About Us

Locally owned and grown for the last 40 years

About Hackworthy and Sons Removals

We move people throughout Devon and Cornwall

Thank you for your interest in Hackworthy & Sons Removals. Founded in 1973, we are the South West’s largest independent removal company.

We have owned and operated our removal business for over 40 years. And today 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation family members work alongside each other.

From our headquarters in Plymouth, we carry-out removals throughout the South West; from St Just and Penzance to Barnstaple and Minehead in the North and Torquay, Exmouth and Seaton in the South.

Alongside local removals, we offer National, European and International Relocations across the Globe. While our regional expertise means national companies often trust us to manage South West relocations on their behalf.

Whether you need a local Plymouth-based removal company or international experts, we can handle your move. By choosing us to complete your move, you can sit back and relax while we manage every detail of your relocation.

That’s because we understand your memories and possessions matter, and why we treat every item with the utmost care.

So, if you have any questions or need relocation advice, get in touch. We’d love to help.

Thinking of Moving?
Need some advice - Call us!

Plymouth 01752 228 815

Torquay 01803 203 355

Truro 01872 263 447

Our History

A Trusted and Professional Removal Company

Our family-owned business was established in 1972 and is currently run by second and third-generation family members. During this time, we’ve grown to be one of the largest independent removal companies in the South West.

Ron Hackworthy founded the company as a parcel carrier firm, but soon diversified into delivering new furniture and then into carrying out home removals. The business quickly took off and in 1976 we took over the lease and then purchased our first warehouse in Prince Rock, Plymouth.

In 1990’s, Ron’s son Reg and his wife Ruth took over the business, winning national and local contracts for removals and distribution. By the late 90’s, they had expanded into the self-storage market. Beginning with just a few storage units, it grew into a separate company, Plymouth Self Storage, which now operates 3 sites across Plymouth.

Committed to Professional and Quality Standards.

We’ve always believed that reinvestment in the company is key. In 2004 we acquired SP Cocks Removals of St Austell and in 2008 we took on a second warehouse in Plymouth to expand our self-storage capacity.

Our staff, many of whom have been with the company for over 18 years, have played a huge part in our success. “They have shown great commitment,” said Reg. “I doubt the company would be in such a strong position as it is now without their support.”

Our Values

We’ve built our business on one underlying principle: to treat others the way we would like to be treated.

Whether it’s our customers, our staff, suppliers, or the local community, we think it’s important to put ourselves in other people’s shoes and consider things from their perspective.

We believe this ethos has had a huge impact on our business over the last 40 years. For us, it’s all about providing the best possible service and building lasting relationships. We believe this is reflected by the fact that much of our work is based on repeat business and recommendations.

Removal Accreditations

As a family-run business have been moving local and national clients and businesses for over 40 years. We are now one of the largest independent removal and storage companies in the South West with numerous accreditations to our name.

British Association of Removers

We are members of the largest and most recognised Trade Association for removals in the UK. As BAR members, we are inspected annually to ensure we meet the professional requirements of membership. If you would like to find out more about what choosing a BAR member means, visit www.bar.co.uk.

We are committed to:

Setting high professional standards for the industry by our Membership Criteria, and the BAR Code of Practice, approved by the Trading Standards Institute;
Raising standards in the industry, by giving clear professional advice;
Providing a scheme of pre-payment protection, and an independent alternative dispute resolution service in the unlikely event that something goes wrong;
Lobbying government at local, National and European level to ensure that the industry and the public get a fair deal

We have also chosen to confirm our commitment to high customer standards through:

Advanced Payment Guarantee

When you move home, it is standard industry practice to pay your removal charges in advance. However, the concern is what would happen if your chosen remover suffered financial failure before your moving date. As members of the British Association of Removers, all our customers are covered by the Advanced Payment Guarantee. Ensuring that the reasonable costs of your relocation would be covered if the worst happened.

The guarantee applies to private individuals moving home to, from or within the United Kingdom and so you can have total confidence in using a BAR Member company for your move.

The Scheme does of course have terms and conditions, and those full terms and conditions can be found here

Removal Standard BS EN 12522

At Hackworthy & Sons we have choosen to adopt the European Standard for removals – BS EN 12522.

This quality standard is specifically aimed at furniture removals and storage. And is one of the most highly recognised symbols for safety and quality within the industry.

It aims to protect the interests of customers against removal companies that may not comply with the minimum industry standards.

To meet the standard, we must show professionalism of personnel, suitability of transport material and packing equipment, compensation procedures and formalities in the event of claims

An independent inspection of our premises, processes and service is made on an annual basis.

We Guarantee;

Staff who are punctual, courteous and honest in their dealings with customers
Detailed, easy to undertsand, written quotations.
Quality packing materials, equipment and vehicles.
Assistance with compensation procedures in the event of claims for loss or damage.

What do our customers think? Testimonials

We strive to exceed the expectations of our customers and that’s the reason customers recommend and return to us.

Hayley Sanders-Page

1 year ago

The gentlemen from Hackworthy who have now moved us twice are professional, helpful and create such a positive atmosphere on moving day. Happy repeat customers.

