($510+) Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Richmond, VA, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $525 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,947 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 679 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,566, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,947 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,073 - $3,632, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $525 - $1,358.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Richmond, VA, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,183 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
Moving options from Richmond to Birmingham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,183 - $5,201 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 679 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 679-mile route from Richmond to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,566 - $3,946 | $1,073 - $1,865 | $525 - $944 | $994 - $1,697 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,183 - $5,201 | $1,390 - $2,611 | $584 - $1,191 | $1,080 - $2,089 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,004 - $7,947 | $1,750 - $3,632 | $672 - $1,358 | $1,488 - $2,879 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 679-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, with prices running from $1,566 - $7,947. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $275 - $1,836 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Richmond and Birmingham are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Richmond movers tend to run around $360 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Richmond to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,566 - $3,946
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,183 - $5,201
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,004 - $7,947
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Richmond to Birmingham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Richmond movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Birmingham, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing95% of local movers | $459 - $4,590 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $184 - $1,102/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $275 - $2,203 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage32% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs89% of local movers | $918 - $2,754 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,295 - $9,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $688 - $1,306 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items63% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $918 - $2,295 |
| Piano | Any piano type68% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $734 - $3,213 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $275 - $1,377 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect32% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: WayForth LLC | $597 - $1,836 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $275 - $13,770+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $275 - $3,213+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Richmond to Birmingham?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Alabama Trucking Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Richmond, VA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,073 and $3,632. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Richmond costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,073 - $1,865
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,390 - $2,611
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,750 - $3,632
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Richmond, VA and Birmingham, AL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $643 in Richmond, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $69 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $138 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Alabama move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,073. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,390 - $2,611, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Richmond to Birmingham?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Richmond to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Richmond:
- Mr. Moving, LLC (4.6/5), 6 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- Heroes Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 5 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
Renting a moving truck for the 679-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $525 and $1,358, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $198 - $227
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Richmond daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Richmond to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $525 - $944
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $584 - $1,191
- 4+ bedrooms: $672 - $1,358
Pro tip: A rental truck from Richmond to Birmingham looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $525 - $1,358. But once you factor in fuel ($198 - $227) , overnight lodging ($138/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $69 and $321.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $138.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $198 and $227 for the 679-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $643 for 2 movers in Richmond, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Richmond to Birmingham?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
If you're moving a larger household from Richmond, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Birmingham, Alabama.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,080 and $2,089.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $994 - $1,697
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,080 - $2,089
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,488 - $2,879
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $69 - $138 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Richmond, Virginia, typically costs $643.
What are the best freight companies from Richmond to Birmingham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Abilene Motor Express (4.5/5 stars): Abilene Motor Express is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Birmingham fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Richmond, VA vs Birmingham, AL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Richmond and Birmingham to plan around. Cost of living index: 95 vs. 87. Average rent: $1,595/mo vs. $1,250/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 51 vs. 33. Safety index: 51.55 vs. 38.36.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham, AL to Richmond, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to Alabama, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 104 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 679-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 679-mile route from Richmond, VA, to Birmingham, AL, run $1,566 - $7,947 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,073 - $3,632, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $525 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,183, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Richmond, VA, to Birmingham, AL
What are the best neighborhoods in Birmingham?
For families, Oxmoor, Crestwood South, and Redmont Park are worth a look in Birmingham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central City, Five Points South, and Highland Park tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $584 - $1,191. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Birmingham a safe place to live?
Birmingham has a safety index of 38.36 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.64, compared to 51.55 and 48.45 in Richmond. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Alabama also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Richmond movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 68% of movers in Richmond handle piano moves, and 63% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
