Moving Home Survey Benefits

By Movivan Removals | Updated October 2025

A home removal survey is one of the most overlooked — yet most important — steps in planning a smooth move. Whether you’re relocating from a large property or booking packing and storage services, a pre-move survey helps you avoid hidden costs, delays, and last-minute surprises.

At Movivan Removals London, we offer free on-site and video surveys to ensure every move is accurately planned, priced, and perfectly executed.

How Long Does A Home Removal Survey Typically Take?

A home removal survey’s duration typically depends on the size of the property and the volume of items to be moved. For a standard three-bedroom home, it usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Larger properties or homes with numerous items might require a longer inspection, sometimes up to two hours. It’s essential to allocate ample time for the survey to ensure a thorough and accurate assessment. The survey could take longer time also due to the questions our surveyor might need to answer during the visit or video conversation if the survey is over a video.

Will The Surveyor Need Access To Every Room In My Home?

Our moving estimator will typically need access to every room in your home to conduct a comprehensive assessment. This thorough inspection ensures they capture the volume and nature of all items to be moved. Spaces like attics, basements, garages, and storage areas are also crucial to examine, as they often contain items that impact the move’s logistics and cost. By accessing every room, the surveyor can provide a more accurate estimate and identify any potential challenges. Seeing everything during the survey will make your house removals better organised, stress-free and cost-effective.

We offer free on-site or video surveys for big properties.

Top Benefits of a Home Removal Survey

✅ Reduces the Risk of Damage

A thorough survey helps our team plan the best packing methods for each item. Our vans are always equipped with blankets, bubble wrap, and boxes — ensuring furniture, glass, and electronics are transported safely.

✅ Prevents Unexpected Costs

By understanding exactly what needs moving, we can provide a flat, accurate quote upfront. No hidden charges or last-minute price changes.

✅ Reduces Stress and Uncertainty

Knowing what to expect — from timings to parking to packing — gives you total peace of mind. You can focus on settling into your new home while our team handles the heavy lifting.

✅ Ensures Everything Fits

Nothing’s worse than realising your belongings won’t fit into the removal truck. A survey prevents this by matching the right vehicle size and crew number to your move.

✅ Helps You Plan Packing & Materials

Our surveyor will estimate how many removal boxes, packing hours, and protective materials are required. You’ll know exactly what to prepare and what Movivan will provide.

During The Survey

During a removals survey, you can expect the following steps to take place:

• Introduction and overview: The surveyor will introduce themselves and explain the purpose of the survey. They will also ask you about your moving requirements, such as your preferred moving date, the size of your current home and new home, and any special requests.
• Assessment of belongings: The surveyor will assess your belongings, taking note of their size, weight, and any special requirements. They may ask you to show them items that require special attention, such as delicate antiques or large pieces of furniture.
• Assessment of new home: The surveyor will take a look at your new home, measuring doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure that there are no obstacles that may prevent your belongings from being transported. They may also assess the access to the property, such as any narrow roads or tight corners that may pose a problem.
• Assessment of the route: The surveyor will assess the route between your current home and new home, checking for any potential problems such as narrow roads, low bridges, or tight corners. They will also take note of any parking restrictions and advise on the best plan for parking on moving day.
• Discussion of moving plan: Based on the information gathered during the survey, the surveyor will create a customized moving plan tailored to your specific needs. They will discuss the details of the plan with you, including the number of removalists required, the size of the moving van, and any special equipment or packing materials needed.
• Quotation: The surveyor will provide you with a quotation for the move, including any additional services you may require, such as packing and unpacking, and storage solutions.
• Next steps: The surveyor will discuss the next steps with you, including the booking process, payment options, and any final preparations required before moving day.

During the removals survey, it is a good idea to ask the surveyor any questions you may have about the move, and to provide them with any additional information that may be helpful. The surveyor’s aim is to provide you with a stress-free, smooth move, and they will be happy to assist in any way they can.

How to Prepare for Your Home Removal Survey?

A little preparation can make your survey faster and more accurate:

• Declutter: Remove or separate items you don’t plan to move.

• Show All Areas: Include lofts, sheds, and attics — even if they’re half-full.

• Highlight Fragile Items: Point out delicate or antique pieces early on.

• Be Honest: Tell the surveyor about items you might leave behind or store.

• List Your Questions: Anything from packing time to access issues — now’s the moment to ask.

At Movivan, we appreciate when customers share their biggest worries upfront — it helps us plan around them and guarantee a smooth experience.

In-Person vs. Video Surveys — Which One Is Right for You?

Today’s moves are more flexible than ever, and we offer both in-person and video home surveys to suit your schedule.

🏡 In-Person Surveys
Perfect for large houses or complex moves involving packing, storage, or multiple access points. It allows the surveyor to take accurate measurements and spot potential challenges.

💻 Video Surveys
Quick and convenient for smaller moves. Using your smartphone, you can walk the surveyor through each room. It’s time-efficient and ideal for busy households or short-notice moves.

Movivan Tip: For flats or one-bedroom homes, a video survey is usually enough. For multi-floor houses or large furniture, we recommend an in-person visit for the best accuracy.

Can I Still Move Without Having a Home Removal Survey Done?

Yes, you can move without having a home removal survey done. You can also use our moving costs calculator by providing a full inventory list, which will make our quote much more accurate.

A home removal survey, on the other hand, helps tailor the moving process to your specific needs and reduces unforeseen complications. By skipping this step, you may risk unexpected costs, insufficient resources, or potential delays. It’s advisable to conduct a survey for a smoother and more predictable moving experience.

Is There A Cost Associated With The Survey?

Our home removal surveys are completely free of charge. Additionally, they come with no obligation, ensuring you can make decisions that best suit your needs.

Schedule a removal survey and get a realistic flat-rate price from Movivan.

Can I Compare The Quote I Receive With Another Moving Company?

Absolutely, you have every right to compare the quote you receive with that of another moving company. Doing so can help you ensure you’re getting the best value and service for your money. Each company might offer different services, packages, or pricing structures. By comparing quotes, you can make an informed decision about which company aligns best with your moving needs and budget.

Check also: Moving van size guide

How Far In Advance Should I Schedule A Home Removal Survey?

It’s advisable to schedule a home removal survey several weeks in advance of your planned move date. This allows ample time for planning, getting accurate quotes, and making necessary arrangements with the moving company. Additionally, an early survey ensures you have the flexibility to choose preferred dates and services.

How Soon After The Survey Will I Receive My Moving Quote?

After the completion of the home removal survey, you should expect to receive your moving quote promptly. Typically, we send out quotations via email to ensure a written record and clarity. You can anticipate receiving this detailed quote within 24 hours of the survey’s conclusion.

What If You Add or Remove Items After the Survey?

If your inventory changes, just let us know! We’ll update your quote and plan to reflect the new volume.
Communicating changes early helps us make sure your van size, schedule, and price remain accurate.

Final Thoughts

A home removal survey is the smartest step you can take before moving. It saves time, prevents mistakes, and gives you confidence that everything will go according to plan.

At Movivan Removals London, our surveys are always free, detailed, and tailored to your specific needs — whether you’re moving across the street or across the country.

💬 Ready to Book Your Free Survey?

Let’s make your move simple, organised, and stress-free.
📞 Call 020 800 33260 or request your free on-site or video survey