Why People Relocate to North Devon
North Devon has become one of the most sought-after places to live in the UK. Remote working has allowed many professionals to swap city life for coastal towns such as Braunton, Instow and Woolacombe, while families are drawn by good schools, safe communities and outdoor lifestyles. Retirees continue to choose the region for its peaceful villages and stunning scenery, and new housing developments around Barnstaple, Bideford and Fremington are attracting first-time buyers.
At the same time, people move out of North Devon for work, study or to be closer to family. Whatever the direction, relocation involves careful planning. Narrow lanes, period cottages with tight staircases and long distances from major cities all make choosing an experienced removal company particularly important.
What to Look for in a Relocation Company
Membership of a trade body such as the British Association of Removers provides reassurance about standards and consumer protection. Look for companies offering pre-move surveys, clear written quotes, comprehensive insurance and packing services. Secure storage is valuable if there is a gap between moving out and moving in. For international moves, check experience with customs, shipping and destination services.
The Top 10 Relocation Companies Serving North Devon
1. Pickfords
Pickfords is one of the oldest and best-known removal companies in the UK, with a history spanning centuries. It offers local, national and international moves, packing and storage, and its South West branches serve North Devon customers with the reassurance of a national brand.
2. Bishop's Move
Bishop's Move is a family-owned company with a strong reputation for quality. It handles domestic, international and business relocations and offers fine art and antiques handling, making it popular for moves involving valuable or delicate items.
3. Britannia Movers International
Britannia is a network of independent removal companies across the UK, sharing standards and resources. Members in Devon combine local knowledge with national and international reach, offering personal service backed by a trusted brand.
4. White and Company
White and Company is an award-winning removals firm with a focus on premium service. It provides full packing, careful handling and storage for domestic and international moves, and is well regarded for its professional crews.
5. Crown World Mobility
Crown World Mobility specialises in corporate relocation, supporting employees and families moving for work. It offers destination services, home search and settling-in support, which is valuable for professionals relocating to North Devon for roles in healthcare, engineering or education.
6. Santa Fe Relocation
Santa Fe Relocation provides international moving, immigration support and relocation management. It is a strong choice for families moving between North Devon and overseas destinations, offering end-to-end coordination.
7. Anglo Pacific
Anglo Pacific specialises in international shipping of household goods and personal effects. Its container and part-container services are ideal for those relocating overseas, such as to Australia, New Zealand or North America.
8. PSS International Removals
PSS International Removals is known for international moves, offering shared container services that reduce costs for smaller loads. It is well suited to students, young professionals and those moving abroad with fewer belongings.
9. AGS Four Winds
AGS Four Winds is a global removals group with a presence across the UK. It offers international moves, storage and relocation services, backed by a large worldwide network.
10. Local North Devon Removal Firms
Independent removal companies based in Barnstaple, Bideford and surrounding towns offer excellent value for local moves. Their crews understand the region's roads, access issues and property types, from Victorian terraces in Ilfracombe to thatched cottages on Exmoor, and many provide secure local storage.
Relocation Trends
The relocation market has been shaped by changing lifestyles. The rise of hybrid working has fuelled moves from cities to coastal and rural areas like North Devon. Virtual surveys using video calls have made quoting faster and more convenient. Sustainability is also becoming important, with companies offering reusable packing crates and more efficient vehicles. For international relocations, demand for full-service support, including visa guidance and school searches, continues to grow.
Tips for a Smooth Move
Book your removal company as early as possible, especially for summer and month-end dates, which are the busiest. Declutter before your survey to reduce volume and cost. Check access at both properties, including parking and any narrow lanes, and share this information with your remover. Label boxes clearly by room and keep essential items, documents and valuables with you on moving day.
Settling into Life in North Devon
Once the boxes are unpacked, newcomers quickly discover what makes North Devon special. Registering with a GP, finding school places and exploring local markets in Barnstaple's Pannier Market are good first steps. Community groups, surf clubs, walking groups and village events offer easy ways to meet people. Many relocation companies can also recommend local services such as cleaners, handymen and storage providers, helping new residents settle in faster.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are moving across town, across the country or across the world, North Devon has access to excellent relocation companies. National names like Pickfords and Bishop's Move offer scale and experience, international specialists handle overseas moves, and local firms bring invaluable knowledge of the region. With the right partner, your move can be as smooth as the start of your new life by the sea.
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