Compare My Move

Here's a rundown of the moving/removal companies UK residents actually use and trust, based on current reviews and industry recognition:

Big, Established National Brands

Pickfords – The most recognisable name in UK removals. Established in 1646 and now the UK's largest international removals company, providing local services across the UK and Ireland. Widely used for both local house moves and international relocations.

Britannia Movers International – A well-known network often mentioned alongside Pickfords as one of the trusted well-known names like Pickfords, Britannia Movers International, John Mason International, PSS International Removals, Anglo Pacific, and Simpsons Removals and Storage all have plenty of experience and offer a wide range of services.

Bournes – A long-standing family firm, particularly popular for cross-country and international moves.

Eagle Relocations – A UK firm with over 50 years of experience offering swift shipping worldwide, comprehensive insurance cover and extra services such as currency exchange and house cleaning.

Anglo Pacific, John Mason International, PSS International Removals, Simpsons Removals and Storage – All established brands frequently recommended for international moves out of the UK.

Safepac – Known as a strong mid-to-upper tier option. With decades of experience, owned fleet, and strong industry affiliations, Safepac positions itself as a reliable, mid-to-upper tier UK mover, particularly strong in international and military relocations.

What to Actually Look For (More Important Than "Brand Names")

Because removals is a very local/regional trade, most Brits don't just pick one "top brand" — they compare quotes from BAR (British Association of Removers) accredited firms in their area. Key things to check:

• Prioritise companies with proven experience in UK international moves, comprehensive door-to-door services, strong industry certifications like FIDI FAIM and BAR membership (especially the Overseas Group), and consistently positive customer reviews.
• Be cautious of comparison/broker sites — their listing on a broker site does not guarantee their standing as a reputable mover, and one popular comparison site claims certifications that "on further investigation, many of them are not."

Popular Local/Regional Firms (Often Rated Higher Than Big Brands for Domestic Moves)

For everyday house moves, smaller regional companies frequently get better reviews than the big international names:

• Mr Bee, To Me To You Removals, and Butlers Removals are noted for consistently high review scores.
• City Moves is recognised by the trade as one of the leading specialists in the UK for door-to-door removals, with more than 30 years' experience.

Best Approach for Your Move

1. Local house move: Use comparison platforms like Compare My Move, Reallymoving, or GetAMover to get quotes from 3–4 BAR-accredited local firms — this is how most UK movers actually find their company.
2. International/overseas move: Stick to established names like Pickfords, Britannia, or PSS International, and verify their FIDI/BAR credentials directly rather than trusting broker sites.
3. Small move/single items: A "man with a van" service (via AnyVan, Shiply, or local listings) is the go-to for students, flat moves, or single-item transport.

Would you like me to help narrow this down based on your specific move (local, long-distance, or international)?

If you’re in the UK, you’ll be looking for removal companies rather than “moving companies”. Here’s a solid list of reputable, widely used options depending on your budget and needs.

🏆 Full-Service & Premium Removal Companies

These are the “big names” and are best for larger homes, fragile items, and end-to-end management.

• Pickfords
  One of the oldest and most trusted names in UK removals. They handle domestic, commercial, and international moves. You’ll get a dedicated surveyor and crew. Great if you want minimal stress.

• Britannia Movers
  Part of the Britannia global network but with a strong UK presence. They offer full packing, storage, and transport. Good for family homes and long-distance moves.

• Bishops Move
  National coverage with local teams. They’re well known for both household moves and corporate relocation. They also do overseas shipping if needed.

• Cadogan Tate
  Premium service, especially good for high-value, fragile, or antiques. Excellent packing standards, but you pay a bit more. Great for London moves and high-end homes.

• Doree Bonner
  Part of the same group as Pickfords, they’ve been around for over 100 years. Good balance of reliability and price for a full-service move.

✅ Look for companies that are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) – it gives you financial protection and quality standards.

💷 Mid-Range / Best Value National Removers

These are widely used, usually cheaper than the premium firms, and still offer decent service.

• AnyVan
  Very popular in the UK. You get instant quotes online. It’s essentially a marketplace of vetted drivers, but you can choose a full “man with van” service or just transport. Good for smaller moves, furniture deliveries, or a couple of boxes.

• Shiply
  Not a removal company – it’s a reverse auction site. You post your move, and vetted local hauliers/removal firms bid for the job. Great if you want cheap options, but check reviews and be clear about exact requirements.

• Compare My Move
  Again, not a mover. You fill in one form and up to 6 vetted UK removal firms get in touch. Useful for getting multiple quotes quickly.

• Verhuizingen.nl / Removals.co.uk-type national brokers
  Many people use UK-based comparison brokers that match you with local BAR-approved removers. Often cheaper than Pickfords but with decent coverage.

🚐 “Man with a Van” / Smaller Local Moves

For one-bedroom flats or moving a few items, local independent firms are often the best value.

• AnyVan is by far the most commonly used for this.
• Search for BAR-approved local removers in your area – e.g. “BAR removals [your town]”. They’re safer than Gumtree randoms.

🌍 International Moves

If moving abroad from the UK, these are commonly used:

• Pickfords / Britannia / Bishops Move – all handle international shipping.
• Seven Seas Worldwide – very popular for overseas removals and shipping boxes.
• Excess Baggage Company – good for air freight and sending excess luggage if not a full house move.

⚠️ Quick Tips

• Always get at least 3 quotes – ideally in-person/video surveys for larger homes.
• Check Trustpilot and Google Reviews, not just the company’s own website.
• Confirm whether the quote includes packing materials, dismantling furniture, and parking permits – these can add costs.
• Insurance is essential – make sure the movers offer transit insurance or you arrange your own.

My personal shortlist for most people in the UK:
👑 Pickfords if you want zero stress.
💷 AnyVan for cheap, simple moves.
🤝 Use BAR-approved local firms for the best middle-ground value.