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Video Self-Assessment Guide
How to Film Your Home So We Can Give You an Accurate Quote
Your video is the single most important factor in getting an accurate removal quote. A good video means we send the right size van with enough crew and packing materials. A poor video means we either bring too much (and you overpay) or too little (and the job can’t be completed on the day).
The Golden Rule
If you don’t mention it, we’ll assume it’s coming. If something is staying behind, say so clearly on camera.
General Filming Rules
Follow these simple rules and your video will give us everything we need to quote accurately.
Do This
- ✓ Walk slowly and steadily through each room
- ✓ Pause on items so we can write them down
- ✓ Talk us through what you see
- ✓ Say clearly what’s STAYING and what’s GOING
- ✓ Open cupboards, wardrobes, and storage areas
- ✓ Show behind doors and under beds
- ✓ Film each floor or room as a separate clip if easier
Don’t Do This
- ✗ Rush through rooms
- ✗ Whip the camera around quickly
- ✗ Assume we’ll just know what’s there
- ✗ Skip cupboards or storage spaces
- ✗ Forget areas like under the stairs
- ✗ Leave items covered without explaining what’s underneath
Room-by-Room Checklist
Work through each room methodically. Open everything, show everything, and narrate as you go. We’ll be watching these videos and writing down everything we see.
Bedrooms
- ✓ Walk slowly around the room, pausing on each piece of furniture
- ✓ Show the bed and mention how it dismantles (divan, frame, slats, etc.)
- ✓ Check under the bed — show any storage boxes or items
- ✓ Open wardrobes and show the contents so we can estimate packing
- ✓ Show items on shelves, dressers, and windowsills
- ✓ Show hidden furniture (behind doors, in alcoves)
- ✓ If boxes are stacked, mention what’s inside: “These are soft items” or “These are books”
Living Room / Front Room
- ✓ Show all furniture: sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, TV units
- ✓ Spend time on bookshelves — books are heavy and need small boxes
- ✓ Open all cupboard doors (TV cabinets, sideboards, display units)
- ✓ Show fragile items: ornaments, glassware, lamps, picture frames
- ✓ Look behind doors — instruments, coats, bags often hide there
- ✓ Check down the sides of sofas for cushions, blankets, remotes
- ✓ Show plants on windowsills and shelves
- ✓ If a coffee table has storage inside, open it and show us
Kitchen
- ✓ Show items on countertops, shelves, and above cupboards
- ✓ Open every cupboard and hold the camera steady so we can see inside
- ✓ Show glassware and bottles clearly — these need special packing in small boxes
- ✓ Show pots, pans, and baking equipment
- ✓ Show under the sink (cleaning products, bins)
- ✓ Mention items on top of the fridge, baskets, or high shelves
- ✓ Show what’s under the counter (stools, bins, step ladders)
Pro Tip: You don’t need to show every cutlery drawer. But if you have deep drawers with pots, pans, or heavy items, give us a quick look.
Bathroom
- ✓ Open cabinets and show shelving contents
- ✓ If shelves have baskets you can’t see behind, describe what’s there
- ✓ Show behind the door
- ✓ Mention towels — tell us how many layers are stacked
Example of what to say: “Two baskets on each shelf with bathroom items, spare shampoos and toothpastes”
Hallways, Stairs & Hidden Spaces
- ✓ Under the stairs — this is the most commonly missed area! Open it up and show everything inside
- ✓ Even if visibility is poor, describe what you see on camera
- ✓ Show hallway furniture: shoe racks, coat stands, mirrors
- ✓ Pictures and shelving units on walls — are they coming?
Example of what to say: “One large case of cosmetics, one basket on top of the gas meter with scarves, and a smaller box on top”
Garden & Outdoor Spaces
- ✓ Start by showing the access point (door, gate, path width)
- ✓ Do a slow pan around the entire garden
- ✓ Show inside sheds and outbuildings (or film them separately in detail)
- ✓ For items under covers, lift or describe what’s underneath
- ✓ Garden furniture: tables, chairs, benches, sofas
- ✓ Bikes, scooters, kids’ play equipment
- ✓ BBQs, garden tools, hoses, outdoor sinks
- ✓ Plant pots — show their size. Note any growing into walls/fences (staying)
- ✓ Specialist items: wormeries, water features — will you prep them for transport?
- ✓ Rubbish or tip runs: if there are boxes going to the tip, say so — “These are not coming”
- ✓ Firewood, logs — coming or not?
- ✓ Wall-mounted items: foot racks, mirrors, hooks — coming or staying?
Clearly state for each item: is it coming or staying?
Items That Need Dismantling
If you have large furniture that needs taking apart (beds, wardrobes, desks), show the edges and corners on camera. This helps us work out how it’s constructed and what care is needed.
Pro Tip: You can also send separate photos of these items if that’s easier.
Chest of Drawers Tip
You don’t need to show inside drawers if they only contain soft items (clothes, linen). We can slide the drawers out to reduce weight and slide them back in. But if drawers contain fragile or breakable items, or the drawers can’t be removed — show us what’s inside so we can plan packing materials.
Important: Appliances
Most people leave their oven behind but bring their fridge freezer. If you’re doing the opposite, say so on camera.
Mention any integrated appliances (dishwasher, washing machine) — are they coming or staying?
What to Say on Camera
You don’t need a script. Just talk naturally as if you’re giving someone a tour. Here are examples of helpful commentary:
“The mirror on the wall is staying”
“We’ll be bringing the bench but not the shelves”
“Under this cover is two bikes”
“Inside this cupboard is mostly cat food and craft supplies”
“The kids’ play frame is going — they’ve grown out of it”
“The oven is coming with us”
“These boxes are going to the tip, not coming”
Pro Tip: Multiple Clips Are Fine
You can break your video into separate clips per room or per floor — that’s absolutely fine. Just make sure every space is covered. Remember: we’ll be watching these videos and writing down everything we see. The more detail you give us, the more accurate your quote will be.
Before You Hit Send
The 9 Most Important Rules
Get these right and your video will give us everything we need for an accurate quote.
Film Every Room Slowly
Walk at half your normal pace, pausing on each piece of furniture so we can write it down.
Open Every Cupboard
Wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, bathroom shelves — open them and hold the camera steady inside.
Show Under Beds & Hidden Spaces
Under beds, under the stairs, and in alcoves are the most commonly missed areas.
Cover Garden & Shed
Slow pan around the entire garden. Open shed doors and show everything inside.
State What's Staying
Point at anything not coming and say it clearly: "This shelving unit is staying."
Highlight Specialist Items
Pianos, grandfather clocks, large artwork, gym equipment — show edges and corners.
Confirm Every Appliance
Fridge, oven, washing machine, dishwasher — say clearly for each: coming or staying?
Lift Covers & Identify
If items are under sheets or tarps, lift them on camera — or describe what's underneath.
Show All Access Points
Film the front door, path width, driveway, and any steps — this reveals chokepoints and tricky access before moving day.
Ready to Send Your Video?
Once you've filmed your home, send the clips to us and we'll review everything in detail. We'll come back to you with an accurate, no-obligation quote based on exactly what we've seen. No surprises on moving day.
0117 287 0082