Schedule FREE Pre-Move Survey

Schedule Overseas Household Pre-Move Survey

If you’re contemplating an international move, International Sea & Air Shipping would be perfect for you. We admit that relocating to a new country can be a daunting undertaking, which is why we extend our comprehensive pre-move survey to assist you in planning and preparing for your impending transition. Our skilled team will ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free experience through an in-person or virtual overseas moving survey. Allow us to guide you through the process and provide personalised assistance with your pre-move home survey needs.

We recommend a home survey is for all household moves of more than a studio apartment. When shipping household goods internationally costs are based on the total volume (measured in cubic feet) or weight of your personal belongings. We offer a varied selection of shipping methods. The most common are LCL (Less than Container Load). In this process, we ship your goods in our consolidated containers. The other option is FCL (Full Container Load), for the exclusive use of a 20ft. or 40ft container for your shipment.

What is a Pre-Move Survey?

The pre-move survey is an indispensable step in the international relocation process. Every move is unique. Estimates of the journey are giving after comoving companies understand basics. They analyze the moving deliverables, specifications of the locations, expectations from the move and more. Without this information, the company has no idea how many crew members and trucks or the size of the shipping container to send, what equipment to bring, what type of packing material, access information and how long the move will take, and which services you need.

Our proficient moving experts conduct a comprehensive survey to evaluate the items you intend to move and determine the optimal shipping method for them. The survey is an opportune time for us to discuss your moving requirements, expected timeline, and any special requests you may have, ensuring a personalized and satisfactory moving experience. Whether you opt for an in-person or virtual survey, we guarantee meticulous attention to detail and unmatched service quality.

How to Schedule Your Pre-Move Survey?

At International Sea & Air Shipping, we make scheduling your pre-move survey a hassle-free process. You can schedule your survey either in-person or virtually, depending on your preference. Our moving experts will work with you to determine the best time and date for your survey, based on your schedule.

In-Person Pre-Move Survey

An in-person pre-move survey involves a moving expert visiting your home to assess your belongings. During the moving survey, we will take an inventory of your items, including their size and weight, to determine the best shipping method. We will also discuss any concerns you may have and provide you with a detailed quote for the move.

After the survey, you and our representative will discuss which services you require, the move plan, pricing, and we will answer any of your questions. The in-home survey usually takes about 30-45 minutes depending on the size of your property and how many questions you have. After completion of the survey, you will receive the proposal shortly.

If a survey is not possible due to your location, limitations of time, or you simply your desire for a price without a visit, you can fill out our Online Estimate form

Virtual Pre-Move Survey

Virtual surveys are becoming as popular as in-home surveys very quickly.

This Virtual survey is a mobile app that allows you to connect with one of our sales representatives via video call and do a walking tour of your home. During the survey, our moving expert will guide you. We will record all the details about your items and provide you with an estimate. It is design for small moves or big moves and take approximately 20-30 minutes.

We will send you an email confirming the appointment along with a unique access code.


During the virtual moving survey, the sales representative can take snapshots of the various spaces as you conduct the walk-through and log them in your customer portal with notes. On moving day, our crew will come prepared to accommodate your specific requirementsic needs.

When does a Pre-Move Survey usually happen?

To obtain a pre-move survey, you must reach out moving company. Then, discuss your move with them. (best is to contact International Sea & Air Shipping).

A moving company will not send a surveyor to your home unless you have seriously discussed details of the move and seem committed to using the company for their services. In most circumstances, you don’t need to make any payments to a moving company at the time of the pre-move survey.

The first step in getting a survey from a moving company is to fill out a quote form. Good moving companies will let you fill out free quote form online. The form allows you to tell the moving company some general information about your move, including:

  • Desired date of the move
  • Destination country
  • Current address
  • Services required (if you need packing services)
  • Shipping required (to port or to door?)
  • Estimated size of the shipment
  • Your contact information

This gives the moving company a good idea of what to expect, but since you are not a professional, it is likely that you will not know the exact answers to all of these details at first. It is important to note that the initial estimation does not consider any of the information as completely accurate. While it would be helpful for the answers to remain consistent, they are not binding. That is why a pre-move survey is necessary to confirm these details.

The international moving company will then send you an e-mail or give you a call to confirm that you indeed want to use them for your international move. They will confirm some of the information that you provided, and discuss their policies, including what items they can’t move. By the end of the call, they should have set up an appointment with you for your pre-move survey. You may receive an additional written confirmation of the details of your survey appointment.

How to prepare for the Pre-Move Survey?

To make the pre-move survey process more efficient, you should prepare for the surveyor.

  • Review the list of prohibited items that the moving company sent you. Make sure you don’t have them in your shipment.
  • If you plan to pack your own items, you should wait to pack until after the survey.
  • Ensure to meet the surveyor at the scheduled time.
  • Try to have all of your items in one easy to access space, but don’t have them tightly stacked. The surveyor will need to measure them individually.
  • Make sure you select everything that you are going to move before the surveyor arrives. Any additions later may give rise to problems.

The Survey Process

The surveyor is there to document the actual cost and necessary services required for the move. Here are the things he or she will document:

  • The weight and volume of the shipment
  • Any items that require special handling
  • Any problems the movers may have accessing your property, including parking issues
  • The complete inventory of the shipment
  • Any other logistics that are necessary to complete the move
  • If you require packing services
  • Final dates for packing, collection, and delivery

The surveyor will give you a copy of all the information that she takes down for the moving company.

What you should do during the pre-move survey?

The pre-move survey is the time to questions to ask international mover and convey any concerns you have about the moving process. The representative from the moving company undergoes training to discuss all of it with you and relay the information to the company. Here are some things you should do:

  • Express any concerns about the handling of certain items
  • Ask about the rules of customs
  • Confirm the timeline of the move
  • Ask if there are any charges you can avoid by making your home more accessible
  • Finalize all of your choices for the services you want
  • Ask about insurance options
  • Answer any additional questions about your shipment and desires

Why Choose International Sea & Air Shipping for Your In-home Survey?

Prepare yourself and ask questions whether you opt for a virtual overseas moving survey or a pre-move home survey. These guidelines will help you to plan and execute a successful international move.

Book Your Pre-Move Survey Today

At International Sea & Air Shipping, we commit to delivering a stress-free moving experience for you. Our highly trained and experienced moving experts utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure the safe and secure transportation of your belongings. We offer a range of services to meet your needs, including packing, loading, and unloading. We also provide you with a dedicated moving coordinator who will guide you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have.

Ensure a smooth and worry-free overseas move by scheduling your pre-move survey with International Sea & Air Shipping today! Don’t take chances with your precious belongings, let our expert moving team assess your needs and provide you with a customized plan for your relocation.