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Best moving companies in Birmingham, AL 2025

We compared 27 companies and chose the top movers

    • AmeriSafe Moving Services
      4.1(736)
    • International Van Lines
      4.3(1,027)
    • PODS
      4.6(4,315)

    Best moving companies in Birmingham, AL 2025

    Author picture
    By: Cassidy McCants
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Jon Bortin

    Our 3 picks for movers in Birmingham

    1. Customer service: AmeriSafe Moving Services
    2. International moves: International Van Lines
    3. Moving containers: PODS

    To help find the best options for you, we compared 80 moving companies and determined which were available in Birmingham. Then we analyzed ratings and reviews on ConsumerAffairs from Birmingham customers. 

    To make our picks, we also considered pricing, the quote and deposit processes, and the availability of packing services and storage options. Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.

    Customer service
    AmeriSafe Moving Services
    AmeriSafe Moving Services
    4.1
    736 reviews
    Highlight
    Fine art and piano shipping
    Types of moves
    Residential, commercial, senior
    Discounts available
    None specified
    Get a Quote Read Reviews

    AmeriSafe Moving Services provides moves to and from Birmingham. It offers binding not-to-exceed quotes, so you'll pay less than the original quoted price if your belongings weigh less than anticipated.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding not-to-exceed
    • Storage options: Yes
    • Packing services: Packing services

    Pros

    • Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
    • Instant quotes
    • Car, fine art and piano shipping
    • Punctual and friendly service, according to reviewers

    Cons

    • Some delays in communication, according to reviewers
    • Limited availability during peak moving seasons
    • Deposit requirements: 33% to 45%
    • Discounts: None specified
    • “The best moving experience. Fairly priced, strong guys, and have amazing customer service. The manager was a great help and the team was amazing. Will move with them again. Highly recommend this moving company! They got to my apartment when they said they would and got everything done quickly. I told them to be extra careful when moving my expensive table and they took extra caution to make sure everything was properly secured and packaged. Would definitely use it again.” — Deborah from McCalla
    • “Had a last second move, very nervous but after I saw Jeff and his guys at Source 1 protecting my furniture my anxiety level calm down. My first time moving with a company instead of doing it myself, should have done it this way all along. AmeriSafe.” — Jeffrey from Birmingham
    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    International Van Lines
    International Van Lines
    4.3
    1,027 reviews
    Highlight
    Quick (under 15 minutes) quotes
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, auto transport
    Discounts available
    None specified
    Read Reviews

    International Van Lines offers auto transport, commercial and residential moves, and full-service packing and unpacking. It’s a broker and carrier that provides moving services to and from Birmingham. 

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker and carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding and nonbinding
    • Storage options: Yes
    • Packing services: Full-service packing and unpacking

    Pros

    • Professional and punctual crews, according to reviewers
    • Dedicated moving coordinators
    • Operates in more than 180 countries

    Cons

    • A few reviewers mention surprise upcharges
    • Deposit requirements: One-third of the full price
    • Discounts: None specified
    • “I have had a hard time moving in the past and they made the process so simple. They were very professional and helpful and my items were moved safely and respectfully. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family. The guys came in and did the job in a fast and timely manner. I couldn't believe how fast the items I had were moved.” — Myles from Birmingham
    3x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Moving Experience and Best Overall Value
    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    PODS
    PODS
    4.6
    4,315 reviews
    Highlight
    Flexible timelines
    Types of moves
    Local, long-distance, international
    Discounts available
    Military
    Read Reviews

    PODS offers local, long-distance and international moves to and from Birmingham. It provides quotes over the phone, or you can request a quote online.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier and broker
    • Type(s) of quotes: Phone
    • Storage options: Yes
    • Packing services: Professional third-party packing services

    Pros

    • Flexibility
    • Cheaper than traditional moving companies
    • Simplified moving process

    Cons

    • Not available in all locations
    • Some delivery delays, according to reviewers
    • Upfront charges
    • Deposit requirements: None; full amount charged one to seven days prior
    • Discounts: Military
    • “I like the convenience of the pod being at my location I was staying in transition. Also, the PODS reps were timely with the responses, knowledgeable, and assisted me with the setup and changing dates when I needed to change dates about the pickups. All the drivers were professional, quick, in and out. Also, the container was in good condition.” — Jeremy in Birmingham
    3x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Moving Experience and Best Overall Value

    Moving Companies in Birmingham Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    AmeriSafe Moving Services logo
    International Van Lines logo
    PODS logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Find a team that works for you & enjoy a stress-free move.

