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Sean DonnellyHome Improvement Reporter
Sean informs readers of all the issues that moving clients may encounter during any relocation....
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 moving companies that operate within 50 miles of Madison. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
The best long-distance mover for relocating out of Alabama is International Van Lines. For a local move in the Madison area, use the filters below to find other local companies for your move.
Below are additional moving companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or to a different state. When crossing state boundaries, make sure your mover has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers or the mover's name to check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.
The reliable and experienced long-distance moving companies below have an active license. They can help get your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.
In Alabama, interstate moving companies must hold both state and federal licenses. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates Alabama movers. All licensed movers in the state are alphabetically listed on the DPU’s page.
Relocating within or out of Madison is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Madison is above 87.5% of the country.
Moving costs add up fast based on what services you need. Typical moving expenses include the following:
These extra considerations can cause your total moving cost to rise even more:
Professional movers may charge more to move oversized, valuable or fragile items. The following items typically are more expensive to move:
When vetting moving companies, ask if they move these items and charge extra for them.
Tipping your movers is optional, but it’s common if your movers provided quality service. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.
Delays happen. Traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all add time and money to your move. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.
Experts Ready to Help
Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving costs in Madison.
Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Tell them about additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory you gave the movers.
While small items can typically be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed before the move. The movers may charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional cost.
Since dependable and cost-effective movers are highly sought after, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to keep costs down while still booking your preferred moving company.
Most people book movers from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.
There are several alternatives if you can't find a cheap moving provider that meets your needs.
One alternative is moving by yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving by yourself:
Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large or heavy items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.
You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.
Full-service moving is when your movers handle every part of the moving process for you. They supply packing materials, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.
Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be tough.
All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should confirm a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Alabama are also required to have a license from the Transportation Division of the Alabama Public Service Commission.
Determine the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or rare items.
The ideal moving time falls throughout May and September, creating elevated demand and heightened rates for moves of all scopes. The lofty prices could dissuade you from making a move in the summer. Additionally, Madison's sweltering summer heat might mean moving amid high temperatures, which can pose extra challenges.
We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.
Load up your car with anything too valuable to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and computers.
Moving companies frequently restrict insurance coverage on high-value goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.
There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by movers. These include the following:
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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