We moved to london a year and a half ago.

Removal costs were £250 (plus another £100 for them to properly pack everything). Best money I ever spent. A completely hassle free move. Would have taken me at least five long trips in a rented van. They even disconnected and reconnected the washing machine and rebuilt the beds. Plus they loaned us loads of plastic tubs so we could unpack the stuff that we didn't know where to go. http://best.top-london-removals.org/movers-london.htm
The trick is not to move on a Friday because Every bugger moves on a Friday (which actually is the worst day, because if the bank stop the money transfer, you're screwed until next week). And so for the other six days a week, the removals firms are sitting on their arses. We moved on a Wednesday and negotiated a bargain :)