When you’re moving home, the removals quote shouldn’t be a guess.
A successful house move starts before moving day, and one of the most important early steps is the pre-move survey.
This is how a removals company understands exactly what needs to be moved, how the job should be planned, and what it will realistically cost.
If you’re booking a professional removals company, a pre-move survey is standard practice, and it’s carried out free of charge.
This guide explains what a pre-move survey is, how it works, how to prepare, and why it plays such a critical role in getting an accurate, stress-free moving quote.
Quick Answer (30 Seconds): What Is a Pre-Move Survey?
A pre-move survey is an assessment carried out by a removals company before providing a final moving quote.
It:
- Allows the company to see exactly what needs to be moved
- Identifies access issues, parking, stairs, or restrictions
- Flags items needing special packing or handling
- Ensures the correct vehicle size, crew, and equipment are planned
- Results in a far more accurate and reliable quote
Surveys can be done in person or via video, depending on your needs and timing.
What Is a Pre-Move Survey?
A pre-move survey is a detailed review of your home and belongings conducted by a trained removals surveyor.
During the survey, the removals company assesses:
- The volume and type of items being moved
- Furniture size and dismantling requirements
- Fragile, valuable, or specialist items
- Access to both the collection and delivery addresses
- Parking availability, staircases, lifts, and walking distances
The surveyor will typically look through:
- Living areas and bedrooms
- Kitchens and utility rooms
- Home offices
- Lofts, garages, sheds, and outbuildings
For the quote to be accurate, it’s essential that everything you plan to move is visible and discussed.
Why a Pre-Move Survey Is So Important
Without a survey, a removals quote is little more than an estimate.
A proper pre-move survey helps avoid:
- Under-sized vehicles
- Too few movers booked for the job
- Unexpected extra charges on moving day
- Delays caused by access or parking issues
- Stress caused by last-minute changes
For properties in Portsmouthand acrossHampshire, surveys are particularly important due to:
- Terraced streets
- Restricted parking
- Permit zones
- Flats with stairs or limited lift access
A survey allows these issues to be planned for in advance rather than dealt with under pressure.
How Long Does a House Removal Survey Take?
Most pre-move surveys take around 20–30 minutes.
The exact time depends on:
- Property size
- Number of rooms
- Volume of belongings
- Complexity of access
A small flat may take less time, while a larger family home or period property may require a more detailed assessment.
How to Prepare for a Pre-Move Survey
You don’t need to pack or tidy excessively, but a little preparation helps.
Before the survey:
- Make sure all rooms, cupboards, and storage areas are accessible
- Decide what is being moved and what isn’t
- Identify items needing special care (artwork, antiques, fragile items)
- Mention any access concerns you’re aware of
Honesty is important; unexpected items discovered later often lead to delays or revised costs.
What Questions Will Be Asked During the Survey?
The surveyor will usually ask about:
- Access and parking at both addresses
- Staircases, lifts, or long carries
- Moving dates and flexibility
- Packing requirements
- Storage needs (if any)
- Special items or unusual circumstances
This is also your opportunity to ask questions.
Common questions you may want to ask include:
- What is included in the quote?
- Is packing optional or recommended?
- Do you dismantle and reassemble furniture?
- What insurance cover is provided?
- How long will the move take?
Even if you don’t proceed with the quote, the survey is still valuable.
In-Person vs Video Pre-Move Surveys
In-Person Surveys
Best for:
- Larger homes
- Complex access
- High-value or specialist items
They allow the surveyor to physically assess everything in detail.
Video Surveys
Ideal if:
- You need a quote quickly
- Your schedule is tight
- The move is straightforward
A video survey still provides enough detail to produce an accurate quote when done properly.
Instant Video Surveys with Curtiss Moving & Storage
Curtiss offers Instant Video Surveys as an alternative to in-person visits.
This service:
- Removes waiting times
- Allows surveys to be completed remotely via video call
- Enables quotes to be provided within 24 hours
- Still delivers a detailed, accurate assessment
It’s particularly popular with busy households or short-notice moves across Portsmouth and Hampshire.
Why a Pre-Move Survey Leads to a Better Quote
Moving home is expensive, and clarity matters.
A pre-move survey ensures:
- Transparent pricing
- No hidden surprises
- Proper planning for moving day
- The right crew, vehicle, and equipment are booked
It also allows you to compare quotes fairly when speaking to multiple removals companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pre-move survey free?
Yes. Professional removals companies provide surveys at no cost.
Do I need to accept the quote after a survey?
No. There’s no obligation to proceed.
Can I hide items to reduce the quote?
This usually backfires. Undeclared items can cause delays and additional charges later.
Is a video survey as accurate as an in-person one?
For many moves, yes, provided everything is shown clearly.
What happens after the survey?
You’ll receive a detailed quotation outlining services, timings, and costs.
Final Thoughts
A pre-move survey isn’t intrusive; it’s protective.
It ensures your move is planned properly, priced accurately, and carried out with fewer risks and less stress. It’s a standard, proven part of the professional removals process and helps you make informed decisions from the very beginning.
If you’re pricing up a house move and want clarity rather than guesswork, a pre-move survey is the right place to start.
Thinking About Your Move?
If you’d like to arrange a free pre-move survey or an instant video survey, the Curtiss team is always happy to help.
As a proud member of the British Association of Removers (BAR), we adhere to a strict Code of Practice, ensuring your move is handled with the utmost professionalism and consumer protection.
A well-planned move begins long before moving day, and the right survey makes all the difference.
