester, the Wirral and Ellesmere Port shows why.
Packing, dismantling and storage needs
The surveyor will ask whether you want to pack yourself, have us pack everything, or something in between. They will note which furniture needs taking apart and putting back together, and whether you need storage because your dates do not line up. Container storage is often the answer when there is a gap between leaving one home and moving into the next, as our guide to container storage versus self storage explains.
Loft and outbuilding safety
For safety and insurance reasons, our team can only work in a loft with a fitted ladder or staircase, solid boarding and proper lighting. The survey is the right time to check this, so you know whether you need to bring items down yourself beforehand.
How Should You Prepare for a Home Removal Survey?
- Decide what is not coming. Anything you are selling, donating or throwing away should not be counted. If you are still deciding, say so.
- Open every door. Include the loft, garage, shed, cellar and under stairs cupboard. Forgotten spaces are the most common reason a move overruns.
- Mention anything unusual. Heavy safes, gym equipment, large plants, hot tubs and very valuable items all affect the plan.
- Bring details of your new home. Floor plans, photos and notes on parking and access are all useful.
- Have your dates to hand. Even if completion is not confirmed, give your target week so availability can be checked.
- Write down your questions. It is easy to forget them once the visit starts.
What Questions Should You Ask During the Survey?
- What exactly is included in the quote, and what would cost extra?
- How many crew members and which size of vehicle will you send?
- What insurance cover applies to my belongings in transit?
- Can you supply packing materials, and when would they be delivered?
- What happens if my completion date moves?
- Are there any items you cannot take?
For a wider checklist of what to ask any removals firm, see our article on how to choose the right removals company. The British Association of Removers also publishes consumer guidance on moving home that is worth reading before you book.
What Happens After the Survey?
You will receive a written quotation setting out the services included, your moving date or date range, and any conditions. Read it carefully and check that everything discussed has been included, particularly packing, dismantling, storage and any specialist items. If something has changed since the visit, such as extra furniture or a new address, let your removals company know straight away so the quote can be updated.
Once you have booked, the next job is packing. Our room by room guide on how to pack for a house move will help you get started, and our guide to what to expect on moving day explains how the day itself unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a home removal survey take?
Most surveys take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the size of your home and how many specialist items are involved.
Is a home removal survey free?
At Cheshire Moving & Storage, the home survey and quotation are free and come with no obligation to book.
Do I need a survey for a small move?
Not always. A small flat or partial move can sometimes be quoted from a detailed description and photos. For most houses, a survey gives a far more reliable price.
Should I tidy up before the surveyor arrives?
No. The surveyor needs to see how much you really have, so it is better to leave cupboards as they are than to hide items that will need moving.
What if I remember something after the survey?
Tell your removals company as soon as possible. Adding items before moving day is easy to plan for. Discovering them on the day can mean delays.
Book Your Free Home Survey
Our estimators cover the Wirral, Cheshire, Liverpool and the wider North West, and can advise on moves anywhere in the UK or overseas. Call 0151 343 1264 or request your free quote online and we will arrange a time that suits you.
