Moving home is rarely straightforward. Long before boxes are loaded or vans arrive, a successful move depends on careful planning, and one of the most important early steps is a pre-move survey.
If you’re moving within Christchurch, Bournemouth, or elsewhere in Dorset, understanding what a pre-move survey involves will help you get a realistic quote, avoid delays, and reduce stress on moving day.
Quick Answer: What Is a Pre-Move Survey?
A pre-move survey is a free assessment carried out by a removals company before providing a final quotation.
It allows the company to see exactly what needs to be moved, understand access at both properties, and plan the move properly.
Without a survey, quotes are based on assumptions, and assumptions are where problems usually start.
What Happens During a Pre-Move Survey?
During a pre-move survey, a trained surveyor reviews your home and the items you plan to move.
This includes furniture, boxes, and anything stored in garages, lofts, or sheds.
They also assess practical considerations such as parking, stairs, narrow roads, and access to both the property you’re leaving and the one you’re moving into.
If you have items that need special care, such as antiques, artwork, or bulky furniture, these will be noted so the right packing and handling methods can be planned.
The aim is not to rush, but to gather enough detail to plan the move accurately.
Why Pre-Move Surveys Are So Important
A survey protects both you and the removals company.
In areas like Bournemouth and Christchurch, where parking restrictions, narrow roads, and flats without lifts are common, a survey helps ensure these challenges are accounted for in advance rather than discovered on moving day.
Without one, it’s easy for moves to be underestimated.
That can lead to delays, additional vehicles, or revised costs, all of which are avoidable with proper planning.
How Long Does a Pre-Move Survey Take?
Most pre-move surveys take around twenty to thirty minutes.
Larger family homes or properties with multiple storage areas may take a little longer to assess, while smaller flats can often be assessed quickly.
The focus is always on accuracy rather than speed.
How to Prepare for Your Survey
You don’t need to pack everything away, but it helps to ensure all rooms and storage areas are accessible.
Be clear about what is being moved and mention any access or parking issues you’re aware of.
Honesty at this stage makes a real difference.
If items are missed or plans change later, quotes may need to be adjusted.
Questions and Communication
A pre-move survey is a two-way conversation.
The surveyor will ask about access, packing needs, storage, and timings.
It’s also your opportunity to ask questions about what’s included in the quote, whether the furniture will be dismantled and reassembled, and how long the move is expected to take.
Even if you decide not to proceed, the information shared during a survey is often helpful for planning.
In-Person and Video Surveys
Pre-move surveys can be conducted in person or via video.
In-person surveys are often preferred for larger homes or more complex moves, while video surveys can be ideal if time is limited or the move is relatively straightforward.
When done properly, both approaches allow for accurate planning.
Pre-Move Surveys with R.H. Pardy Moving & Storage Ltd
At R.H. Pardy, pre-move surveys are a standard part of move planning.
Whether conducted in person or via video, the survey helps the team understand your move fully before providing a quotation.
Local knowledge plays an important role, too.
Familiarity with Dorset properties, access restrictions, and parking considerations helps ensure moves are planned realistically from the outset.
Why a Survey Leads to a Better Quote
Moving home is a significant investment, and knowing the cost upfront matters. A pre-move survey allows removals companies to provide clear, detailed quotes based on real information rather than estimates.
This makes it easier to compare quotes properly and choose a service that fits your needs without unexpected surprises later on.
Final Thoughts
A pre-move survey isn’t an inconvenience; it’s a safeguard.
It ensures your move is planned properly, priced accurately, and carried out with fewer risks.
Once you understand how the process works, it becomes one of the most reassuring steps in the entire moving journey.
Planning a Move in Dorset?
If you’re preparing for a move in Christchurch, Bournemouth, or across Dorset, arranging a free pre-move survey is the best place to start.
As a proud member of the British Association of Removers (BAR), R.H. Pardy Moving & Storage Ltd operates to the highest industry standards, ensuring your move is protected by a strict Code of Practice.
Good planning begins early, and a proper survey with a BAR-certified team makes all the difference in ensuring a professional, stress-free relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pre-Move Surveys in Dorset
Is a pre-move survey really free?
Yes. At R.H. Pardy, we provide pre-move surveys as a complimentary, no-obligation service. It is a standard part of our commitment to providing an accurate and fair quotation.
Do I need to have finished my packing before the surveyor arrives?
Not at all. In fact, it is better if you haven’t started. The surveyor needs to see the full volume of your belongings to calculate how many boxes are needed and the size of the vehicle required.
Can a video survey be as accurate as an in-person visit?
For most standard moves, yes. As long as you show the surveyor all cupboards, storage areas, and external spaces, such as sheds or garages, we can produce a highly accurate quote remotely.
What happens if I forget to show the surveyor something?
It’s important to be as thorough as possible. If you find extra items later, please let us know before moving day. Large, undeclared items can affect vehicle space and may result in a revised cost.
How soon after the survey will I receive my quote?
We aim to provide your detailed moving quotation as quickly as possible, typically within 24 to 48 hours of the survey being completed.
Do you check access at my new property too?
While we can’t always visit your new home in person, we use the survey to discuss the destination. We also use local knowledge and digital tools to check for narrow lanes, low bridges, or parking restrictions at your new Dorset address.
