Table of Contents
The average hourly hiring movers cost in Alabama is around $1,140 to $4,100. To move locally, you may require spending $50-$75 per mover per hour, with a minimum of 2 movers and 3 hours. For interstate or long-distance moves, you may require shelling out $4,100 approximately.
Local Movers Cost in Alabama
While moving locally or within 100 miles, you have two ways to choose from – either by your own or hire a full moving company. Based on the type of move, the cost also differs. If you prefer DIY or Do It Yourself, you hire a truck, handle the entire moving process yourself, and drive to the new city, where your moving costs are limited to the truck rent and other basic expenses.
However, if you are opting for a full service, the costs will cover the truck rental, loading charges, and unloading costs. Additional services, including packing, unpacking, and handling special items, will also be added to the total moving cost.
Let’s see how much the average local movers costs in Alabama are.
Average Moving Costs within Alabama (2025 Estimates)
| Home Size | Average Cost | Cost/Hour | Number of Movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $381 | 3 hours | 2 movers |
| I BHK | $508 | 4 hours | 2 movers |
| 2 BHK | $635 | 5 hours | 3 movers |
| 3 BHK | $1,016 | 8 hours | 4 movers |
| 4 BHK | $1,143 | 9 hours | 4 movers |
| 5 BHK | $1,270 | 10 hours | 5 movers |
Local Relocations
The average moving cost to locally relocate a house depends primarily on home size and distance. If you are moving within 50 miles within the state, the local movie companies will charge on an hourly basis, based on the home size, number of movers, and the distance.
Average Local Moving Costs within Alabama by Full Service Movers (2025 Estimates)
| Distance/size | Studio – 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | 5-6 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 50 miles | $350 – $510 | $610 – 1,020 | $1,100 – $1,290 | $1,300 + |
| 50-100 miles | $550 – $870 | $670 – $970 | $1,400 – $3,200 | $3,500 + |
Long-Distance Movers Cost in Alabama
Moving outside the state, the cost will include a flat fee based on the size of your home, the distance to the new home, and any add-on services, which may include temporary storage, packing, or unpacking services.
You need to note that the long-distance or interstate moving costs will fluctuate greatly depending on the move distance.
Interstate Movers (Long Distance) with Average Cost
Here’s the average cost range for long-distance moves from Alabama.
| Distance | Studio – 1bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | 5-6 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100-250 miles | $1,000 – $1,500 | $1,250 – $1,700 | $2,000 – $3,400 | $4,500+ |
| 250 – 500 miles | $1,200 – $2,000 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $2,500 – $5,200 | $6,000+ |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | $1,400 – $2,900 | $2,100 – $6,900 | $5,500 – $7,900 | $8,500+ |
| 1,000 – 1,500 miles | $1,800 – $3,700 | $3,900 – $7,500 | $7,500 – $8,500 | $9,200+ |
| 1,500 – 2,500 miles | $1,900 – $3,700 | $3,900 – $7,500 | $8,500 – $11,000 | $12,000+ |
Average Long Distance Moving Costs in Alabama (2025 Estimates)
| Home Size | Average Cost ( Alabama to California) |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $1,645– $6,389 |
| I BHK | $2,745 – $7,301 |
| 2 BHK | $2,792 – $8,063 |
| 3 BHK | $5,729 – $9,412 |
| 4 BHK | $8,284 – $13,839 |
| Home Size | Cost (Alabama to New York) |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $1,314 – $5,870 |
| I BHK | $1,614 – $6,436 |
| 2 BHK | $3,435 – $7,063 |
| 3 BHK | $4,493 – $7,564 |
| 4 BHK | $5,738 – $10,231 |
| Home Size | Cost (Alabama to Texas) |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $1,080 – $3,940 |
| I BHK | $1,470 – $5,748 |
| 2 BHK | $2,870 – $6,359 |
| 3 BHK | $4,591 – $7,147 |
| 4 BHK | $4,878 – $10,765 |
| Home Size | Cost (Alabama to Washington) |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $1,285 – $5780 |
| I BHK | $1,585 – $7,200 |
| 2 BHK | $2,763 – $5,838 |
| 3 BHK | $4,331 – $7,374 |
| 4 BHK | $9,546 – $16,128 |
Truck Rental Cost in Alabama
While moving in Alabama, you could either rent a truck or do it yourself, which is more economical. To do the entire moving process yourself, all you need is the readiness to handle the challenge and a couple of friends who are ready to be a part of the process. If you are opting for DIY moving, be sure to have the boxes, equipment, safety measures, and other required materials ready, and hire a truck to carry the household items safely to the new home.
