
Recording a house survey video might seem simple. Point. Shoot. Done.
But a well-made video saves time, avoids confusion, and ensures a smoother move. So how do you make yours clear, useful, and removal-ready?
Let’s break it down.
Why Bother With a Good Video?
Ever had movers turn up without the right tools? Or underestimate how much space your things need?
That’s usually due to gaps in communication. A solid survey video fixes that.
It gives the removals company a clear view of what’s involved—no surprises. Chris Baker from Surrey Removals recommends to be as open as possible and film everything so that the removals company get a good idea of the items involved and no hidden surprises on moving day.
Ask Yourself These Questions Before You Start
- What do I want the movers to see and understand?
- Am I showing the full volume of items, including tricky spaces?
- Could someone plan a move just from watching this?
Before You Press Record
Make sure you’ve prepared:
- Clear walkways – avoid tripping over clutter while filming.
- Good lighting – open curtains or turn on lights to avoid dark footage.
- A charged phone or camera – nothing worse than a mid-tour blackout.
- Portrait or landscape? – Ask the company. Most prefer landscape.
Filming Room by Room
Keep it simple and structured.
Kitchen
- Open cupboards. Show contents.
- Pan slowly across appliances—fridge, washing machine, oven.
- Mention what’s staying vs what’s moving.
Living Room
- Film all furniture: sofas, tables, TV units.
- Don’t forget behind doors or under stairs if you use them for storage.
- Note if anything needs disassembly (e.g. large bookcases).
Bedrooms
- Open wardrobes and drawers if they’re full.
- Show under-bed storage if applicable.
- Say what’s flat-pack and what isn’t.
Bathroom
- Skip toiletries. Focus on any furniture or cabinets being moved.
Don’t Forget These Easily Missed Areas
- Lofts or attics – if they contain boxes or furniture, show access too.
- Sheds or garages – include bikes, tools, garden equipment.
- Outdoor spaces – flag garden furniture, pots, trampolines, or BBQs.
Narrate As You Go
Your voice adds context:
- “These boxes are staying.”
- “This sofa splits in two.”
- “Stairs are narrow – might need extra hands.”
Short, clear explanations help more than silence.
Keep the Video Short but Complete
Aim for 5–10 minutes max.
Too short, and you miss details.
Too long, and vital points get buried.
Review Before Sending
Watch it once through:
- Is anything too dark or blurry?
- Did you skip a room or key item?
- Are you speaking clearly?
If needed, re-record parts. It’s worth it.
Send It Right
- Use the method your removals company prefers: WhatsApp, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
- Label it clearly: “Smith – 3-bed semi – video survey”
- Let them know if there’s anything not visible in the video.
Final Thought
Would you be able to plan a full move using your own video?
If not, tweak it. A little effort now makes moving day far easier—for everyone.
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