Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Sean Donnelly is a writer for USA TODAY Homefront. His content draws on more than three years of experience in the moving industry. He started as a laborer and was quickly promoted to moving crew leader. Sean also served as a move coordinator, where he conducted in-home and virtual estimates for customers. During his time in the industry, Sean assisted more than 500 clients with their relocation needs. Thanks to his years of hand-on experience, he understands all aspects of moving — from proper preparation to the quote process to effective packing techniques. Sean studied English literature and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is still located in the greater Springfield area. When he isn’t writing, Sean is a cohead coach of the boxing team at his alma mater.
Whether you’re looking forward to Alabama’s outdoor recreation and fisheries or its barbecue eateries, you’ll find many reasons to call it home. When you move in, you’ll undoubtedly be welcomed with classic Southern hospitality, too.
We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) and Allied Van Lines for interstate moving services to and from Alabama. These nationwide moving companies operate highly rated offices within the state, and each offers access to moving networks that span all 50 states and hundreds of local offices. Plus, NAVL offers “bottom-line” and “not-to-exceed” pricing options for all moves, which can help relieve concerns about hidden fees.
For local moving assistance, we found that New Latitude Moving provides a quick quote process and high customer ratings.
Any moving company we evaluate is screened through our proprietary rating system. All the Alabama movers featured here have received high marks for service range, coverage area and overall customer review scores.
We vetted each of the following movers for both local and long-distance service:
Long-distance:
Local:
See how our top long-distance movers compare based on our ratings and their deposit requirements:
Each of the following providers offers highly rated service for long-distance and interstate clients in Alabama:
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a carrier and broker with multiple offices in Alabama. This includes locations in Birmingham and Triana, with each providing long-distance service throughout the state and beyond.
Service area: 50 states and 130 countries
Base services:
Add-on services:
Storage: Both of the NAVL locations mentioned above offer short- and long-term storage options.
Quote type: Long-distance moves are quoted at binding rates.
Pricing: Binding estimates for long-distance service are set by move distance and total shipment weight.
Sample cost: We called North American Van Lines for a three-bedroom, 2,900-mile move and got a ballpark estimate. We spent 20 minutes on the phone and answered a few questions about our inventory and service needs. With no add-ons, this move would cost an estimated $13,450. Packing for the entire three-bedroom home would increase the total to $16,757.
Deposit: None required
Payment methods: NAVL accepts cash, credit cards, certified checks and money orders.
Aside from the minimum released-value protection, NAVL provides customers with valuation options to cover the full value of their shipment in the event of loss or damage. You’ll be able to set the dollar amount of coverage with your move coordinator. Your added cost will be a low percentage of this total.
NAVL’s Birmingham branch is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. This includes positive reviews from clients such as M’Lea, who mentioned the standout service throughout the quote phase and the move itself. This location’s most prominent negative review cited that the mover didn’t adhere to the quoted rate. However, this testimonial was left three years ago and doesn’t appear to be the norm.
Allied Van Lines is a national carrier with more than 400 branches that service all 50 states. This includes quality locations in Birmingham and Huntsville, which have high customer ratings and provide long-distance moving options to clients in Alabama. It also offers expedited small move services for clients with two-bedroom apartments and smaller residences. These Allied Express packages provide full insurance coverage and labor at a bottom-line price.
Storage: Allied’s Birmingham and Huntsville branches offer storage options.
Quote type: Long-distance moves receive binding estimates.
Pricing: These binding rates take move distance and shipment weight into account.
Sample cost: We called Allied and got a ballpark rate in 15 minutes. A 2,900-mile, three-bedroom move would cost around $12,175 with no add-ons, while packing for the entire home would add $2,500 to the total.
Payment methods: Allied accepts cash, credit cards, certified checks and money orders.
Allied provides released-value protection with all moves. It also provides Extra Care Protection (ECP) for lost or damaged goods at an additional cost. ECP allows clients to set a maximum dollar amount for coverage for their entire shipment, with the cost being a low percentage of this total.
Allied’s Birmingham branch has 4.4 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Its few reviews mention attentive move coordinators and positive overall experiences with Allied for longer relocations. Reviews such as Ashley’s, which report damaged items and late deliveries, are troubling but don’t seem to be the standard with this carrier.