Though DIY moving is economical, it can be tiring and also has the chance of injuries as the process is not handled professionally.
cost range: $33 – $96 per day + mileage
Average Move Cost for Hiring Moving Van/Truck
| Type of service | Local | Long-Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Van/Truck rental | $57 – $136 | $355 to $5,700 |
| Cost per Mile | $0.59 to $0.99 | $0.69 and $0.89 |
| Car Towing (local) | $75 to $125 | $2 –$4 per mile |
| Truck rental deposit | $150 – $190 | $1,500 |
How much does moving labor cost in Alabama?
In Alabama, you may get the services of a mover for $63 per hour. The total cost will be based on the number of movers you hire. Normally, a studio apartment will require a minimum of 2 persons, and this may go up based on the size of the house and items to be moved.
How much does it cost to move or ship a car in Alabama?
While moving locally, you may drive the car, but if your destination is far away, shipping it through a car moving company is the best way. The cost to ship a car to or from Alabama varies widely, typically ranging from $330 to $2,235, based on multiple factors including the car type, distance, additional services, and the moving company. Generally, the moving cost for short distances (under 500 miles) will be an average $1.96 per mile, while longer distances (over 1,500 miles) will be approximately $0.58 per mile.
How much does a storage unit cost in Alabama?
Relocating to a new home, you may require a storage unit to safely store your household items in Alabama due to the lack of space in the new house or for some other reason. Storage units are available in Alabama in plenty, in different sizes to choose from. Though the cost may vary based on the size, facilities, and the area in the state where it is located, the general prices range from $6 to $409 per month. Small units (5×5) can be found for as low as $6, while larger units (10×30 or 20×30) can range from $55 to $450.
Average cost of storage units in Alabama in 2025.
| Size | Lowest | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5×5 | $6 | $51 |
| 5×10 | $8 | $71 |
| 10×10 | $10 | $107 |
| 10×15 | $20 | $138 |
| 10×20 | $18 | $173 |
How much does a moving container cost in Arizona?
You may rent a moving container for approximately $485 to $4,993, based on factors like container size, distance of the move, and whether it’s a local or long-distance relocation. If you are hiring one to move locally, you may require spending just between $400 and $700, and if the moving destination is far away, the rentals may range from $900 to $4,500. Some moving containers also offer services like packing, loading, and unloading, but the costs may also be higher.
cost range: $485 to $4,993
Average Move Cost for Moving with Storage Containers
| Type of Service | Local | Long-distance |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Expense | $480 –$1,480 | $900 – $7,100 |
| Moving Coverage | $482 –$4,980 | $2,478 – $14,100 |
How much does full-service moving cost in Alabama?
Hiring a full-service moving company saves you from the trouble of packing, unpacking, and arranging the household items at the new home. It is the most convenient way of moving, but the moving costs will also be higher, considering the services, including the type of packing materials, boxes, and the equipment used. A full-service moving company in Alabama charges approximately $1,018.75 with an hourly rate of $150.95. However, this may differ based on the distance you cover and the type of services you opt for, including the materials the company uses.
Average Move Cost for Full Service
| Type of Service | Local | Long-distance |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Expense | $480 –$1,480 | $900 – $7,100 |
| Packing Expense | $70 – $150 | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Moving Coverage | $577 – $4,300 | $2,469 – $9,378 |
Moving Service Cost Range
| Type of Service | Cost Range | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | $790 –$9,990 | $1,620 – $11,300 |
| Moving with Storage Containers (PODS) | $149 – $7,448 | $225 – $7,660 |
| Moving Van/Truck | $355 – $5,700 | $390 – $6,100 |
*Full Service refers to cost of packing, moving and moving coverage
What major factors affect the moving costs in Alabama?
