VIDEO SURVEY | GENTLEVAN REMOVALS
Helpful tips for an accurate online video survey
Online Video Survey — A Faster, Easier Way to Quote Your Move
At Gentlevan Removals, we believe you can't build a great removal on a weak foundation — and an accurate, detailed pre-move survey is that foundation. While traditional in-person visits are still very much part of what we do, we also understand that not everyone has the time to wait for a surveyor to visit, especially when moving internationally or on a tight timescale.
That's where our online video survey comes in. It's quick, convenient, and just as accurate as a home visit — provided you follow a few simple steps. It's particularly handy for customers moving to or from Spain, France, Italy, Germany and the rest of Europe, where scheduling an in-person survey might not be practical.
Why Choose a Video Survey?
Fast & Flexible
Book a slot that suits you — mornings, evenings or weekends. No waiting days for a surveyor to visit.
Perfect for Europe
Ideal if you're already abroad or the property is in Spain, France or elsewhere on the continent.
Accurate Quotes
Our surveyors have years of experience translating video footage into reliable volume estimates.
Typically 15–30 Min
Most surveys take no more than half an hour. A three-bed house usually takes around 20 minutes.
How It Works — 4 Simple Steps
Book
Contact us by phone, email or our quote form and we'll agree on a time.
Connect
We'll send you a WhatsApp or video call link — no app downloads or accounts needed.
Walk & Show
Walk our surveyor through each room, opening cupboards and wardrobes as you go.
Receive Quote
A detailed, no-obligation written quotation lands in your inbox within 24 hours.
Tips for an Accurate Online Survey
To make sure your quotation is as fair and accurate as possible, please have a quick read of the following tips before your video call. Anything not clearly visible in the video may not be included in the quote and could result in additional charges on the final invoice — though minor discrepancies shouldn't be a problem.
- Use a smartphone or tablet with a working rear camera. Check beforehand how to switch between front and back cameras — the back camera always gives better quality.
- Move the camera slowly from one side of the room to the other, and verbally identify the items as you go ("this wardrobe is going, this bedside table is staying"). This helps us build an accurate inventory.
- Make sure the property is well lit — open curtains and blinds, and switch on ceiling lights. Dark corners hide volume, and hidden volume means an inaccurate quote.
- Connect your phone to Wi-Fi so there are no interruptions. Signal can be weak in gardens, garages and lofts — if the quality drops, we may ask you to send a short follow-up clip over WhatsApp.
- Keep background noise to a minimum — turn off the TV, close windows and ask the kids/dogs for five minutes of quiet so our surveyor can hear you clearly.
- Prefer to send videos instead? WhatsApp is the easiest route — no file-size headaches, no permissions to set, and you can break the walk-through into short clips per room.
- Call out anything you're NOT taking — sofas going to charity, IKEA wardrobes staying behind, the garage clutter going to the tip. We'd rather know upfront than discover it on moving day.
- Open every cupboard and wardrobe, even if you've booked a packing service. We need to see the contents to calculate the right number of cartons and wardrobe boxes. Our plastic reusable wardrobe boxes are provided free of charge and collected at the end of the move — cardboard ones are available if you'd like to keep them, and will be priced into the quote.
- Don't forget the outside areas — garage, garden shed, greenhouse, patio furniture, BBQ, bikes, motorbikes. These are the items most often missed on video surveys.
- Show the access too — where the van can park, stairs, narrow hallways, low door frames, lifts. This affects the crew size and timing, and therefore the price.
Room-by-Room Quick Guide
Not sure what to film in each room? Here's a handy reference to make sure nothing gets missed:
| Room | What to Show |
|---|---|
| Living Room | Sofas, armchairs, TV unit, coffee & side tables, bookshelves (inside), lamps, rugs, wall art. |
| Kitchen | Freestanding appliances (fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher), contents of cupboards, pots and pans, small appliances. |
| Dining Room | Dining table, chairs, sideboard or dresser (inside), china & glassware. |
| Bedrooms | Beds (single/double/king), mattresses, wardrobes (open — show clothes inside), chests of drawers, bedside tables, mirrors. |
| Children's Rooms | Cots, bunk beds, toy chests, desks. Flag any items that need dismantling. |
| Bathroom | Usually just toiletries and small items — still worth a quick pan. |
| Study / Office | Desks, filing cabinets, office chairs, computers, printers, books. |
| Loft / Attic | Boxes, suitcases, Christmas decorations, old furniture. Easy to forget! |
| Garage / Shed | Tools, bikes, mowers, BBQ, garden furniture, paint, ladders. Note anything fuel-powered. |
| Garden / Patio | Pots (flag heavy stone/terracotta), outdoor furniture, parasols, hot tubs. |
A Few Questions to Have Ready
To speed things up and avoid back-and-forth emails, please have the following answers ready before the call:
- Your full name and contact details, full collection address (including postcode), and the complete drop-off address.
- When would you like the removal to take place? Is there a set or an estimated moving date? Have you exchanged contracts?
- Are you involved in a property chain?
- Access and parking at both properties — floor level, lift or stairs, pay-and-display, permit zones, narrow lanes, weight restrictions.
- Do you require a packing service? (Usually done the day before the move for properties larger than one bedroom.)
- Would you like us to dismantle and reassemble any furniture at the destination?
- Any fragile, valuable or unusual items — pianos, antiques, artwork, safes, pool tables?
- Would you like to add MoveProtect insurance cover to your move?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a video survey take?
Typically 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the property. A one-bedroom flat might only take 10 minutes, while a four-bedroom house can take up to 45.
Is the quote binding?
Yes — provided the items shown on the video match what's loaded onto the van on moving day. If significant extras appear that weren't mentioned, they may be chargeable. This is why we emphasise opening cupboards and wardrobes.
What if my Wi-Fi cuts out?
No problem — we'll reconnect and carry on, or switch to pre-recorded video clips sent via WhatsApp. We've dealt with every kind of dodgy signal over the years.
How soon will I receive my quote?
Within 24 hours in most cases. During peak moving season (May–September), it may take up to 48 hours — but we'll always let you know if there's a delay.
Do you still do in-person surveys?
Absolutely — for larger properties or complex moves, an in-person survey is often the best choice. We cover Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and surrounding areas for home visits.