removals and logistics - head to head
Abels Moving Services vs Pickfords
Both makes turn up on the same shortlists, and the honest answer is that they are built for different buyers rather than one being better than the other. Here is what actually separates them - from a directory that sells neither.
| Abels Moving Services | Pickfords | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Making trailers since | 1958 | 1817 |
| UK availability | Good UK dealer coverage | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | Residential house removals, International relocations, Commercial office moves, Storage solutions | Domestic house removals, International relocations, Heavy haulage (historic), Storage warehousing |
Choose Abels Moving Services if...
Abels Moving Services carries out house removals across the UK, international and business moves, and specialist moves of fine art, antiques and grand pianos. It has run storage since 1958, including climate controlled units.
Full Abels Moving Services profile →Choose Pickfords if...
Pickfords is one of the oldest-recognised removals names in the UK, tracing its trading history back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and today focuses on domestic and international household relocations plus storage. It is generally chosen for full-service, professionally packed moves rather than budget self-drive alternatives.
Full Pickfords profile →Where to hire or buy either
Most UK removals and logistics companies carry several makes and advertise none of them, so the practical move is to find the firms covering your area and ask what is on the yard.
Abels Moving Services vs Pickfords - common questions
Is Abels Moving Services better than Pickfords?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. Abels Moving Services carries out house removals across the UK, international and business moves, and specialist moves of fine art, antiques and grand pianos. It has run storage since 1958, including climate controlled units. Pickfords is one of the oldest-recognised removals names in the UK, tracing its trading history back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and today focuses on domestic and international household relocations plus storage. It is generally chosen for full-service, professionally packed moves rather than budget self-drive alternatives.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, Abels Moving Services or Pickfords?
Abels Moving Services: Nationwide removals with climate controlled storage facilities. Pickfords: Its own history page states the network grew to 120 UK branches during the housing boom of the late 1980s/early 1990s; current branch count is not published on the page reviewed, per pickfords.co.uk in 2026.
Can I hire rather than buy?
Yes. Most UK removals and logistics companies hire as well as sell, and many carry several makes without listing them. Search by your area and ask what they have on the yard.
Other comparisons
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Brand and model names are the trademarks of their owners, used here only to identify the products they refer to. Specifications vary by model year and market - confirm weights, dimensions and towing limits with the supplier before hiring or buying.