What a removals survey is and why we ask for one

A removals survey helps us understand what you are moving, where it needs to go and what the job will involve. This article covers what we look at, what we will ask you and how to prepare, so you know what to expect.

The survey gives us the detail we need to plan the right team, vehicle, equipment and timings. It also brings access problems, fragile items and anything needing special care to light well before moving day.

What actually happens during a removals survey

A survey is a practical walk round your home. We can visit in person, or you can show us around by video on your phone. Either way, we look at what needs moving and note anything that will affect the job.

We go through each room with you. We also check the loft, garage, shed and garden if you have them. Those spaces are easy to overlook, and they often hold more than people expect.

We note which furniture may need dismantling and putting back together, and we record fragile, heavy or awkward items that need special handling. You can tell us what you are taking and what you are leaving behind. If some of it needs to go into store between two homes, say so at the survey, because removals and storage works best when both halves of the job are planned together.

We will ask about your new address too. Useful details there are parking, stairs, lifts and how far we will need to carry your belongings. If you do not know everything yet, that is fine. Tell us what you do know.

A survey usually takes well under an hour for a typical home. It takes longer if the property is large or there are several storage areas.

The things we look at that have nothing to do with boxes

A survey is not only about how much you have. We also need to see how easily we can get everything from your home to the van.

We check where the van can park and how close it can get to your door. If parking is restricted, we work out whether you need a permit or a parking suspension. A long walk to the van adds time, especially with heavy furniture.

Inside, we look at stairs, narrow hallways and doorways. We check tight corners on staircases and measure the lift if there is one. We also note where floor protection is needed.

Large items get the closest attention. A wardrobe or a sofa may have been built inside the room, or carried in before a bannister went on. If something will not fit out the way it came in, we can plan to dismantle it or talk through another safe option with you.

This matters most on South London terraced streets, where parking is tight, and in flats above the ground floor. It is why a move handled by our removals in Balham team starts with a look at the street as well as the rooms. Access affects how long the move takes and how many people we send.

Why we ask for a survey before we quote

A room count only tells us part of the story. Two homes with the same number of rooms can hold very different amounts of furniture and boxes.

If we guess from a room count, the quote can drift once we see the real contents and the real access. Nobody wants that conversation on moving day.

A survey gives us the detail to put a figure in front of you that we will stand behind. It helps us send the right size van and the right number of people. It also lets us tell you honestly if the day needs to start earlier than you expected.

The survey is useful for you as well. You can ask us questions, raise any concerns and see how we work before you commit to anything. There is no charge for it and it puts you under no obligation.

How to get the most out of your survey

• Open up the loft, garage and shed before we arrive.
• Have a rough idea of what is being left behind or sold.
• Tell us about anything fragile, very heavy or valuable.
• Know your moving date, or the window you are working to, even roughly.
• Say if the new place has restricted parking, stairs or a lift.

Frequently asked questions

Does a survey have to be done in person?

No. We can often carry one out by video call, from photos, or from a clear list of your belongings. For larger or more complicated moves we may suggest visiting your home so we can see everything properly.

How long before the move should the survey happen?

Arrange it as soon as you have a likely moving date or a rough window. That gives us time to understand the job, check availability and prepare an accurate quote.

Will the quote change after the survey?

Our quote is based on what you show and tell us during the survey. If the amount being moved or the access arrangements change later, let us know and we will explain whether the quote needs updating.

If you are planning a move in South London or further out, tell us what you need and when you hope to move. We will ask a few questions and arrange a survey where one is useful. To start that off, fill in the form on our get a quote page.