Georgina Bishop

1 year ago

Our move turned out to be far from straightforward with two sales falling through just before exchange and the sale that went through having several changes of date and extensions. Hackworthy staff remained calm in the face of our escalating tensions.
Our move eventually happened, a year after they dropped the moving boxes off, we are so pleased to be in our new home. Thank you

Mark Bishop

1 year ago

Excellent service. The removers worked hard & were courteous, friendly & respectful. They were very efficient & timely. Having them helped a lot. Worth every penny. I reccomwnd Hackworthys removers. Thank you.

Eddy

1 year ago

Professional and polite, nothing was too much trouble.
Many thanks
Eddy

Caroline Carroll

1 year ago

From start to finish Hackworthy and Sons made our move from Cornwall to the Malverns as smooth as possible. Despite awkward, narrow stairs in our new home, they were able to find innovative ways to navigate delivering our furniture safely and securely. The two removal men worked solidly over the two days and were friendly and informative throughout. I would highly recommend them for your removal requirements.

Caroline & Paul.

Ben Caunter

2 years ago

Naomi Hills

2 years ago

We used Hackworthy for our home move from Devon to East Sussex and simply couldn’t rate them highly enough! From the moment they turned up in the morning the guys were professional and reassured us every step of the way that we would fit everything in the lorry safe and sound. It was a 3 day move because of the distance and safe practice for loading and unloading, and this reflects the care of the company both for their staff and for not wanting to rush the job and sacrifice quality. Everything arrived in perfect condition and we were thrilled with the service. A top notch job well worth the money. Highly recommended.

shane ferguson

2 years ago

Went well , they know what they are doing. Overseas removal . They offered a choice of ports in one country for arrival of goods. They keep you updated and help with customs.

JOE90

2 years ago

NICE...

Andrea

We would just like to thank you and your team…. they worked so hard and efficiently.. our grateful thanks for a job well done

Nadine

I used this company to store goods for a year, then had them to move me to new home. First class company , not expensive for all the work involved. I would definitely use this company again.

Maggie

Please pass on our thanks…. They worked very hard, wee extremely helpful and worked with great humour

Les

Family run business. Always friendly. Have used them over the years for home contents move, self-storage, and document shredding. Price competitive. They like a sticky bun as a treat!

Steven

Moved from Wiltshire to Cornwall with Hackworthy and the service was excellent. Plenty of communication beforehand and the timings were spot on

Bob

Just wanted to leave some great feedback….Ontime, friendly and helpful…. Thanks again for their efforts

Steven

The two man team were quick and efficient whilst taking care of all our goods

Susan Nicholas

Thank you for fitting in my move at short notice. The members of staff that I spoke to on the phone were very helpful and answered all my questions. The crew that arrived were brilliant. They were all very different characters (!), but worked well as a team.

Joanne

We found the three men doing our move very friendly and efficient. They worked hard and respected our house and belongings. We would certainly recommend them and thank them for their efforts. The follow up service of removing the used boxes is also very helpful.

Wilfred

We received excellent service from Hackworthy, and the two engineers were extremely helpful and efficient - thank you!

Leah

I found Hackworthy & Sons to be efficient, helpful and seamless in their approach to my move. The move team were very friendly and were careful with our belongings.

Jan

Great service from everyone at Hackworthy, the people who I spoke to on the phone and the men who supplied the muscle! Thank you all.

Rodney

We would thoroughly reccomend this Company, very competiive prices. We moved from Wiltshire to Devon The two chaps, Ollie and Connor were professional friendly and swift, nothing was to much truoble for them. A big thankyou and well done again.

Mr W Cole

A truly remarkable service from start to finish. Highly recommend this removal company.

Martin

Excellent service. On day of removal the came early and git in with it straight away in the pooring rain. No complaining just got on with it. Went the extra mile for my mum by sorting the washing machine. Would use again and recommend

Teresa Turner

What a fantastic company and the two guys who moved us were awesome. Couldn't do enough to make our stressful move non stressful and so easy from start to finish. Absolutely recommend this company for a smoith house move and first class customer care too.

Shane Harris

Love using Hackworthy, 3rd time a few weeks ago. No fuss, huge lorry, great guys, job done.

Keith

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you and your team most sincerely for the excellent service by Jason and Steve who carried out the move. Nothing was too much trouble.... they were extremely helpful, courteous and polite.... and certainly made what is generally known to be a most stressful experience somewhat pleasant! I certainly would have no hesitation in recommending your company to any of my friends or colleagues who need removal services.

Matthew

A very quick email regarding our recent move....Simply put Ollie and Josh were brilliant. They turned up and immediately set about getting us packed. Throughout the move they were polite, friendly and worked incredibly hard. We couldn't have asked for two better chaps to help us with our move and the breathtaking amount of stuff we've accumulated!

Sue

I was very impressed with the service and all the staff. The office staff were friendly and helpful over the phone/via email, and the removal team were one of the best we have ever used. We have moved 14 times and had some very poor experiences, we had two exceptional experiences prior to this one, and now we have had three exceptional experiences. We were very happy with the move and all the staff and I hope we let them know how pleased we were. I would definitely use them again if needed.

Mark

The Hackworthy ethos far exceeds a customer's expectations. We have used you twice for ourselves, and you recently moved our friend - but had to go through me for the whole aspect of the removal service due to her work commitments - not once did any of your staff call or email her with anything - she said it was the most stress free move she has ever done in her life. Thank you Hackworthy's. Wish there were more companies with your attitude to the unexpected!