What is a Video Survey for Household Goods Moves?

Have you heard about a video survey for household goods moves? Relocating employees who are participating in a household goods move as part of their relocation usually work with a household goods moving provider who completes a general or summarized inventory (also known as a “cube sheet”) as part of the in-home survey. The goal of the cube sheet is to create a list of contents that will be moved.  This will help increase the accuracy of the moving cost estimate. It will also provide a record of the items the relocating employee is moving.

Also, the in-home survey helps determine what services are needed, and the amount of those services (based on a combination of the company’s relocation policy, situational requirements, and relocating employee needs). The services may include packing, crating, appliance service, and determining how to address any residential access challenges.

Important information a household goods moving provider writes on a cube sheet:

  • Inventory should be complete for each room
  • Describes every item
  • Notes items that are not a part of the move

So what is a Video Survey for Household Goods Moves?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides guidelines and regulations for the Household Goods (HHG) Moving Industry. The HHG Working Group Paperwork Subgroup Minutes show the household goods moving industry has been at the forefront of discussing and recommending video surveys. The FMCSA also provides many helpful resources for relocating employees, including a Moving Checklist. As a result, relocating employees can more fully prepare for their move. Also, they can learn about all phases of the move experience, and know what they should do to help ensure a smooth process.

In a video survey for a household goods move, relocating employees use video technology to record the contents of each room. This survey is usually completed through an app, and includes guidance from a household goods moving estimator or specialist throughout the entire process. A video survey gives moving estimators clarity as to the volume, condition, and size of household goods. Estimators can take note of Items that appear particularly delicate for special packing. Video surveys are increasingly in use throughout North America for household good moves.

2019 Industry Update Includes Video Survey for Household Goods Moves

In Global Mobility Solutions’ White Paper: 2019 Industry Update – Talent Mobility, Real Estate, Household Goods, and Immigration, our experts explain the use of a video survey for household goods moves.

Four key reasons why relocating employees find a video survey convenient:

  1. They do not have time during their work week to complete an in-home survey
  2. Moving out of a remote location
  3. They are moving small shipments
  4. Have a quick turnaround time for their move

Along with this convenience is the increase in information a video survey provides. This information is easily sharable and extremely helpful for every participant in the household goods move.

Participants who may use a video survey during a move include:

  1. Dispatchers
  2. Van line drivers
  3. 3rd party service providers
  4. Planners and coordinators
  5. Relocation Management Companies
  6. Others who may need the information

Relocating employees may be able to complete a video survey for their household goods move quickly and easily. The video file may provide valuable documentation of item condition. This will give the relocating employee peace of mind that their item will arrive to their new location as planned. Any questions can easily be addressed by viewing the video survey. The video survey provides as much detail information as an in-home survey. Also, it is a far better option than a phone survey.

What Does This Mean?

A video survey is a valuable tool for household goods moves. They are also extremely convenient for relocating employees, and may help them easily document items. Participants in a household goods move, from the packers to the movers to the RMC, may all benefit from a video survey.

What Should Employers do?

Companies with relocating employees participating in a household goods move should encourage the use of a video survey if this is of interest to their relocating employees. Companies should work with an experienced and knowledgeable Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs provide extensive solutions when it comes to relocating employees who are participating in a household goods move as part of their relocation. Companies should review their relocation programs. This will help ensure their program provides the highest level of relocation benefits and services for their employees.


GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how they can provide an exceptional relocation experience to their relocating employees. Our team can help your company understand how to implement the use of a video survey for household goods moves for those relocating employees who are interested.



Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss how to implement a video survey for any of your interested relocating employees’ household goods moves, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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