Like anything with trades / services, get at least three quotes so you know what the playing field looks like.
Last time I used a local company and they were great. I’d generally go for a reliable local company if you can find one. It’s difficult to say prices without a detailed description of the amount of things you have, the service level you need and the distance.
Remember to get your 20% discount for paying in cash 
It’s probably one of those things that are quite hard to compare.
Our neighbour retired after running their own removals company for many many years. They specialised in moving people long distances and used a huge truck (more like a lorry) to do everything in one go.
They tailored their service to the customers requirements. You could literally do nothing if you chose and they’d come round, box everything, wrap everything, go into your loft, load and unload the truck etc. They had all sorts of specialist lifting equipment, padded wraps, made sure everything was super secure and well protected etc. They even had storage they could temporarily keep all your stuff in too.
On the other end of the scale you will likely find people who will just throw everything in a truck (only if you put it outside first) and throw it out in a pile at the other end 
Had my offer on a property accepted around 6 weeks ago.
I’m now at the exchange of contracts phase. Preliminary date for completion 30th.
Incredibly excited but also incredibly nervous!
Congrats!
That’s quite a quick turn around too!
Thank you! The solicitors and the mortgage broker have been incredibly efficient so far and also very human in their touch. No question too silly or too small. It’s taken out a large amount of stress!
If the council had been equally quick we’d have had everything sorted in under 4 weeks!
It’s been very quick! We were planning for the end of July but the seller asked if I’d like to bring it forward which was fine by me 
Good luck with it.
A good solicitor is a very rare find. I might DM you for their deets if I move again!
Contracts exchanged! Think it’s going to be the slowest week of my life waiting for completion
So yesterday we completed around midday and I got the keys very shortly after!
For me, it was a very smooth overall process which I’m very grateful for.
Exciting to be on the property ladder! Now just got to smash that mortgage
Congrats! Don’t forget to add the mortgage to Monzo (and cry/congratulate yourself on your progress).
Think this is the second time you’ve asked for a recommendation that includes an app.
Just an observation, and by no means a criticism. I just wondered why it’s important enough to you to call out in the requirements?
Its crazy how antiquated conveyancers are and how this prolongs the process. The one I used still faxed things too!
You can, only if they update it their end. Mine was still “awaiting” things months after I’d signed and sent it back.
I always use a local solicitor (a real one not a conveyancer), if there are any issues I go in and speak to them.
Currently going through the conveyancing process again - except this time we’re selling too.
We used the same solicitors as before - and they were amazing the first time - but this time they’ve been a bit of a nightmare.
Reaching the point of daily phonecalls to get updates now.
So fustrating.
Sadly in the same boat over here as well. We’re part exchanging the current house as part of the purchase of the new house. Due to exchange tomorrow, completion on Wednesday, and if I didn’t phone the solicitor I would hear nothing.
For me it’s the admin (sorting the mortgage out, doing all the paperwork etc) that they do v you, in the two times we’ve moved it’s just been worth paying for them to do this. Perhaps a little lazy.
I’d focus more on fixed rate etc - Price comparison websites can help here
No idea, honestly we just go with a broker//look around on comparison websites.
In bold because I cannot stress this enough. Do the research on the solicitors, get reviews etc etc. Ensure you get a really good one. This will be the difference between tearing your hair out or sipping cocktails while someone else moves the furniture for you
Correct, I am clearly no mortgage expert 
You still get given a list of providers and their rates. You can then compare that to your own list and choose.
We’ve always used a broker because, in our experience, they do find the best deals.
We used https://mojomortgages.com/ last time, as I believe at the time Monzo was trailing integration with them.
It all went nice and smooth and true to their statement, it didn’t cost a penny.
Prior to this we used Countrywide as their brokers are/were independent.