Pre-Move Survey: Step One of Planning a Move
Hilldrup moves thousands of people short and long distances every year, and no two moves are the same. That’s why we firmly believe every great move begins with an in-home or virtual pre-move survey.
Key Takeaways:
- Essential Planning Step: A pre-move survey sets a baseline plan, identifies potential access issues, and ensures movers bring the proper packing materials for your specific needs.
- Accurate Pricing: Visual assessments (in-person or virtual) are required for precise quotes based on volume, protecting you from misleading online estimates.
- Tailored Logistics: Identifying non-movable items, multi-stop locations, and high-value belongings helps your moving team customize services and refine your estimate.
You wouldn’t start running a marathon without a plan, the same goes for a move. One of the most important factors in planning a successful move is going through a pre-move survey. These surveys help create a plan and keep everyone on the same page before the first box is even packed.
Hilldrup moves thousands of people short and long distances every year, and no two moves are the same. That’s why we firmly believe every great move begins with an in-home or virtual pre-move survey. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect during these conversations and how you can best prepare for them.
What is a pre-move survey?
Pre-move surveys help create a plan for your move. They also help your movers determine what kind of packing materials will be required and if you will need any third-party services for specialty items like grandfather clocks. Moving surveys also identify any access issues such as parking permits and elevators. While it’s ideal to have these conversations in person, Hilldrup also offers virtual pre-move surveys for customers that may be moving international or are located away from one of our office locations.
Why is a pre-move survey important?
Pre-move surveys help to determine the approximate cost of your move and how much space your belongings will occupy in the truck. A visual assessment is the only way for moving companies to give an accurate quote. While some factors, such as square footage or number of bedrooms and distance of move might be helpful in determining a ballpark quote, a true moving estimate needs to take place to ensure all factors are accounted for.
During a pre-move survey, you can ask any questions you may have regarding the move, how the moving crews will protect your home and belongings during the move or how your items will be packed.
Tips to prepare for your pre-move survey
Get multiple estimates.
Any reputable moving company should be able to provide an estimate for you at no cost. That said, keep in mind that “full-service” can mean different things to different movers. Some things to keep in mind are:
- Making sure your movers are licensed and insured.
- Asking what kind of protection they use on your furniture and home (they should wrap every piece of item in moving pads, and have proper protection on your floors, stairwells and doors).
- Seeing if they can revise a survey estimate to show different quotes and service options so you can make a fully-informed decision.
Schedule time to have the surveyor go through each room of your home.
Tell your surveyor if there are specific items in your home that will not be moved, because this will impact the estimate. If your employer is paying for your move, your move counselor will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding what is included in your policy and what is not included.
Keep other locations with second – or third – homes in mind.
Let the moving company know if you will be visiting more than one home to move items from when you schedule your appointment. This will be important for your surveyor to know when providing an estimate for your total move.
If you have not used professional movers before, it may be surprising to find out how many things must be taken into consideration to smoothly move all of your belongings to your new home. From our pre-move survey conversation, our expert move coordinators will help you create inventory lists, identify high-value items and plan your move from start to finish.
Interested in speaking with one of our experts? Let us know how we can help.
Moving Survey Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a pre-move survey take?
Typically, an in-person or virtual survey takes about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of your home and the amount of items being assessed.
Do I need to pack my belongings before the survey?
No, you do not need to pack beforehand. In fact, it is better if items are in their usual places so the surveyor can accurately estimate packing supply needs and assess delicate items.
What is the difference between an in-person and a virtual survey?
An in-person survey involves a walk-through with a consultant in your home. A virtual survey uses your smartphone or tablet camera to guide the consultant through each room, making it ideal for remote or tight schedules.
What happens if I acquire or sell items after the survey is completed?
Any change in volume directly affects your quote. Contact your move coordinator right away to update your inventory so your price and truck space can be adjusted before moving day.
