Choosing a removal service isn’t about who shouts loudest or promises the smoothest move. It’s about reliability. Will the van turn up? Will the price change? Will everything fit? Have I ordered the right thing? What happens if things go wrong?
For most people moving throughout the UK, these are the factors that matter rather than those extras that sound good on paper.
Choosing a removal company isn’t about picking a number from the phone book, or rather, a sponsored ad on Google. It’s about finding a company you can trust and rely on to help you get the move as stress-free as possible.
This is a quick and easy guide on some of the top removal companies in the UK right now.
AnyVan
Best for reliable, UK-wide moves with clear pricing.
AnyVan works slightly differently from other removal companies. They work with partners across the country to coordinate moving services that make sense. It’s essentially a marketplace with a range of services included for all kinds of moves anywhere in the country.
All you need to do is post the job details and then choose from the available options that meet your needs. You can get an instant quote online simply by inputting exactly what needs moving, when, and where from, and its destination. You get a list of available providers and exact prices that include petrol, VAT, and no hidden extras.
If you’re looking for a service provider that makes moving, be it large cross-country house moves or small relocations around the corner, you can find what you need. AnyVan isn’t limited to one mixed fleet. They open up a network of local movers and experts nationwide that offer coverage in your area, regardless of what you’re moving.
Plus, you can, for the most part, amend or cancel bookings up to 48 hours in advance without penalty, and you also get added peace of mind with compensation cover for fire or theft, too, when your items are in transit.
Pickfords
Best for traditional full-service home removals.
Pickfords operates in a more traditional removal company model. They have a network of local UK branches, and each one is responsible for planning and delivering moves in its area — they’re not involved in a central team; instead, they’re run by local movers who know the areas. And you get one team from start to finish, so nothing is missed or overlooked.
Pickfords conducts a pre-move survey either in person or remotely. This enables them to put a removal plan together to cover timings, crew, vehicles, and anything you might need additionally.
You can choose to have a fully managed move carried out by Pickfords’ teams entirely, or you can choose a partially handled move, or do it yourself, and the team simply focus on logistics.
The benefit of it all being overlooked by the same team is continuity, making it ideal for both smaller moves for single items or full relocations across the country. And you can also choose to use their storage between or during movies if required to make life easier.
Britannia Movers
Best for large household moves across the UK.
Britannia Movers International operates as a network of independently owned removal companies across the UK that are all members of Britannia Movers International. This means when you book your move, it is handled by a local member supported by shared standards systems and coverage across the county.
The process usually starts with a survey to assess what’s being moved, access at both properties, and any special handling requirements. From there, the local Britannia company builds the move plan. The move plan includes vehicles, crews, timings, and packing if required.
You can choose to pack yourself using supplied materials, book a partial or a full-pack service.
The benefit of this type of network means that, particularly for long-distance moves, everything is coordinated with member companies where needed and responsibly clearly assigned, not just passed around. And you don’t just have the confidence of a small company, you have the backing of a wider UK network designed to handle moves of all sizes, but with an emphasis on larger moves over longer distances.
Clockwork Removals
Best for local and regional UK moves
Clockwork Removals is a network of companies that run local branches throughout the UK. And this is where it stands out. Each branch has its own local crews, meaning that for those who are only moving a short distance or needing a company that knows the area, you get exactly that.
Backed by over 25 years of experience, all moves are handled like clockwork, whether you need a small flat packed up and relocated across town or you’re planning a larger international move. Clockwork Removals covers everything — from students to seniors downsizing and even business relocation. Their network means you can book exactly what you need and rely on their experience to handle the rest for you.
Bishop’s Move
Best for carefully managed home moves
If you need a removal company that is adept at meticulous planning and execution, Bishop’s Move might just be what you need. Established in 1854, it’s safe to say there’s a wealth of experience behind the scenes that ensures all moves are handled with care and efficiency.
Bishops Move handles anything from local small movies to international removal services and business relocation across their network, spread over the UK.
You can book a quote online or get a video call to help discuss your needs, as well as any extras you might want to choose, such as storage cleaners, packing and unwrapping, alongside dismantling and reassembling, or furniture too.
Final Words
​Not every move needs the same kind of service. Some people want full planning and hand-holding. Others want flexibility, clear pricing, or a local team that knows the area. The companies above all handle UK moves, but they do it in different ways. The right choice usually comes down to how much control you want, how complex the move is, and where you’re willing to trade structure for flexibility.