Local moving companies in Detroit
Out of 36 Detroit movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Alabama.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Local moving services in Detroit, MI
Here’s how many movers in Detroit include specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Detroit, MI to Alabama
Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from Detroit to Alabama with various services, based on your home’s size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,195 – $4,111 | $738 – $1,901 | $573 – $1,080 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,515 – $6,196 | $1,369 – $2,668 | $612 – $1,246 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,240 – $7,720 | $1,818 – $3,588 | $759 – $1,465 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 821-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Alabama using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes them monthly to account for seasonal shifts and market trends. Your actual cost can change based on move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Alabama
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Detroit to Alabama, you can expect prices to land between $1,195 and $4,111. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,515 to $6,196 for the trip from Detroit to AL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,240 and $7,720.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Alabama
Moving containers from Detroit to Alabama will cost you $738 to $1,901 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,369 to $2,668. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,818 to $3,588. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Detroit.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Alabama
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $573 and $1,080 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Detroit to Alabama with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $612 to $1,246. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $759 to $1,465.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Detroit to AL
Here’s what shapes the moving costs in Detroit:
- Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly affect your final bill.
- Time of year: Summer moves in Detroit fall during peak season, which usually means higher prices.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What you should know before moving from Detroit to AL
If you’re relocating to Alabama from Detroit, MI, you’ll discover that the living expenses are quite similar. This means your financial plan might not need major changes, but it’s prudent to review the costs to identify any minor variations.
Compare cost of living: Detroit vs. Alabama
| Detroit, MI | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $73,156 | $227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $59,609 |
| Cost of living index | 92 | 88 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 2.9% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 5.0% |
Alabama sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- In Alabama, rent is about 26% lower than in Detroit, making housing easier on your budget.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 211% higher in Alabama than in Detroit.
- On average, incomes in Alabama run 58% above Detroit, potentially improving your financial flexibility.
- With the cost of living about the same in Alabama and Detroit, you can focus less on finances and more on lifestyle fit.
- Alabama has a lower unemployment rate than Detroit by about 68%, suggesting a stronger job market.
- Expect to pay about 18% more in income taxes in Alabama compared to Michigan.
How life is different in Detroit, MI from Alabama
From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in Alabama stacks up against what you’re used to in Detroit.
| Detroit, MI | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ | 56″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 21.48 |
Alabama Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Alabama leaned Republican, while Detroit supported Democratic.
- Summertime peak temperatures in Alabama can reach as high as 91ºF, making the heat noticeably more intense than in Detroit, where summer highs usually hit 84ºF. Prepare for extra sun, lively activities outdoors, and possibly elevated cooling bills as you adapt to the warmer setting.
- Winter lows in Alabama stay around 33ºF, noticeably warmer than Detroit, where lows drop to 19ºF. This shift means easier winters, lighter routines, and smaller heating bills.
- Get ready for about 56 inches of rain annually in Alabama, compared to just 34 inches in Detroit. More rainfall means greener scenery and wetter days, so plan ahead with good rain gear and a flexible routine.
- In Alabama, you’ll get about 1 inch of snow each year, far less than Detroit. That means moving to Alabama will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
- Alabama records a lower crime rate (21.48) than Detroit (72.92), meaning you may enjoy more security and peace of mind after your move.
Other considerations when moving to Alabama
When you’re moving from Detroit to Alabama, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- HOA rules: Always check community regulations beforehand so your move-in goes smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve the elevator if your building requires it for move-ins.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s site.
- Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in Alabama, but be sure to look up local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have your mail forwarded to Alabama. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Alabama
Whether you’re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, Alabama has tons for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Alabama
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center
- Battleship USS ALABAMA
- Legacy Museum
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Parks in Alabama
- Gulf State Park
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
- Sipsey Wilderness
- The Wharf
- Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Sports teams in Alabama
- Auburn Tigers (NCAA)
- Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA)
- AFC Mobile (NPSL)
- Dixie Derby Girls (WFTDA)
- Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League)
Universities in Alabama
- The University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Samford University
FAQ
How long does a move from Detroit to Alabama take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Detroit, MI, to Alabama? Most moves on this route usually take two to seven days, depending on your service. Just a heads up. Moving during the hectic summer season might leave you open to delays.
To keep your move on track and steer clear of delays, be sure to ask about the delivery timeline before you book your movers.
How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 20 movers in Detroit that offer customized crates for a variety of fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces, including artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you will need special crating for any of your items, be sure to confirm with a Detroit moving company that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Detroit to Alabama?
Need to get your car from Detroit to Alabama? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Detroit to Alabama car shippers.
Why are people moving from Detroit to Alabama?
Many people are moving to Alabama because of its low cost of living and tasty southern comfort food.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Alabama.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Detroit?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Detroit.
Can I pay for my move from Detroit, MI, with cash?
There are four movers in Detroit that accept cash payments. Even so, cash is not the norm in the moving industry, where traceable payment types are preferred. Plan to pay a deposit to lock in your booking and move date. The rest of the balance is usually due at pickup or after delivery—verify timing and accepted methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
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