      What to consider when choosing a mover in Birmingham

      Hiring the right movers can make a move significantly smoother. Here are some tips for finding the right type of mover for you:

      1. Determine what kind of mover you need. Is your move local or long-distance, and do you need full-service packing services or basic transport?
      2. Research movers available in your area. Check licensing, insurance and customer reviews. Get multiple quotes in writing to avoid misunderstandings and for easy comparison.
      3. Get details on pricing and insurance. Ask about costs for any extra services you’re interested in (e.g., packing, unpacking, storage). Don’t forget to factor in potential costs for bulky items or difficult-to-access areas. Also clarify the details regarding insurance coverage and the claims process in case of damage.

      Cost to move in Birmingham

      Moving expenses can vary significantly — often from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on distance, number of belongings and any additional services you opt for.

      Larger moves require more work from moving crews and higher truck capacity, which generally lead to higher overall costs. Moving during peak seasons (like summer) or over the weekend, when competition is high, may also mean spending more on a mover. 

      To get the most accurate idea of your moving costs, contact several moving companies for quotes. Most companies will ask for a detailed list of your possessions in order to offer an accurate estimate.

      Should you tip your movers?

      Tipping your movers isn't required, but it's standard practice — and it’s a way to show your appreciation for their hard work, particularly if they provide excellent service.

      A standard tip for a local move may fall between $20 and $50 per mover. You can adjust this amount based on the difficulty and length of the move. For long-distance moves, a larger tip or a percentage of the total cost is often appropriate. Small gestures like offering cold drinks and snacks are also appreciated.

      Average cost for moving services from and within Birmingham

      The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

      Tips for a successful Birmingham move

      Moving to Birmingham can be made easier and less expensive by planning ahead, reducing your belongings and using efficient packing strategies.

      1. Develop a moving budget

      Make a moving budget by estimating the costs of hiring movers or renting a truck, taking into account the distance, how many things you have and any extra services you want or need. Include expenses for packing supplies, potential travel costs (such as gas, tolls and lodging) and temporary storage if needed.

      Remember to account for insurance, cleaning fees and tipping your movers. Research typical moving costs for similar moves to create a realistic budget.

      2. Reduce clutter and sell or donate

      Although it takes time to sort through your possessions, downsizing can simplify your entire move. Consider holding a garage sale to earn money from unwanted items. You might also donate gently used belongings to charity. Many charities offer convenient donation pickup services, allowing you to declutter while supporting a good cause. (Don't forget to get a donation receipt for potential tax deductions.)

      3. Pack efficiently

      Gather sturdy boxes, packing tape, cushioning wrap and markers. Pack one room at a time, and label boxes clearly with their contents and the intended room in your new home. Use appropriate packing materials to protect fragile items, and consider using wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Maximize space by filling gaps with towels or clothing, and pack an "essentials" box or bag with items you'll need immediately at your new home.

      Moving within or to Alabama?

      We’ve got some resources for you.

      » MORE: Moving checklist

      Moving regulations in Birmingham

      All legitimate moving companies in the U.S. should be licensed and insured. If a mover has to cross state lines, it’s also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can check a mover’s USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. Verify current state regulations with Alabama’s transportation authority.

      FAQ

      How much does it cost to hire movers?

      When budgeting for your move, remember that local movers generally charge an hourly rate (around $80 to $100 for a two-person crew), while interstate movers calculate costs based on the weight and volume of your belongings. Expect to pay a few thousand dollars or more for long-distance moves. Ultimately, your total moving cost will depend on factors like distance, the amount of stuff you're moving and the time of year.

      Is hiring a mover worth it?

      While a DIY move can be budget-friendly, hiring professional movers is often a worthwhile investment. The stress and hassle of DIY moving can be overwhelming, and it’s not always cheap — consider the costs of truck rental, equipment and time off from work. If your budget allows, professional movers can save you time, money and a whole lot of worry.

      How early should I start planning a move?

      To ensure a smooth move, it's generally recommended to begin planning at least two months ahead of your target date. This time frame allows you to gather quotes from multiple movers and efficiently pack your belongings. It also provides a buffer for unexpected issues that may arise.

      Methodology

      ConsumerAffairs carefully collects in-depth, verified reviews to tell each customer’s experience with a company. We believe customer experiences are a crucial indicator when evaluating companies, so these reviews are a significant factor when we make our top picks.

      To choose the top moving companies in Birmingham, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Birmingham. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      • Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
      • Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
      • Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for a down payment of 20% or less over those with higher deposit requirements.
      • Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
      • App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.

      Not sure how to choose?

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