In-Home Survey vs Video Quote for Removals: Which to Choose
How in-person surveys, video walk-throughs and online forms compare for UK removal quotes, and how to prepare so the price holds on the day.
A removal quote is only as accurate as the picture the mover has of your home. A guess from a phone call can be off by a third, which is why larger firms usually offer a survey. Today that can be a visit in person or a video call, and each has its place.
The three ways of getting an estimate
Online form or phone call
Fast and good enough for small jobs, such as a studio, a few items or a student move. The risk is under-reporting. Most people forget cupboards, lofts, garden furniture and the contents of drawers.
Video survey
You walk through the property with your phone while the surveyor watches and asks you to open cupboards and show awkward items. It takes 10 to 20 minutes and is common for moves where the surveyor is not local.
In-person survey
A surveyor visits, measures, checks access and sees parking. It is the most thorough and is most often offered for larger or valuable moves, such as four-bed houses and long-distance jobs.
Which suits which move
| Move | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| Single item or student move | Photos and a message |
| Studio or one-bed | Photos or a short video |
| Two to three-bed | Video survey or visit |
| Four-bed or larger | In-person survey |
| Long distance or international | Video or in-person, plus written inventory |
| Heavy or specialist items | Visit, or detailed photos and measurements |
What a surveyor is looking for
- Volume. Furniture, boxes, lofts, garages and sheds.
- Access. Floors, lifts, stairs, narrow corridors and parking distance.
- Special items. Pianos, safes, large mirrors, artwork, gym equipment.
- Dismantling needs. Beds, wardrobes, trampolines.
- Risks. Low beams, steep drives, weight limits on bridges or lifts.
Our guide on moving a piano shows how much a single item can change planning.
How to prepare
- Declutter first. Quote for what you will actually move.
- Tell them what is staying. Fitted wardrobes, curtains and appliances included in the sale.
- Open every cupboard. Wardrobes, under-stairs, loft hatch and shed.
- Show the route. Front door, stairs, hallways, then the parking area.
- Note what is not ready. If you will pack later, say so and estimate the box count.
Making the quote stick
Ask whether the price is fixed on the basis of the survey, and what would cause it to change, for example additional items. Ask for the inventory or notes in writing, and compare them with your own list. If something is missing, correct it before you accept, not on the morning.
The hidden extras guide explains what can change a price, and how to compare quotes shows how to put several side by side.
Surveys when you are booking through a platform
If you are using Compito, you can describe the move in your request, attach photos and ask providers questions through messages before accepting an offer. For bigger moves, ask providers if they will do a video call first.
A worked example
A four-bed house with a loft and garage is surveyed by video. The surveyor spots a large chest freezer in the garage, a trampoline and a stack of boxes in the loft, none of which the customer mentioned on the phone. The quote rises, but the final bill matches it, rather than climbing on the day. A short video call prevented a disagreement later.
What to prepare for each method
| Method | Prepare |
|---|---|
| Photos and message | Clear photos of every room and large item |
| Video survey | Good lighting, charged phone, a route plan |
| In-person survey | Access to every room, loft and outbuilding |
What to say during a survey
- Which items are definitely going and which are undecided.
- Whether you will pack yourself or want help.
- Dates, constraints and any access issues.
- Any special items, such as a piano or antique.
Edge cases
- Tenants: the landlord may need to arrange access, so confirm times.
- Occupied rooms: privacy matters, so agree what is shown on camera.
- Poor signal: use photos with a video call fallback.
- Accessibility: ask for a survey time that works for any support needs.
Common mistakes
- Cleaning the house the night before and leaving stuff out of sight.
- Forgetting garden furniture and shed contents.
- Not mentioning items you plan to buy before moving.
- Accepting a quote without checking what the surveyor wrote down.
After the survey
Ask for the written inventory, confirm the date, and check that anything you said out loud appears on paper. If your plans change, tell the provider as soon as possible so that the price is updated rather than disputed.
Frequently asked questions
Do surveys cost money?
Most removal firms offer them free, as part of the quote. If someone wants to charge, ask what the fee covers and whether it is deducted if you book.
How long does a survey take?
Typically 15 to 30 minutes for a house, depending on size and clutter.
Can the price change after a survey?
It can if the contents or access differ from what was surveyed. If the survey was thorough and you did not add items, a fixed price should hold. Confirm that in writing.
Can I do the survey on my own with photos?
Yes, for small moves. Photograph every room from two corners, plus cupboards, loft and outbuildings, and list the large items alongside.