What Is a Home Removal Survey and How Can I Prepare?

If you’re planning a house move, you may be asked to arrange a home survey before your removal company provides a quote. If you’ve never had one before, you might wonder what it involves and whether there’s anything you need to do beforehand.

The good news is that a home survey is usually straightforward. It gives your removal company a chance to understand exactly what needs to be moved, look at access to your property and identify anything that could affect the move. This helps them plan the right team, vehicle and equipment for the job.

Here’s what to expect from a home survey and how you can prepare.

What is a home removal survey?

A home survey, sometimes called a removal survey, is an assessment of your property and the belongings you’re planning to move.

Depending on the removal company, this may take place in person or virtually. During the survey, the removal team will look at the size and contents of your home, as well as the practicalities of getting everything out of the property and into your new home. The aim is to build an accurate picture of your move before the big day.

A survey can help your removal company understand:

• How many belongings need to be moved

• The size and number of rooms involved

• Large, heavy or fragile items

• Whether furniture needs to be dismantled

• Access to your current and new property

• Parking and loading arrangements

• Stairs, lifts or narrow entrances

• Whether specialist equipment may be required

• Whether you need additional services such as packing or storage

  
  

This information can then be used to provide a more accurate quote and make sure your move is properly planned.

Why do removal companies carry out home surveys?

Every house move is different. Two properties with the same number of bedrooms could have completely different amounts of furniture and belongings, while access can vary considerably from one property to another.

A home survey helps your removal company see the bigger picture rather than estimating your move based on the number of rooms alone.

It also gives you an opportunity to discuss anything you’re unsure about. If you have a particularly large sofa, a piano, valuable artwork or a garden full of furniture, for example, you can mention it during the survey and find out how it can be handled.

The more your removal company knows beforehand, the easier it is to prepare for moving day.

What happens during a home survey?

A home survey is not something you need to worry about. Your removal team will generally work through your property, looking at the belongings that need to be moved and considering how they can be safely removed.

They may also look at areas such as:

Inside your home

The surveyor will consider the furniture and belongings in each room, including anything particularly large, heavy or fragile.

This is also a good time to point out anything that may need special attention, such as delicate antiques, large mirrors or specialist equipment.

Access and entrances

Access can make a big difference to how a move is planned. The surveyor may look at doorways, hallways, staircases, lifts and other potential obstacles.

If you have a narrow entrance, tight staircase or particularly awkward piece of furniture, let them know.

Outside the property

The survey may also consider the route between your home and the removal vehicle. This can include driveways, gates, steps and the distance between the property and a suitable parking space.

If parking is restricted or the removal vehicle may not be able to park directly outside your property, mention this during the survey.

Your new property

If possible, information about your new home can also be useful. The removal company may need to consider access, parking and any other practical challenges at the destination.

If you already know that there are stairs, a narrow road, a shared entrance or limited parking at your new property, let the surveyor know.

How should I prepare for a home survey?

You don't need to have your home perfectly organised before the survey. There’s no need to hide away the clutter or spend hours rearranging your furniture.

However, a little preparation can help make sure the survey gives your removal company an accurate picture of your move.

Decide what you’re taking with you

Before the survey, have a think about whether everything in your home is coming with you.

If you’re planning to sell, donate or dispose of furniture before moving, make this clear. There’s no point including belongings in your moving requirements if they won’t actually be making the journey.

Equally, if you’re planning to purchase new furniture before moving, mention anything that will need to be transported if appropriate.

Make a note of larger or unusual items

Think about anything that might need additional planning.

This could include:

• Pianos

• Large sofas

• American-style fridges

• Heavy safes

• Pool tables

• Large wardrobes

• Garden equipment

• Home gym equipment

• Valuable or fragile items

• Specialist business equipment

You don’t need to know how these items will be moved — that’s what your removal team is there to help with. Just make sure they know they’re there.

Check access at both properties

If you can, take a look at your new property before the survey. Think about how the removal team will get furniture into the building. Is there a lift? Are there narrow staircases? Is the entrance shared? Is parking available nearby?

If you’re unsure about something, don’t worry. Simply raise it with the surveyor.

Think about parking

Parking is an easy detail to overlook, but it can make a difference to the practicalities of your move.

Consider where the removal vehicle can park at both properties. If there are restrictions, permits or a significant distance between the property and the nearest suitable parking space, make your removal company aware.

Have your moving dates to hand

If you already have a confirmed moving date, let your removal company know. If you’re still waiting for confirmation, explain where you are in the process.

This can help your removal company understand your requirements and discuss availability with you.

Questions to ask during your home survey

Your home survey isn’t just an opportunity for the removal company to assess your move. It’s also your chance to ask questions.

You could ask:

• What will the removal quote include?

• Do you offer packing services?

• Will you dismantle and reassemble furniture?

• What happens if access is difficult?

• What should I do with fragile or valuable belongings?

• Can you help with storage?

• What happens if my moving date changes?

• Are there any items you can’t move?

• Is there anything I should do before moving day?

Don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure about something. It’s much better to discuss it before moving day than discover a potential problem when the van arrives.

How can a home survey make moving day easier?

A home survey gives your removal company the information they need to plan your move properly.

By understanding your belongings, access and any potential challenges in advance, they can make sure the right resources are available on the day. It also gives you an opportunity to raise questions and make sure you know what to expect.

So, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed when you hear the words ‘home survey’. Simply be honest about what you’re moving, point out anything unusual and ask any questions you have.

A little preparation now can help make moving day run much more smoothly.

Get in touch with Saint Removals

Ready to start planning your move? Whether you’re looking for a removal quote, have questions about your home survey or simply want to talk through your moving plans, the Saint Removals team is here to help.

Get in touch with Saint Removals today to discuss your move and find out how we can help make moving day feel a little easier.