Best 5 Movers in Birmingham, AL

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Birmingham

Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Birmingham.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for a local mover in Birmingham is $44. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs around $4,132 in total. Your actual costs will depend on your home size, the season, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and move distance.

We advise obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on forums such as Yelp, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and social media will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Birmingham must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Alabama city to another, your mover must be registered with the Alabama Public Service Commission, Transportation Division to legally operate.

The requirements are a bit different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take inventory of your belongings when requesting quotes and document any basic or add-on services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Inform the moving company about any specific conditions or needs to assess if the company is a fit.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will include the following moving services in the base price for standard moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Inform your moving company about the other services you need as you go through the quote process. Services that contribute to higher pricing include the following:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Birmingham, AL

Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Birmingham.

Schedule an Early Move

Birmingham usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. Planning your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers arrive before rush hour and make the trip to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.

Avoid Busy Season

Moving season peaks between May and September. In Birmingham, this time coincides with very hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your move. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you prefer regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.

Pack in Advance

You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time each day to prevent needing to pack at the last minute. Most moving companies only move items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive.

How Much do Movers Cost in Birmingham, AL

Movers in Birmingham cost $2,603 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,736 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.