There is no flat slab for moving expenses, as the cost is greatly determined by multiple factors that you need to know to relocate on a friendly budget. To help you, we’ve got a few points to consider.
-
Volume of Your Belongings
-
Distance of the Move
-
Type of Residence
-
Additional Services
-
Seasonal Timing
Volume of Your Belongings:
This is a crucial factor in determining the moving costs. The more items you have, the higher the cost will be. If you have more items, there will be more laborers, and it will also take more time to pack and load the items. Similarly, it will also be time-consuming to unload and unpack the items at the new home. You will need to pay more for labor costs, which will reflect in the final cost. To bring down the moving bills, be sure you take only the essential items to the new home in Alabama or while moving to the new home from Alabama.
Distance of the Move:
The final moving cost will be based on the distance you move. The farther you are moving, the more the moving company’s cost will be, as this will include more fuel and, similarly, more moving hours. In addition, the moving company will also require packing the items safely to secure the home items during the long drive. This will also add to the final bill.
Type of Residence:
Based on the home type, the home items will differ in quantity. For small houses, the costs will be relatively lower as the items to be moved will also be fewer. Those who relocate to a bigger home will require shelling out a higher amount as the home will have higher-quality items, often expensive, which will require special handling. Similarly, if your house has an elevator, moving will be easier, but if you don’t have one and the house is on the third floor or higher with narrow corridors, it will be tougher for the moving laborers to carry the items, especially through the staircase, which will also increase the moving bill.
Additional Services:
Based on the additional services offered by the moving company, the costs will go up. This will include handling special items like a piano or an aquarium, which require special handling. Similarly, you may also prefer storage facilities after reaching the new location. Based on the location and size of the storage unit, the moving bill may be higher.
Seasonal Timing:
The timing of relocation is also crucial in the moving budget. Most people prefer moving in the summer. As per certain reliable statistics, about 30% of the moves take place in the summer, when it will be tougher to get a discount on the bill. Instead, if you hire a mover in the off-season, such as winter, the chances of getting a lucrative deal on the moving cost are higher.
Is hiring a moving company better than DIY?
People prefer a moving company to gain relief from the agony and headache involved. Though DIY (Do It Yourself) may seem to be a good option considering the cost involved, it is not always practically possible. You may take a call to pack every household item with the help of some friends, and later load the truck you hired and drive it to the new location to unload and unpack. However, since you are not experts in handling heavy objects, this may create chaos on the moving day, and the chances of injury are also higher. This will look easier and simpler on paper, but will be a tiresome task with more minuses. Hiring a good moving company will make the relocation process easier. Despite DIY appearing to be more economical, in reality, it will be tiresome, and you will also have to spend a significant amount if any injury happens.
Tips to Save Money on Your Alabama Move
Often, you may feel that the moving costs are too high, but you may bring them down through some smart moves. Here are some tips to save your money while relocating to Alabama.
Declutter and Downsize
Start the moving process a little early. This gives you the time to declutter the wardrobe. As you start working on this part, you will realize that about half of the total items in the home do not require being taken along. You may sell them off or donate them, thereby reducing the volume of the household items that are to be packed. This will cut down the boxes required, manpower, and time needed to load the items into the truck. This way, you will significantly cut down the moving bill.
Ask About Moving Discounts:
Approach multiple moving companies and ask for discounts. Most movers will be ready to negotiate if they are shown different quotes with lucrative deals. However, this may take time, and you should also be ready to connect with a mover multiple times.
Move During the Off-Season
Most people relocate in the summer, and hence, the deals will be pricey this time. It is good to relocate in the off-season, in winter, when most moving companies are ready to give a decent discount. Similarly, weekdays are also better for relocation than weekends, where the slots are usually fully booked for moving companies. This often can have a serious impact on the total moving budget, saving your wallet.
Book Your Move Well in Advance
Do not wait till the last hour to book a moving company. Instead, plan it in advance. You need to start looking for a moving company at least 3 months before the moving date. This will give you time to analyze multiple moving quotes and understand the difference. Compare each deal and call a shot once you pick the right one. A moving company will also be ready to compromise on deals when the window between you approaching them and the deal day is longer.
