How to Prepare for a House Removal Survey
A removal survey helps us work out what your move involves before we quote. We look at your belongings, the route out of your current property and access at your destination, along with any packing or furniture dismantling you need.
You don’t need everything boxed or your home looking immaculate. We need a clear picture of what you’re taking—including the contents tucked away in cupboards, the loft, garage and shed.
Here’s how to prepare for a home survey or send MNM Removals a useful walkthrough video.
Start with what’s moving—and what isn’t
Before the assessment, decide which larger items you intend to take. Point out anything being sold, donated, collected by family or left for the next occupant.
In rented or shared accommodation, identify landlord-owned furniture and belongings that belong to someone else.
If you haven’t decided about an item, say so. We can explain what information we need before confirming the quotation.
Show more than the main furniture
Beds, sofas and wardrobes are easy to spot. Cupboard contents and stored belongings are easier to underestimate.
Work through your property room by room:
In the kitchen, show cupboard contents, cookware, crockery and appliances you’re taking. Include furniture, books, ornaments, mirrors, pictures and electronics in living and dining rooms. In bedrooms, show beds, wardrobes, drawer contents, clothing and under-bed storage.
For your home office, include desks, chairs, monitors, files and equipment. Check lofts and storage cupboards for boxes, suitcases, seasonal belongings and stored furniture. Finally, show tools, bicycles, outdoor furniture, pots and any equipment being moved from the garage, shed or garden.
Show stored areas only where you can access them safely. Photographs or a description can help if an area cannot be viewed during the survey.
Show us how furniture will reach the vehicle
The distance between your sofa and the removal vehicle matters as well as the journey between addresses.
Include:
– Entrance steps and narrow doorways.
– Staircases, turns and landings.
– Shared corridors, gates and side passages.
– Lift entrances and any booking restrictions.
– The route from your door to suitable parking.
– Narrow driveways or other vehicle-access restrictions.
A driveway does not automatically mean a removal vehicle can use it. Tell us about gates, height restrictions, steep slopes or limited turning space so we can assess the approach.
We need access information for both properties. If you cannot visit your new home, share available photographs and tell us which details still need checking.
Flag furniture needing extra preparation
Tell us about beds, wardrobes, desks or tables that may need taking apart.
Useful details include photographs of the item, its construction and any available assembly instructions. Point out loose joints, damaged panels, missing fittings or previous repairs.
Suitable dismantling and reassembly can be included by agreement. Fitted, glued or damaged furniture may need a different approach, so it is better to assess it before collection.
Also identify unusually heavy, fragile or valuable belongings. Dimensions, approximate weights and condition details help us discuss suitable handling.
Explain how much packing help you want
You can have your belongings boxed before the crew arrives or ask MNM to quote for packing support.
Tell us whether you want:
– Full-home packing across the agreed rooms.
– Selected rooms or belongings packed.
– Fragile packing for crockery, glassware or ornaments.
– Boxes and materials for packing yourself.
Show the contents that need packing, rather than just the outside of the cupboards. We also need to know what you will keep using until moving day so we can discuss a practical packing schedule.
How to record a useful walkthrough video
A clear, steady video is more useful than a rushed tour.
1. Start outside. Show the entrance, approach and likely loading position.
2. Walk through each room slowly. Show furniture and explain what is staying.
3. Open relevant cupboards and storage areas. Include their contents without filming private paperwork.
4. Show awkward access. Pause at staircase turns, narrow doors and larger furniture.
5. Include outbuildings and outdoor belongings. Don’t finish the video before the garage or garden.
Keep the camera steady and use good lighting. Several short clips are fine if that is easier than one long recording.
Avoid including people, identity documents, bank statements or other unnecessary personal information. Send your video directly through the channel agreed with MNM.
Have your dates and addresses ready
Alongside the survey, provide:
– Collection and delivery postcodes.
– Your preferred date or likely timeframe.
– Any additional collection or delivery address.
– Deadlines for leaving your current property.
– Expected key collection and destination access.
– Storage stops or building-management requirements.
Your moving date does not have to be confirmed before you enquire. Tell us what is provisional so we can discuss availability and the next steps. An enquiry or survey does not reserve a date; booking is confirmed separately.
What happens after the survey?
MNM reviews the contents, handling, access and services required to prepare your quotation.
Check that the quote reflects what you discussed, including packing, materials, furniture assembly and additional stops where requested. Ask us to explain any applicable waiting-time charges, parking costs or other arrangements before accepting.
If your belongings, addresses or access change afterwards, contact us before collection. We may need to review the crew, vehicle capacity, schedule or price.
Arrange your MNM removal assessment
Moving across Leicester, Nottingham, Derby or the wider East Midlands—or heading elsewhere in the UK?
Send your postcodes, likely moving date and an overview of what needs moving. We’ll discuss whether photographs, a walkthrough video or a home survey are appropriate for your move.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 0025 543
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