International Van Lines (IVL) is a nationwide moving carrier and broker with operations in all 50 states. While it doesn’t have a branch in Alabama, its partner network spans the country and offers quality basic and additional services for residential and commercial moves.
Service area: 50 states
Storage: IVL can coordinate short- and long-term storage across most locations.
Quote type: You’ll receive binding estimates for long-distance moves.
Pricing: Long-distance quotes are based on shipment weight and move distance.
Sample cost: We called IVL for a 2,900-mile, three-bedroom sample quote. After 20 minutes on the phone, we had a ballpark estimate for service. With no add-ons, our coordinator estimated our total at $12,964. With packing, this would increase to $14,600.
Deposit: You’ll pay between 20% and 25% upfront in most cases when booking with IVL.
Payment methods: You can pay your deposit via credit card. Final payment is due via cash, cashier’s check, money order or business check.
IVL includes released-value protection for all local and long-distance moves. Beyond this minimum 60 cents per pound per item, you can purchase additional valuation coverage. Your total cost will be a percentage of your total desired amount of coverage for loss or damage.
The closest IVL branch is in Coral Springs, Florida. This office has 4.0 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews with more than 850 individual reviews. A recent positive review cited friendly and quick service for all moving needs. Poor reviews mention delayed deliveries as a recurring issue for long-distance moves. Since this company does broker out some longer moves, you should ask which mover will handle your relocation during the quote process.
We researched top local movers operating in Alabama. Each provider scored high on our rating scale and is well-reviewed by customers.
New Latitude Moving is a locally owned mover with four locations spread throughout Alabama. This includes a highly rated Birmingham branch that offers residential and commercial moving packages for customers with varied add-on service requirements.
Service area: New Latitude serves the entire state.
Quote type: New Latitude supplies ballpark estimates for local service.
Pricing: Local moves are priced hourly, depending on the number of movers and trucks needed for your move.
Sample cost: We contacted New Latitude for a ballpark rate for a two-bedroom move with a home office within Birmingham. It replied to our quick quote inquiry within an hour. Two movers and a truck would cost $165 per hour, with the full move estimated to take six hours for a total of $990. All moves are subject to a three-hour minimum charge.
Deposit: This mover takes a $1 booking fee to hold a spot on its calendar. It bills clients an unspecified cancellation fee for moves canceled within seven days of the planned move date.
Payment methods: New Latitude accepts checks, and debit and credit cards.
All moves with this provider receive released-value protection. Its online FAQ section mentions additional protection options, but you’ll have to call and speak with a company representative to discuss these.
New Latitude holds 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews with more than 800 reviews, indicating its ability to provide quality service. This recent review from Karen praised everything from the booking and quote process to the move itself, including packing services. Negative reviews aren’t common with this mover and mention furniture damage in most cases.
MoveDaddy.com is a well-reviewed local mover that offers comprehensive service for residential and commercial moves. It features quick quotes, trained moving crews and a full range of add-ons for packing, antique protection and more.
Service area: MoveDaddy.com offers local service in the Birmingham area and long-distance options across the state.
Quote type: MoveDaddy.com assigns ballpark rates to local moves.
Pricing: Local moves are quoted based on hourly rates, which are set by the number of movers and trucks needed for a move.
Sample cost: We contacted MoveDaddy.com for a local Birmingham move. Our representative gave us hourly rates for two movers and a truck. This service would cost $158 between Monday and Friday, and $178 per hour on Saturday.
Deposit: None mentioned
Payment methods: MoveDaddy.com accepts cash and debit and credit cards.
MoveDaddy.com offers released-value protection for all moves, along with valuation coverage options for loss or damage. Its coverage policy states that you must file any damage claims within 96 hours of your move’s completion to be eligible for reimbursement.
MoveDaddy is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews with more than 1,000 individual reviews. Feedback is largely positive, with clients reporting friendly and professional service, even for multiday moves. Negative reviews mention inaccurate quotes. This is unfortunate but is a common complaint against local movers or companies that only offer ballpark pricing.
Two Men and a Truck is a nationwide moving company with locally owned franchises in 46 states. Its Birmingham location offers local and long-distance service to clients across the state, including on-site climate-controlled storage options.
