Survey
What a moving survey is, what information it should capture, and why it matters to estimating and operations.
Published 4 Sep 2026 · Updated 4 Sep 2026. Sources, scope and corrections
TRE Dictionary
Survey
A survey is the process of gathering information about a move before pricing and planning it. It may be completed in person, by video, through photographs, or with a digital inventory tool.
In plain English
The survey is where the mover tries to understand what is being moved, how difficult the locations are to access, what services are needed, and what conditions could affect labor, equipment, time, or price.
Why it matters
A weak survey creates weak downstream information. Missing inventory, stairs, long carries, elevators, packing needs, specialty items, or access restrictions can affect the estimate and operating plan. For covered interstate moves, FMCSA's estimating rules establish requirements around physical surveys in many circumstances and when alternatives may be used.
From survey to the written estimate
Before the record goes to estimating, confirm the goods included and excluded, every pickup and delivery location, access restrictions, packing and specialty work, and any unresolved assumptions. The estimator should identify which dated survey and inventory the price uses; operations needs that same version.
In general operating usage, photographs and inventory tools may support information gathering. For covered U.S. interstate household-goods moves, they should not automatically be treated as substitutes for a required physical survey. FMCSA’s survey guidance describes physical surveys conducted on-site or virtually. Confirm any applicable exception or waiver under the current rules.
Continue through Estimate → Inventory → Change of Scope. Keep later additions and corrections traceable to the original record.
Follow the complete record in the Moving Documents guide.
Who this affects
Customer · Surveyor · Sales · Operations · Crew
Where this sits in the move
Survey → Estimate → Planning
Stakeholder perspectives
The customer identifies goods, services, and access constraints; the surveyor records them; sales and operations use the same record to price and prepare the move.
Responsibility and handoff
Hand the inventory, photographs, access details, service assumptions, and unresolved questions to estimating and operations. Confirm material changes before move day.
Common misunderstanding
A survey is information gathering, not a promise that every item or service is included in the price. A room count or video alone may miss storage areas, fragile items, or delivery access.
TRE common-language definition
Survey: The structured collection of inventory, access, service, timing, and handling information used to estimate and plan a relocation.
Related terms
Virtual Survey · Inventory · Estimate · Access · Change of Scope
Sources & Evidence
Read the Moving Estimates guide →
The Relocation Ecosystem provides educational information and does not provide legal advice.
Explore the full Relocation Dictionary →
September 4, 2026: Added stakeholder, move-stage, and handoff context. This practical interpretation supplements the definition and sources above.
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