Handle Packing Yourself, hire a Truck instead of Movers.
An easier way to move the home is to hire a truck and handle the entire moving process yourself. You may pack the home items and load them into the truck, and drive it to the new location. Once you reach the new home, you may unload and unpack the items, thereby saving the cost of labor. However, this is easy to tell, but can be risky as you may get injured during the process, or may even damage some precious items during the process. If you are comfortable with the DIY process, make sure to get sufficient packing boxes, as damaging the precious items is the last thing you want. You should also be ready to bear the heavy body aches after the move, as you may not be used to lifting objects.
Compare at Least 3 Moving Quotes
As you’ve started collecting the moving quotes from different movers, analyze each one to understand them in detail. It is crucial to confirm that no hidden costs exist in the quotes. Comparing a minimum of 3 moving quotes is essential to get the right one. You may even discuss the missing points with the movers and get them added to the quote. This will ensure that you avail yourself of every required service, but on a lucrative deal.
What Major Hidden Costs to Watch Out For While Hiring a Mover?
Avoid finalizing a moving quote unless you confirm that it is free from hidden costs. Certain movers offer quotes that may appear lucrative on paper but with hidden charges that you will come to know only at the last moment. This may upset your moving plan or may give you a bad hair day. It is vital to be clear about the costs charged and services covered in the quote.
Here are some common tricks that some movers apply to charge you additionally.
- Long carry fee:
Movers may charge additionally if the laborers have to carry items a significant distance from the home to the truck if it is parked away. You need to confirm this part with the mover while finalizing the quote. Inform them if the distance is longer or if there is not enough space to park the moving truck.
- Stair Carry Fees:
Some movers will charge extra for carrying items up or down multiple flights of stairs. Be clear about this while you discuss the quote with the mover, as you don’t want to be in trouble on the moving day.
- Packing materials:
Most movers come with the packing materials. However, some movers do not include this in the quote and will not inform you while fixing it. You will be surprised to know that you need to shell out additional charges for the packing materials, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other supplies that may put you in a fix on the moving day.
- Fuel surcharges:
Confirm the distance with the mover and finalize the quote. This will save you from the mover demanding additional charges for covering a specific distance and fuel.
- Storage fees:
You may be required to store the household items if the house is not ready, and movers offer storage facilities that you may use. However, discuss the charges while you finalize the moving quote, and do not allow the mover to charge extra for the final hour.
- Specialty Items:
Your house may have special items that demand additional care while packing and loading. These items, such as a piano, aquarium, or a special painting, may demand special packing boxes, and it is good to inform the moving company about the same while you both agree on a moving quote. Otherwise, the mover may charge an additional amount, where you will not have an option to negotiate.
- Access Issues:
If your house has access issues, such as a narrow corridor, steep staircase, or a small door, the mover should be informed before, as this will allow the company to come up with suitable solutions. If not, you will invite pressure as the mover may charge you additionally, giving you no space to negotiate in the final hour.
- Cancellation fees:
Some movers will have cancellation fees, which may not be mentioned in the quote, but you may come to know only when you decide to cancel the moving plan after a quote is finalized. Confirm with the moving company about the cancellation costs and related conditions.
How do you avoid unexpected fees?
Speak with the mover to clarify the confusing points in the quote. You need to spare time to understand the quote and ensure you are clear with every point mentioned. Do not let the mover fix the deal unless you are informed about the points that may sound confusing. You should also be ready to negotiate with the moving company over the points that you find irrelevant or unfair. You must also inform the issues such as steep staircase, narrow corridor, or lack of parking space at your home with the moving company. Through some basic precautions, you can be on the safer side on the moving day.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead & Save
There is no doubt that moving is a tedious process. However, with a reliable moving company at your side, you may relocate without stress. Plan early and analyze multiple moving quotes from different movers with a positive reputation in the industry, and ensure you pick the best one. You may even customize the moving process through negotiations, and this will save both time and money. The partnership with a good moving company helps with relocating smoothly.
