--- title: What Is an In-Home Survey? Moving Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/in-home-survey/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - In home survey # What is an in-home survey? An in-home survey is a walk-through of your home, at which an estimator sees and counts everything that will move so the written estimate rests on real quantities. Under 49 CFR 375.401(a), an interstate mover must conduct a physical survey unless you waive it in writing before loading. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) A price made over the phone is a ballpark. A price made after someone has opened your closets, measured your hallway and looked at the garage is an estimate. The in-home survey is what turns the first into the second, and for O'Brien's customers in Reno and Sparks it is the free, no-obligation visit that comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes. ## What the rule requires Section 375.401(a) says a mover must conduct a physical survey of the household goods and provide a written estimate based on it, covering the transportation and all related services. The survey can be waived, but only if the waiver is in writing and signed by the shipper before loading, and the mover keeps a copy as an addendum to the bill of lading. The FMCSA booklet adds a warning worth remembering: avoid movers that refuse to perform a physical survey. ## What the estimator looks at The visit also settles a question the phone cannot: how many people and how much truck the job needs. - Every room, closet, garage, attic, shed and storage space - Large and fragile pieces: pianos, pool tables, glass, art, appliances - Stairs, elevators, driveways, gates and the distance from truck to door - What you are taking, what you are leaving and what is going to storage - Anything you plan to pack yourself, and anything you want packed ## What you get from an O'Brien's survey An O'Brien's estimator visits, and Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet are the estimators. The estimate that follows is itemized and in writing, and long-distance moves are priced by weight. If the move involves packing, the itemized inventory and condition report is made before packing starts. Because the survey is free, you can invite more than one estimator and compare the paperwork at your own pace. ## How to prepare Make the visit easy to do thoroughly. Unlock the attic, the shed and the storage room, and keep a list of anything that is not yet in the house, such as a purchase arriving next month. Tell the estimator which items are staying, because those lines come off the estimate. Have the building rules for your destination if you know them: elevator hours, parking, move-in fees. Walk the home with the estimator. Point at things, open doors, and ask the estimator to write down what you mention. What you mention is what gets priced. ## Booking the survey Call 775-359-6683, Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm, or use the [free estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/free-estimate/) request. If you are not near Sparks yet, read [virtual survey](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/virtual-survey/) for what the federal rule allows, then ask the office which option suits your move. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.401 estimating charges](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-D/section-375.401) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.103 physical survey](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-A/section-375.103) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Free in-home moving estimate (plus 10 free heavy-duty boxes)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/free-estimate/) - [Virtual survey](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/virtual-survey/) - [Binding, non-binding and not-to-exceed estimates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/binding-vs-non-binding-estimates/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Virtual survey](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/virtual-survey/) - [Permanent storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/permanent-storage/) - [Warehouse handling](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/warehouse-handling/) - [Punch list](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/punch-list/) - [Debris removal](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/debris-removal/) - [Appliance service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/appliance-service/) - [Valuation deductible](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/valuation-deductible/) - [Bill of lading](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/bill-of-lading/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Does the in-home survey cost anything? No. The in-home estimate is free and carries no obligation, and it comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep. ### Can I skip the survey? Federal rules let an interstate shipper waive it, in writing and before loading. A survey still gives the most accurate estimate. ### How long does it take? It depends on the size of the home. The estimator will tell you at booking how much time to set aside. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) J Jessica D. February 14, 2023 I have always had a really good experience with Obriens delivery service. I've been a girl scout volunteer for 6 years now and they are always very friendly and helpful. Thank you for all you do!! ### Owner's reply Jessica, thank you so much for the kind words. We love the Girl Scout cookie distribution time. It gives us the chance to interact with you ladies that are out there making a difference in our community every day! Thank you for everything you do. A Ami M. February 7, 2023 O'Brien's is great! They made my move easy. They were responsive, professional and accommodating. Trusting them with my move was one less thing I had to worry about. ### Owner's reply Ami thank you so much! It was a pleasure to assist you with your move and knowing that we were able to lessen any stress you may have had with the moving process, makes us so happy!! If you need anything in the future please let us know. M Mike K. August 30, 2019 The best customer service ever! ### Owner's reply Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070