5 best movers in Dothan, Alabama

The best mover for moving out of Alabama is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Dothan area.

Long-distance movers in Dothan

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or from one state to another. Check that the moving company you choose has the proper federal licensing when crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers or the mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. These reliable and experienced movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Dothan is higher than the national average, making itrelatively expensive. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Dothan is above 51.4% of the country.

Numerous factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up quickly. Typical moving expenses include the following:

• Professional labor
• Fuel
• Storage
• Supplies
• Packing
• Junk removal

Your total cost may also be influenced by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. These items can cost more to move:

• Pianos
• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology

Ask potential movers if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons such as limited supplies, bad weather, transportation emergencies and traffic. These issues may increase the time and money required. Prepare for delays by adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can reduce your moving costs in Dothan.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting a quote from the movers.

Small items may not pose an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may need to charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or on a weekday to save money and book the movers you want.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during less busy months may result in less competition or lower ratesfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you can't find an economical moving provider that works for you.

You can move on your own, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help moving bulky or heavy items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can cost less, these gig workers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Dothan

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your movers tackle the entire moving process for you. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Additionally, full-service moving can offer more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you're arranging an interstate move, verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on 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.

How does moving insurance work?

Review what insurance policies your movers provide. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to explore rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months (ranging from May through September) are the best time to move, which makes for elevated demand and higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. This may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost. You may also want to avoid moving in the summer because of the intense heat that Dothan can encounter, which could make moving in those months even more challenging.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

Load up your car with anything too valuable to lose, such as photographs, financial records, identification documents and technology.

Many moving businesses put limits on insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're worried about potential loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Fertilizers
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Batteries
• Fuel sources
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Plants
• Aerosols
• Perishable foods and produce

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

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.