Service area: Two Men and a Truck services the entire state and offers interstate service.
Quote type: All local moves are assigned ballpark quotes based on hourly rates.
Pricing: Hourly rates are set by the number of movers and trucks needed for a move.
Sample cost: We contacted Two Men and a Truck for a local two-bedroom moving quote. A customer service representative emailed us to set up an in-depth estimate within the hour, although we couldn’t complete this more thorough quote process.
Deposit: Most Two Men and a Truck locations charge small deposit amounts, but exact requirements for this will vary.
Payment methods: You can pay for your move with most major credit cards.
Two Men and a Truck includes full-value protection with all initial moving quotes it supplies. This appears on your moving estimate as a flat fee, which is based on the estimated total value of your shipment. You can opt for more coverage or the minimum released-value protection for your goods after this initial quote.
Birmingham’s Two Men and a Truck office has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Many positive reviews mention good experiences from the quote through moving day, including reviews that mention repeat service. While the rare negative review cites inaccurate estimates, owner responses are consistently professional and directly address client issues.
When you get a quote from any moving company, you should consider several factors before making your final decision. We’ve listed them below; being aware of these when going into the quote process can help you to effectively narrow down your options.
Any move’s initial step will be to determine your exact service needs. To do this, conduct a full walk-through of your home and write up an inventory list. Include all items you plan to take with you and those you plan to get rid of. Also note any basic or additional services you could need. These can include the following options:
You should understand your mover’s service model before you book. Moving companies operate under one of two main service models: carriers and brokers.
Regardless of where your move takes you, make sure that your mover of choice is properly licensed. These requirements will vary depending on the scope of your move.
All long-distance moving companies or movers offering interstate service are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This governing body requires that these movers carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Use these to look up a mover’s registration status on the FMCSA’s website.
Alabama movers providing only local service are required to register with the Alabama Public Service Commission. You can visit its website to file complaints for breaches of contract.
Knowing your chosen mover’s pricing structure is a great way to help you understand any quote you receive. This will primarily depend on the distance your move takes you.
All long-distance moves are assigned bottom-line rates that are primarily based on move distance and total shipment weight. Including optional services such as packing and crating for antiques can substantially add to your totals for these moves. Long-distance relocations are also eligible for binding estimates, which won’t change unless your inventory or service needs do before moving day.
Local moves are given ballpark estimates based on hourly rates. Hourly rates are always set by the number of movers and trucks needed for a given move. These estimates will not have a “binding” option.
All movers assign released-value protection at no additional charge. This offers 60 cents per pound per item in reimbursement for loss or damage during a move. Beyond this, most movers provide full-value protection options for additional coverage at a higher rate. Your exact cost will depend on your mover.
Avoiding the hot, humid summer months in Alabama can help you have a more streamlined moving experience. Not only do full-service moving companies experience more demand between May and September, but moving teams may experience delays due to heat, which could increase your overall costs.
Based on our in-depth research, we recommend North American Van Lines or Allied Van Lines for long-distance moving needs and New Latitude Moving for a local move. Get at least three free quotes from professional movers in your area before booking a relocation. Doing this will help you to get an accurate picture of what your costs should be.
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB and Google Reviews ratings are accurate as of May 2024.
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.
To ensure the care of your belongings and the welfare of the moving team, professional movers may refuse to transport certain items for safety, legal or logistical reasons. While you may know some things movers won’t move, such as hazardous chemicals and fireworks, what about succulents and your grandma’s antique armoire? Know which items your…
Effective packing is key to a successful move, and you can achieve this through proper planning and organization. Some of the best packing tips for moving include getting started early, using your items as packing materials and keeping itemized lists of your boxes to track what you packed and where it goes. This guide explores…
Signing the paperwork on your new home is just the first step, then comes the hard part — planning your move. Before you can lounge in your new living room, you need to consider whether movers are worth it. “When moving locally, you can skip the professionals if you’re strong, have lots of time to…
If you’re not opposed to getting your hands a little dirty, renting and shipping moving containers is the most affordable relocation method. We rated U-Pack and U-Haul as the best options for cheap moving containers. Each offered us the lowest quotes for service, with three-bedroom moves between Philadelphia and Boston costing between $1,405 and $1,787.…
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.