($510+) Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Richmond, VA, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $510 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,054 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,377, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,054 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,022 - $3,459, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $510 - $1,347.
- 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 $2,038 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Richmond to Birmingham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,038 - $4,906. Moving containers run about 38% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 74% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 679-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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 | $1,377 - $3,800 | $1,022 - $1,778 | $510 - $936 | $865 - $1,601 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,038 - $4,906 | $1,259 - $2,463 | $524 - $1,090 | $1,050 - $1,990 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,417 - $7,054 | $1,824 - $3,459 | $694 - $1,347 | $1,320 - $2,715 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
Full-service movers for the 679-mile relocation from Richmond, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,377 and $7,054. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $275 - $1,836, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Richmond typically charge a base rate around $360 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Richmond to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,377 - $3,800
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,038 - $4,906
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,417 - $7,054
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.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Richmond movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Birmingham, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $459 - $4,590 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% 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 coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% 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 items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $918 - $2,295 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $734 - $3,213 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $275 - $1,377 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the Alabama Trucking Association, the group most Alabama movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Richmond, VA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,022 and $3,459. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Richmond typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,022 - $1,778
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,259 - $2,463
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,824 - $3,459
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 $1,022. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,259 - $2,463.
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
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
Plan on $510 - $1,347 for a rental moving truck on the 679-mile route from Richmond, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $510 - $936
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $524 - $1,090
- 4+ bedrooms: $694 - $1,347
Pro tip: A rental truck from Richmond to Birmingham looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $510 - $1,347. But once you factor in fuel ($198 - $227), overnight lodging ($138/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $138 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $60 and $298 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $198 - $227 in fuel for the 679-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $643 in Richmond, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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
For larger DIY moves from Richmond, Virginia, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Birmingham, Alabama.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,050 and $1,990.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $865 - $1,601
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,050 - $1,990
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,320 - $2,715
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $69 - $138 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Richmond, Virginia, for about five hours typically runs $643.
What are the best freight companies from Richmond to Birmingham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Alabama in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 304 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 679-mile route.
Our take
The 679-mile move from Richmond, VA, to Birmingham, AL, costs between $1,377 and $7,054 with full-service movers, $1,022 - $3,459 with a moving container, and $510 - $1,347 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,038 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
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 some tips for saving money on a move from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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.
How long does a move from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($198 - $227), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $138/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 $524 - $1,090. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Richmond movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Richmond handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.