You can get an accurate moving quote from photos by sending clear pictures of every room, the large items in it, and the access at both buildings over WhatsApp. If the photos show what needs to move and how the crew will get it out, movers can usually price the job without a site visit. This guide covers what to photograph, room by room, so your quote is right the first time.
Why a photo quote works
A moving quote depends on three things: how much there is to move, how much of it needs special handling, and how easy it is to get in and out of each building. A walk-through survey checks all three in person. Good photos do the same job from your phone, often within the same day.
The quote can only be as accurate as the photos. If a loaded storeroom, a second balcony or a piano never makes it into the pictures, the crew size, truck and packing materials planned for your move will be wrong. Missing items are the most common reason a quote changes on moving day.
Before you start taking photos
- Open wardrobe and cupboard doors so the movers can see how full they are.
- Switch on the lights and stand in a doorway so each photo shows the whole room.
- Take a wide shot of each room first, then close-ups of anything large, heavy or fragile.
- Don’t forget storerooms, maid’s rooms, balconies, terraces, gardens and the roof.
- If you are not taking something, say so in your message. It saves the movers guessing.
What to photograph, room by room
Living and dining areas
- Sofas, armchairs and the dining table with chairs
- TV units, wall-mounted TVs and anything fixed to the wall that needs taking down
- Display cabinets, bookshelves and side tables, with their contents visible
- Rugs, mirrors, artwork and large lamps
Bedrooms
- Beds, including the size (single, queen, king) and whether there is a storage base
- Built-in wardrobes with the doors open, plus any freestanding wardrobes
- Dressers, bedside tables, desks and children’s furniture such as cots and bunk beds
Freestanding wardrobes usually need to be dismantled and reassembled, so a clear photo of each one matters. Built-in wardrobes stay behind, but the contents still need packing.
Kitchen
- Open cupboards and drawers, so the volume of crockery, glassware and pans is clear
- Fridge, freezer, washing machine, dryer and dishwasher, with a note if any of them stay with the property
- Small appliances, a water dispenser, and any shelving or storage racks
Appliances need to be disconnected, emptied and, in the case of washing machines, prepared properly before moving. Mention if you want the movers to disconnect and reconnect them.
Storerooms, balconies and outdoor areas
- Storerooms and maid’s rooms, including anything on high shelves
- Outdoor furniture, barbecues, plant pots and garden items
- Bicycles, gym equipment and children’s play equipment
These areas are often forgotten and can add a lot of volume, especially in villas.
Fragile, valuable and specialist items
Take a separate close-up of anything that needs custom packing or extra care, and add a short note about it:
- Glass table tops, large mirrors and framed artwork
- Marble or stone tables
- Pianos, aquariums and large safes (include the approximate size or weight if you know it)
- Antiques, chandeliers and delicate light fittings
- Large TVs, especially if the original box is no longer available
Access details that change the quote
Access is the part people most often leave out, and it affects how many crew members are needed and how long the move takes. Send these details for both the current home and the new one:
- Floor number and lift: Is there a service lift, and can it be booked? Will large items fit in it?
- Parking and loading: Is there a loading bay or a spot close to the entrance where a truck can park?
- Distance to the door: A photo of the path from the truck to your front door helps, especially for villas with long driveways or stairs.
- Stairs and narrow spaces: Internal staircases, tight corridors or doors that large furniture may not fit through.
- Building rules: Permitted moving hours, permits and any restrictions on lift use.
A short video walking from the front door to the parking area is often clearer than several photos.
Extra services to mention
If you want any of these, include them in the same message so they are part of the quote rather than added later:
- Full packing, or packing only the kitchen and fragile items
- Dismantling and reassembling beds and wardrobes
- Curtain, TV and light fitting removal and installation
- Short- or long-term storage between homes
- Removal of old furniture you don’t want to take, through our junk furniture removal service
What to include in your WhatsApp message
Along with the photos, send a short message that covers:
- Your moving-from and moving-to areas, for example Khalifa City to Yas Island, or JVC to Dubai Marina
- Property type and size, such as a two-bedroom apartment or a four-bedroom villa
- Your preferred moving date and whether it is flexible
- The services you need
Grouping photos by room, or labelling them (“master bedroom”, “kitchen”), helps the team go through them quickly.
When a home survey is better than photos
Photos work well for most apartment moves and smaller villas. A free home survey is usually the better choice when:
- You have a large villa with a lot of furniture and storage
- There are several specialist items, such as a piano, safe or large artwork
- Access is complicated, for example a narrow lift or long carry distance
- You are moving internationally, where accurate volume is especially important
If you are planning a larger move, our guide for villa moves in Abu Dhabi covers what to plan ahead.
FAQ
How many photos should I send?
Enough to show every room and every large item. For a typical two-bedroom apartment, that is often 20 to 30 photos, plus a short video if access is tricky.
Is a photo quote as accurate as a survey?
It can be, if the photos are complete and the access details are included. If something is missed, the quote may need to be updated.
Can I send a video instead of photos?
Yes. A slow walk-through video of each room, with cupboards open, works well. Add close-up photos of fragile or specialist items.
What if I remember an item after getting the quote?
Send a photo of it on the same WhatsApp chat before moving day, so the crew and truck can be planned for it.
Get your quote
GI Movers handles house moves in Abu Dhabi and home moves in Dubai with its own trained crews. Send your photos on WhatsApp for a photo quote, book a free home survey, or get an instant estimate with our price tool.