Introduction
Traditionally, the moving industry has used manual and paper-based checklists to complete inventory counts and assessments. This is slowly beginning to shift. With the introduction of virtual surveys in moving, assessments can be done faster and at a larger scale. Moving companies can now do assessments before a customer has even started to pack a single box.
Even though this shift is a huge advancement in the industry, it’s still about more than just convenience for customers. This really represents a shift in the way movers collect and interpret data to calculate costs and understand and deliver on customer expectations. This is particularly true for those just moving a company or an entire corporate office. Overall, this is a huge advancement for the entire moving industry. Virtual surveys are an insightful tool, and in this blog, we’ll discuss just how much.
Virtual Surveys in the Moving Process
Virtual surveys are a form of assessment done remotely and directly, using video technology. Virtual assessments in moving are done by moving consultants, and they help evaluate belongings and spaces with logistical challenges and do so without an in-person assessment.
Virtual surveys are more hands-on than an in-home visit with a moving consultant. With a virtual survey, a customer will connect with the consultant directly using a smartphone or computer. The customer will then be asked to walk through the home while the consultant is observing and taking notes. This then leads to a more precise moving estimate that is done with actual visual data and not with assumptions.
Most moving companies that offer this type of service rely on their own proprietary apps and video tools in software to assist their surveyors to capture photos and identify which inventory items are of higher value or of more concern in the moving process. Many of these companies have, currently, integrated in-house, on-the-spot estimate tools which aid in the process of assessing value.
How Virtual Surveys Function: A Comprehensive Guide
- Step 1: Appointment Booking Your survey time is scheduled, and you will be given a link or an app to download. Make sure your mobile device can access video and has a good internet connection.
- Step 2: Facilitated Video Survey A surveyor will establish a video connection with you. As you navigate through your space, you will be prompted to open storage cabinets and utility areas, among other things, so the surveyor can document them.
- Step 3: Virtual Inventory Survey Once digital survey tools are employed, the surveyor can document the types and quantities of items, the dimensions of large furniture, and the challenges and obstacles posed by space, such as a narrow stair or elevator. Some tools incorporate AI and automate the assessment process to a large degree.
- Step 4: Move Cost Estimation and Proposal Once the virtual survey is concluded, the moving company calculates a move cost estimate that itemizes labour, materials, truck size, and any additional services.
- Step 5: Surveying Then you can review the move cost estimate. You can request changes to the estimate and confirm the services by signing a contract.
Pros of Virtual Surveys for Customers
- Quick Estimates. A virtual moving estimate can often be conducted and completed with 24 to 48 hours of your original outreach. On the other hand, in-person visits can take several weeks to schedule, especially during busy periods.
- More Transparency. Since video walkthroughs are recorded, both the customer and the survey company have a verified account of what was shown. Customers are protected in any potential pricing charge dispute, and the movers can justify their pricing.
- More Choice. Relocation services are remote now. That means you can get estimates well beyond your local area. That means you can consider regional and even national moving companies, which increases competition and helps you get a better estimate.
- Less Surprise Costs. A remote inventory assessment captures items that customers tend to forget to inform the movers. This lessens the chance of surprise costs when movers discover your other items.
- Less Disruption. You don’t have to take time off your schedule like you would with a traditional survey. A survey can be done during your lunch instead.
Things to Consider with Virtual Surveys
While Virtual surveys have many pros, there are some gaps that are important to know about.
- Camera and Connectivity Dependency: Multiple factors can limit the surveyor’s line of sight such as lighting, camera stability, and internet connection strength. Items in less accessible storage rooms, and the darker, more cluttered spaces can be missed or misidentified.
- User Preparation Required: The customer’s preparation of more accessible storage rooms and less cluttered spaces have a greater positive contribution to a successful survey. Unlabelled boxes, less accessible rooms, and areas of poor visibility will contribute to less accurate cost estimates.
- Not Suitable for All Move Types: It is customary to physically check high-value art and various other pieces such as specialized lab equipment, server rooms, and large-format furniture as a requirement of insurance and to help determine the appropriate means of moving the items and to help evaluate the means of moving.
- Surveyor’s Limited Physical Context: A surveyor cannot physically check to see if a sofa can fit through a doorway or if it is possible to fit all the items in an elevator. It is up to the customers to provide the required measurements.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Moving Survey
The more customers do to prepare the greater the quality of the estimate. Moving the survey from an interactive video call to a more structured audit will go a long way to increasing the quality of the price estimate.
- Make sure all walkways are cleared in all rooms before the survey
- Storage areas such as attics, cellars, and garage spaces should be made available
- A measuring tape should be kept on hand for larger items as they are surveyed
- Provide details on any special items, pianos, workout equipment, or wine collections
- Provide access info about the floors where the items will be, elevators and using and restrictions: origin and destination parking
- Write down items before the survey to donate or sell to ensure they do not get listed for removal
Tips to Prevent Mistakes During Virtual Surveys
- Do Not Rush, Take Your Time
- Skipping Storage Spaces
- Not Mentioning Specialty Items
- Do Not Accept Estimates
How Virtual Surveys Are Incorporated in Moving
Many professional moving companies utilize virtual survey tools for moving logistics.
AI can determine the size of the vehicle needed, the size of the crew, and the expected on-site time. Special survey items mean additional packing materials or coordination with subcontractors.
Several advanced virtual survey moving companies are adding AI tools to optimize loading efficiency. These tools help surveyors make calculations that help alleviate the need for rescheduling moves due to unexpected load on the truck.
Some relocation managers are now using remote surveying to assess packing moves simultaneously, while also controlling items across multiple departments and keeping the high-value items safe.
When a Physical Survey is Required
There are a few exceptions for cases when a virtual moving survey is not enough. These are cases that involve:
- fine arts, items of antiquity, or musical instruments that need special care
- moves where there are access restrictions that would preclude the use of a survey via iPhone
- Large moves involving commercial or industrial moves and the use of industrial and commercial machinery and/or infrastructure
- moves involving high-value goods for which the movers’ insurance underwriters call for a site visit
There are companies that provide this survey on site, so just ask for one.
The Potential for Virtual Moving Surveys in the Future
The virtual moving survey has the potential for AI, AR, and automated survey cost estimation integration. Beyond this, surveyors are using platforms that have the ability to provide AR overlays, with the ability to tag items and dimensions in the annotated live video.
As data accuracy increases and customers become more accustomed to using video tools, the quality of virtual and physical surveys will begin to converge. In the case of household and corporate relocations, physical surveys will soon be reserved for the most complex situations as online moving surveys will become the industry standard.
Moving companies that take the initiative to develop high-quality digital relocation tools for their clients will gain a distinct operational and competitive edge. The digital message to customers is clear: engage with the technology, prepare thoroughly, and take advantage of virtual surveys to manage the move process from the outset.
Properly designed virtual surveys for moving are not a fast option. They are structured, data-driven processes that are significantly more efficient than most traditional onsite surveys.
The moving industry has transformed, and your strategies must transform, as well.
