If you’re arranging a move, you may be asked to complete a video survey as part of the quoting process. For many people, this is still unfamiliar, and it’s normal to want a clearer explanation before picking up your phone and pressing record.

A video survey for removals is simply a visual way to show a moving company what needs to be moved and how your property is laid out. Instead of relying only on written lists, room counts, or estimated volumes, you walk through your home and show the important details on camera.

Below, we’ll walk through what a video survey is, how professional removals teams use it, and why it often leads to a smoother, better-planned move. If you’ve already been asked to complete one, you’ll also see what to expect and how to approach it with confidence.

What a video survey for removals actually is

A video survey is a short walkthrough of your property, recorded before your move so the removals team can see what’s being moved and how it will need to be handled.

Using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you show:

• Each room and the main contents

• Furniture, appliances, and packed boxes

• Larger, heavier, or fragile items

• Staircases, corridors, doorways, and lifts

• Outside access, parking, or loading areas

This creates a visual inventory of your home. It allows estimators to assess volume, handling requirements, and access far more accurately than written descriptions alone.

For most homes, a video survey takes around 10–20 minutes. Larger properties or homes with garages, lofts, sheds, or storage areas may take a little longer, but there’s no need to rush.

Why removals companies rely on video surveys

In removals, accuracy matters. Small misunderstandings about volume or access can quickly turn into delays, additional costs, or stress on moving day.

Video surveys are used because they reduce guesswork.

They allow the removals team to:

• See sizes and quantities rather than interpret descriptions

• Spot awkward or specialist items early

• Understand access challenges before planning vehicles and crew

• Prepare appropriate packing materials and protection

• Reduce last-minute changes on the day of the move

For customers, this usually means a quote that reflects what’s actually being moved and a move that feels better planned from the start.

What is a self video survey?

A self video survey is a flexible version of a video survey that you complete in your own time.

Instead of booking a fixed appointment, you receive a secure link by email or SMS. When you open it, you’re guided through simple on-screen prompts that tell you what to record and where to focus.

This approach works well because it lets you:

• Complete the survey when it suits your schedule

• Record outside normal business hours

• Take your time moving between rooms

• Avoid feeling rushed or put on the spot

Once submitted, your video is securely uploaded and reviewed by the Total Moving Solutions team.

How your video survey is reviewed and used

Your video isn’t just watched once and forgotten.

After submission, it’s reviewed carefully to:

• Build an accurate inventory of your belongings

• Identify items needing dismantling or specialist handling

• Note access details that affect timing or equipment

• Plan crew size, vehicle choice, and packing materials

• Brief the moving team ahead of moving day

Because the footage can be reviewed again during planning, it often provides more usable detail than relying on memory or handwritten notes from a short visit.

How a video survey helps on moving day itself

One of the biggest benefits of a video survey happens after the quote is agreed.

A clear pre-move video helps the crew arriving at your property understand:

• How many rooms they’re walking into

• Where large or awkward items are located

• Whether dismantling will be required

• What access restrictions to expect

• Which items need extra care or protection

This reduces surprises, rushed decisions, and last-minute changes on the day of the move, helping everything run more smoothly and stay aligned with what was agreed.

Is a video survey accurate enough?

For most household moves, a well-done video survey is just as accurate as an in-person visit.

Because the footage is visual and can be reviewed multiple times, it often provides clearer detail than a single, time-limited walkthrough. Estimators can pause, replay, and double-check areas when building your quote and planning the move.

For unusually complex properties, very high-value items, or specialist requirements, a video survey may still be used as a first step before arranging follow-up guidance if needed.

What to show – and what not to worry about

When completing your video survey, focus on clarity rather than perfection.

It helps to:

• Show items you want moved clearly

• Spend a little extra time on large or fragile pieces

• Point out stairs, narrow spaces, or tight turns

• Mention anything you’re unsure about

You don’t need to:

• Tidy your home perfectly

• Open every cupboard or drawer

• Show private areas you’d rather skip

You stay in control. If something feels sensitive, you can describe it verbally instead of showing it on camera.

What if my internet or signal isn’t perfect?

A stable Wi-Fi connection is ideal, but mobile data also works well in most homes.

If signal is weaker in certain areas:

• Move closer to your router where possible

• Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data

• Record shorter clips rather than one long video

If anything goes wrong, our team can help you restart, resend the link, or guide you through alternatives.

Security, privacy, and peace of mind

Your video survey is handled securely.

Recordings are:

• Uploaded through a secure connection

• Stored privately

• Accessed only by the Total Moving Solutions team

• Used solely for quoting, planning, and managing your move

They are not shared publicly or used for marketing, and they’re handled in line with our data protection policies.

Who video surveys are especially useful for

Video surveys are particularly helpful if:

• You’re moving internationally or within Europe

• You live in a flat or apartment

• Access or parking is restricted

• You’re short on time or based overseas

• Your move includes larger or specialist items

They’re optional, but strongly recommended when accuracy and planning matter most.

Ready to complete your self video survey?

If you’ve been asked to complete a self video survey, you can start whenever you’re ready. It’s the quickest way to help us understand your move and prepare an accurate quotation.