CMC Pre-Move Survey & Cube Estimation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When conducting a pre-move survey, what is the primary purpose of measuring doorway widths?
- To calculate total cube footage
- To determine if large items can be maneuvered out of the home (Correct answer)
- To estimate the number of movers needed
- To set the price for the move
Correct answer: To determine if large items can be maneuvered out of the home
Doorway widths are measured to identify potential obstacles when moving large furniture and appliances out of the residence.
Question 2: A customer states they will pack their own boxes. How should this affect your cube estimation?
- It has no effect on cube estimation
- You should add 10% to account for poor packing
- You should reduce cube estimates since self-packed boxes may not be as dense (Correct answer)
- You should refuse to estimate until professional packing is agreed upon
Correct answer: You should reduce cube estimates since self-packed boxes may not be as dense
Self-packed boxes are often less efficiently packed than professional packs, which can result in more volume being used per item.
Question 3: What does the term 'cube sheet' refer to in moving industry surveys?
- A document listing cubic foot values assigned to household items (Correct answer)
- A blueprint of the home showing room dimensions
- A checklist of items requiring special handling
- A contract addendum for storage services
Correct answer: A document listing cubic foot values assigned to household items
A cube sheet is a standardized reference document that lists typical cubic foot values for household goods and furniture items.
Question 4: Which scenario would most likely cause a cube estimation to be significantly underestimated?
- The surveyor counts furniture in all rooms
- The surveyor fails to check the attic, basement, and garage (Correct answer)
- The surveyor uses a digital inventory tool
- The customer provides a list of items
Correct answer: The surveyor fails to check the attic, basement, and garage
Attics, basements, and garages frequently contain large amounts of stored goods that are easily overlooked during a visual survey.
Question 5: When estimating cube for a large sectional sofa, what is the most accurate approach?
- Count it as one standard sofa unit
- Estimate each section individually and total the values (Correct answer)
- Use the room's square footage to derive the estimate
- Ask the customer how many people normally sit on it
Correct answer: Estimate each section individually and total the values
Sectional sofas consist of multiple pieces, so estimating each section separately ensures a more accurate total cube value.
Question 6: What information should a surveyor record about a customer's piano?
- Only the color and brand
- Type (upright vs. grand), dimensions, and access route (Correct answer)
- Age and estimated value only
- Number of keys and pedals
Correct answer: Type (upright vs. grand), dimensions, and access route
Piano type, dimensions, and access route are critical for accurate cube estimation and planning specialized equipment and crew needs.
Question 7: How does stair access at either origin or destination affect cube estimation?
- It does not affect cube estimation but impacts labor and equipment planning (Correct answer)
- Stair access increases cube by 15% per flight
- Stair access reduces the number of items that can be moved
- Stairs require a separate cube category on the inventory
Correct answer: It does not affect cube estimation but impacts labor and equipment planning
Stair access does not change the volume of goods but significantly impacts labor time, crew size, and equipment requirements.
CMC Pre-Move Survey & Cube Estimation 2
When conducting a pre-move survey, what is the primary purpose of measuring doorway widths?