($613+) Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH

Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Cleveland, OH, runs anywhere from $566 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,047 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 800 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,830, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,047 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,152 - $3,543, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $566 - $1,538.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Cleveland, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,412 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH

Moving options from Montgomery to Cleveland 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 $2,412 - $6,256 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 800 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 800-mile route from Montgomery to Cleveland, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,830 - $4,822 $1,152 - $2,162 $566 - $1,111 $1,016 - $1,853
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,412 - $6,256 $1,509 - $2,857 $630 - $1,268 $1,149 - $2,263
4+ bedrooms $4,539 - $9,047 $1,850 - $3,543 $821 - $1,538 $1,590 - $3,073

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH

Hiring full-service movers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Cleveland, Ohio, costs between $1,830 and $9,047. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 800-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $242 - $1,612, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Montgomery and Cleveland. For a rough baseline, movers based in Montgomery tend to start around $462 plus $133/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Cleveland:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,830 - $4,822
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,412 - $6,256
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,539 - $9,047

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 Montgomery to Cleveland.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Ohio. 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 Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Cleveland, 100% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$403 - $4,030
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer$161 - $967/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$242 - $1,934
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage60% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers$806 - $2,418
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,015 - $8,060
Car shippingSecond vehicle$604 - $1,147
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer$806 - $2,015
PianoAny piano type80% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer$645 - $2,821
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling80% of local movers$242 - $1,209
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc.$524 - $1,612
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$242 - $12,090+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$242 - $2,821+

What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Cleveland?

Ohio Association of Movers membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Ohio, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Montgomery, AL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH

Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Cleveland, Ohio, cost between $1,152 and $3,543. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Montgomery runs about $70/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Cleveland:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,152 - $2,162
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,509 - $2,857
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,850 - $3,543

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $564 in Montgomery, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $60 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $121 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Cleveland, OH, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Ohio 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 $1,152. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,509 - $2,857, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Cleveland?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery:

  • McCorquodale Transfer (5.0/5), 28 years in business
  • Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
  • Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 800 miles from Montgomery, Alabama, to Cleveland, Ohio, running $566 - $1,538. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $205 - $234
  • Daily insurance: $24/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $16
  • Montgomery daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Montgomery to Cleveland based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $566 - $1,111
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $630 - $1,268
  • 4+ bedrooms: $821 - $1,538

Pro tip: A rental truck from Montgomery to Cleveland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $566 - $1,538. But once you factor in fuel ($205 - $234) , overnight lodging ($121/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 $60 and $282.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $121.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $205 and $234 for the 800-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 $564 for 2 movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Cleveland?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH

If you're moving a larger household from Montgomery, Alabama, 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 Cleveland, Ohio.

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 $1,149 and $2,263.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Cleveland:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,016 - $1,853
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,149 - $2,263
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,590 - $3,073

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 pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $60 and $121.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for roughly five hours typically average $564.

What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Cleveland?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. MAF Expedited Bhm Express (4/5 stars): MAF Expedited Bhm Express is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Cleveland quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.

Cost of living: Montgomery, AL vs Cleveland, OH

Montgomery and Cleveland land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 79 in Montgomery and 83 in Cleveland, and rent tracks closely too ($1,200/mo vs. $1,295/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (26 vs 57) and safety scores (34.75 vs 36.59) come out about the same too.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cleveland, OH to Montgomery, AL guide.

Why book your mover through moveBuddha:

moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Ohio 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 46 movers based in Alabama, handy for sizing up options on this 800-mile route.

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Our take

The 800-mile move from Montgomery, AL, to Cleveland, OH, costs between $1,830 and $9,047 with full-service movers, $1,152 - $3,543 with a moving container, and $566 - $1,538 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 $2,412 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cleveland tend to point to abundant food options and beautiful nature, though construction and brutal winters come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.

FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Cleveland, OH

How much does it cost to move from Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH?

Costs on this route range from around $1,830 to $9,047, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,830 and $9,047, 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.

How walkable is Cleveland?

Cleveland has a walkability score of 57 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 52, compared to 26 and 33 in Montgomery. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($205 - $234), daily insurance ($24/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $16) on top. Overnight stops can add another $121/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?

Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.

What is the best time of year to move from Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH?

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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 80% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.