How video moving estimates work

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2026-09-21 · Trinity Movers

A video walkthrough from your phone replaces both the guesswork of a phone quote and the hassle of an in-home visit. Here's what to expect, and what it can and can't tell us.

The problem with how moves usually get quoted

For a long time there were two ways to get a moving estimate. You could describe your home over the phone, which is quick but depends on you remembering everything you own. Almost nobody can. Or you could schedule an in-home visit, which is accurate but means taking time off, waiting for someone to drive out, and doing it again for every company you're comparing.

Video estimates sit in between. The mover gets to see your home, and you don't have to rearrange your day. Trinity Movers uses a tool called LiveSwitch for this.

What actually happens, step by step

First, you contact us and tell us the basics: your dates, both addresses, and what kind of help you need.

Next, we text you a link. You tap it and it opens in your phone's browser. There's no app to download.

Then you walk through your home with your phone, either live with one of us or recorded on your own. The next section covers how to choose.

The video is saved, and the tool builds an inventory list from what you showed us, so nothing depends on notes scribbled during a call. We use it to list what's moving, check the stairs and access, and work out the right crew and truck. Then we prepare your estimate and explain how it's priced.

Why it makes for a better estimate

Estimates go wrong when information is missing. The usual culprits are the spaces nobody thinks to mention. Access is the other one: stairs nobody mentioned, or a truck that can't park within a hundred feet of the door.

A video shows all of that. It won't make an estimate perfect, since things change and people buy couches, but it replaces assumptions with what's actually there. That helps you, because your quote is closer to your final bill. It helps us too, because we arrive with the right people and equipment for the job.

Live call or recorded walkthrough?

Both get us what we need, so pick the one that fits your life.

A live call is a conversation. We can ask you to open the hall closet, check whether the sectional comes apart, or confirm that the piano in the corner is really coming. If your home has a lot of heavy or unusual pieces, or you have questions of your own, live is usually better.

A recorded walkthrough is about convenience. You can film at ten at night, in two sessions if you get interrupted, or have a family member do it if you're out of town. If we have questions afterward, we'll call.

Whichever you pick, we end up with the same thing: a saved video we can review properly.

What a video estimate can't do

It can't see what you don't show it. If the shed never makes it on camera, the shed isn't in the estimate. It also can't predict changes. People buy furniture, inherit furniture, and decide at the last minute that the storage unit needs emptying too.

That's why we treat the video as the starting point and ask you to tell us when something changes. It's also why we don't describe a video estimate as a guaranteed price. It's an estimate, just a far better informed one.

Our separate guide on preparing for a video walkthrough covers exactly what to film and how.

After the walkthrough

We'll review the video and get back to you, usually the same day, with an estimate and a written summary of what we covered. If the summary missed something, say so and we'll correct it. If anything is unclear, we'll call and ask rather than guess. And if your plans change before move day, let us know so we can update the quote.

Kevin Joshua, who founded Trinity Movers, was featured in LiveSwitch's own moving-industry case study talking about how much customers appreciate the convenience.

To set up a video estimate, call (830) 837-4628 or send a request. You can read more on our video estimates page, and see how each type of move is quoted on our pricing page.