10 best movers in Madison, Alabama

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.

Long-distance movers in Madison

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.

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?

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:

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

These extra considerations can cause your total moving cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move oversized, valuable or fragile items. The following items typically are more expensive to move:

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

When vetting moving companies, ask if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

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.

Unexpected delays

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.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving costs in Madison.

Be communicative

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.

Have a flexible schedule

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.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

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:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

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.

FAQ about moving in Madison

What’s full-service moving?

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.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

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.

How does moving insurance work?

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.

When is the best time of year to move?

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.

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 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:

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

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.