Q&A of a Pre-move Survey

A pre-move survey is conducted by a moving company to assess the items intended for relocation and estimate associated costs. Traditionally, these surveys involve representatives visiting your home. However, with advancements in digitalization, moving companies can now conduct thorough inspections via video or virtual calls, ensuring accurate assessments remotely.

Typically, the earlier, the better! It's advisable to schedule a pre-move survey (PMS) at least one month before your planned moving day. This timeline allows ample opportunity for the moving company, your employer, or the main contractor of your relocation service to discuss moving logistics, costs, and coordinate necessary arrangements such as immigration and housing. Moreover, early scheduling facilitates obtaining moving authorization promptly, thus minimizing any potential delays to your relocation plans .

• Review the items you plan to move, especially large furniture pieces

• For undecided items, tentative information suffices

• Create a rough list of items for potential purchase (pending approval)

• No need to pack or organize items before PMS; simply display what needs to move and what don't  

• For small items like clothes and books, precise quantities aren't expected

• Prepare any moving-related questions, understanding that some queries may require input from the main contractor or destination service provider

Primarily, it involves conducting a thorough room-by-room walk-through to note items to move. 

• This includes noting items, quantities, sizes, and distinguishing between large items like sofas, dining tables, and beds, as well as smaller items like books, clothing, toys, and kitchen utensils.

• Cooperation in opening cabinets, cupboards helps estimate the number and type of cartons needed.

• We also identify items requiring special protection, such as pianos, and complex installations like IKEA wardrobes.

• Additionally, we document and photograph intricate transportation needs such as stair carry and parking conditions.

• High-value or emotionally significant items are also noted.

• Subsequently, we coordinate the moving date and explain necessary documentation for China's export customs, including regulations on prohibited items such as air transport embargoed batteries.

• Please be aware that for customs clearance, original passports, visas, and departure tickets and departure itinerary are typically required, with a processing time of 3-5 working days only after packing and pickup. Hence, careful attention to itinerary planning is crucial.