($529+) Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $578 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,714 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 742 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 $1,677, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,714 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,139 - $3,515, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $578 - $1,459.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,369 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC 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 $2,369 - $5,726. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 742-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 742-mile route from Washington DC to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,677 - $4,213 with full-service movers, $1,139 - $1,910 with a container, $578 - $1,004 with a rental truck, or $1,015 - $1,827 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,369 - $5,726 full-service, $1,392 - $2,675 by container, $571 - $1,192 by rental truck, or $1,113 - $2,294 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,215 - $7,714 full-service, $1,790 - $3,515 by container, $773 - $1,459 by rental truck, or $1,432 - $2,956 by freight.
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 Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 742-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Birmingham, Alabama, with costs ranging from $1,677 - $7,714. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $376 - $2,508. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Washington DC and Birmingham. Local movers in Washington DC typically start around $180 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,677 - $4,213
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,369 - $5,726
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,215 - $7,714
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 Washington DC to Birmingham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC 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 packing100% of local movers | $627 - $6,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $251 - $1,505/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $376 - $3,010 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,254 - $3,762 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,135 - $12,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $939 - $1,784 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,254 - $3,135 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,003 - $4,389 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $376 - $1,881 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $815 - $2,508 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $376 - $18,810+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $376 - $4,389+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Washington DC, MD. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,139 and $3,515. 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 Washington DC typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,139 - $1,910
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,675
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,790 - $3,515
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Washington DC, MD 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 $878 in Washington DC, MD, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $94 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $188 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 Maryland 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 $1,139. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,392 - $2,675, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL
A rental truck for this 742-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $578 and $1,459. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $296 - $338
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Washington DC to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $578 - $1,004
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $571 - $1,192
- 4+ bedrooms: $773 - $1,459
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Washington DC to Birmingham starts at $578 - $1,459, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($296 - $338) , overnight lodging ($188/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $188 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 $82 and $408 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $296 - $338 in fuel for the 742-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $878 in Washington DC, Maryland, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC 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 Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Washington DC, Maryland, to Birmingham, Alabama. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,113 and $2,294.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,015 - $1,827
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,113 - $2,294
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,432 - $2,956
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $94 - $188 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about five hours typically runs $878.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Birmingham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Washington DC to Birmingham. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Birmingham, AL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Birmingham, side by side with Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $141,615 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $44,376/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 38.36/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Maryland 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 52 movers in Maryland, so you have real options to compare for this 742-mile move.
Our take
A move from Washington DC, MD, to Birmingham, AL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,677 - $7,714 on the 742-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,139 - $3,515, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $578 - $1,459. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,369 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Birmingham, AL
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.
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,677 to $7,714, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,677 and $7,714, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Washington DC, MD 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 $571 - $1,192. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($296 - $338), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $188/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
