Introduction
A successful move starts with a precise moving survey. Failing to document a single attic space or miscalculating the volume of a heavy wardrobe can lead to under-quoting, logistical bottlenecks, and unhappy clients.
This checklist serves as a practical guide for surveyors during on-site or virtual home walkthroughs to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Step 1: Pre-Survey Preparation
Before stepping foot in the customer’s property, verify the details:
- Confirm appointment: Confirm the address, parking availability, and access constraints.
- Set expectations: Briefly explain the survey process (around 30-45 minutes depending on the home size).
- Prepare tools: Ensure your tablet or survey app is fully charged, and carry a physical measuring tape for oversized items.
Step 2: The Walkthrough Checklist
Follow a structured room-by-room route to avoid skipping areas.
Entryway & Hallways
- Measure access points (doors, stairs, elevators).
- Note tight corners or low ceilings that could impact large items.
- Identify items to be moved (consoles, coat racks, mirrors).
Living Room & Dining Area
- Document oversized furniture (sofas, tables, bookcases, pianos).
- Detail fragile items requiring custom crating (glass tops, artwork, TVs).
- Check under couch cushions or storage sections in modular furniture.
Kitchen & Utility Rooms
- List major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers) and specify if disassembly/disconnection is needed.
- Estimate box counts for pantry items, pots, pans, and fine china.
Bedrooms & Home Office
- Record bed sizes (King, Queen, Single) and specify if dismantling is required.
- Check inside closets, wardrobes, and under-bed storage.
- Note heavy office safes or specialized work desks.
Outdoor & Storage Areas (Attic, Basement, Garage)
- Inspect garden furniture, lawnmowers, and bicycles.
- Count boxes in storage areas (these are frequently underestimated).
- Document hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane tanks) that cannot be transported.
Step 3: Packing & Special Services
Identify additional services that affect the final estimate:
- Fragile Packing: Note crystal, artwork, or musical instruments.
- Disassembly/Reassembly: Specify beds, tables, and cabinets.
- Hoisting / Special Equipment: Required for extremely heavy or oversized items.
Conclusion
Using a consistent checklist ensures accuracy and builds trust with your clients. Streamlining this workflow with a digital inventory tool like MoveInventoryHub allows you to instantly generate reports, capture client signatures, and prevent costly estimation errors.