Moving within the UK--moving company recs?

Hi, all. Apologies for not posting in this community much, but I'm hoping you can help.

My (UKC) husband and I live in London but he's just been offered a job in Sheffield. We're very excited about the possibility of moving out of London but are feeling clueless about the logistics. He's lived in London most of his adult life, and I've only been in the country a few years (all of that in London). Moving entirely on our own with our stuff and toddler is probably beyond us, but we don't have any experience with moving companies or hiring a man and van to go between cities.  Does anyone have any recommendations?  We're both librarians, so we don't have a big budget.

Apologies if this should have gone into the Moving board, but I have the impression that one's for the overseas moves only.

Many many thanks for any advice or recommendations!

WE used Bishops Move twice with great results.

Most 'local' companies will happily do a London to Sheffield move. Even here in Cheshire, the firm we used for a cross-town move last year does removals for families going to various parts of the UK.

Look on-line, choose 3 or 4 firms for quotes, and choose the one you are most comfortable with. Get an inclusive quote - not "hourly rate" and make sure it's firm, not an "estimate based on x number of hours + y mileage charge". Beware if it sounds too cheap, because they are likely underestimating to get the job, and your real bill will be higher.

I second vadio's advice about getting quotations from a few companies.  When Mr MX and I moved from Hertfordshire to Liverpool last year, we had 3 different companies send a representative to our home to give inclusive quotes.  It was reasonably easy to schedule the visits, and afterwards we had plenty of information about how each company operated.

We ended up choosing Pickfords and were very satisfied with their work.

Good luck!

Thank you so much, guys, that is all very helpful! 

I work for a removal company, and completely agree with the advice you've been given already.

I'd also suggest checking out their reviews online - but do keep in mind that things do sometimes go wrong with removals, and people do get emotional about it when they do - so one bad review among a bunch of good ones shouldn't taint them completely.

Since you're moving some distance, stick with the brands, rather than a man and van.

Don't take a quote from someone who doesn't come out to see the scope of your move, since it isn't a local move.

Don't just take the cheapest quote, base your decision not just on the quote amount, but also on the customer experience when contacting them, the surveyor, etc. And definitely make sure you get a all-in price rather than an hourly one!

You can also try and negotiate a bit with the price, if you really like a company but their price is a smidge high. Whether they can or will depends on a lot of factors, but it never hurts to ask.

Also, check if yoiur homeowners or contents insurance will cover you when moving - if it doesn't ask about the removal company's insurance options. With a move of this distance, it is absolutely best to be insured.

I work for one of the members of Britannia Movers (it is like a cooperative, each branch is independently owned and operated), and would recommend them as a whole. http://www.britannia-movers.co.uk/

Many thanks for the advice, evilshell--I'm compiling a list of companies and yours is definitely going on it! 

Many thanks for the advice, evilshell--I'm compiling a list of companies and yours is definitely going on it! 

Good luck with your move!

Each Britannia branch is independently owned (it is a cooperative), and you'd be directed to the one serving your area.

For ours (we serve Manchester and Birmingham), there's a piece on how to choose a removal company which may help: http://www.bradshawinternational.com/blog/how-to-choose-removal-company.html#axzz2scBBHhGX