($496+) Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Richmond, VA, runs anywhere from $496 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,801 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 691 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 $1,555, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,801 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,014 - $3,301, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $496 - $1,363.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Richmond, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,301 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 Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA
Moving options from Montgomery to Richmond fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,301 - $5,944 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 45% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 691 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 691-mile route from Montgomery to Richmond, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,555 - $4,203 with full-service movers, $1,014 - $1,873 with a container, $496 - $901 with a rental truck, or $931 - $1,737 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,301 - $5,944 full-service, $1,261 - $2,570 by container, $519 - $1,170 by rental truck, or $1,073 - $2,055 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,858 - $7,801 full-service, $1,776 - $3,301 by container, $709 - $1,363 by rental truck, or $1,420 - $2,561 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 691-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond, Virginia, with costs ranging from $1,555 - $7,801. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $256 - $1,708. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Montgomery and Richmond. Local movers in Montgomery typically start around $462 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,555 - $4,203
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,301 - $5,944
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,858 - $7,801
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 Richmond.
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 Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Richmond, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing64% of local movers | $427 - $4,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $171 - $1,025/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $256 - $2,050 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $854 - $2,562 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,135 - $8,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $640 - $1,215 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $854 - $2,135 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $683 - $2,989 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $256 - $1,281 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $555 - $1,708 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $256 - $12,810+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $256 - $2,989+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Richmond?
Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Virginia, on top of the picks below.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Richmond, VA
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $1,014 and $3,301. 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 Montgomery typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,014 - $1,873
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,261 - $2,570
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,776 - $3,301
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Montgomery, AL and Richmond, VA. 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 $598 in Montgomery, AL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $64 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $128 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 Alabama to Virginia 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 $1,014. 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 $1,261 - $2,570.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Richmond?
- 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 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:
- C & R Movers, LLC (4.2/5), 12 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 691-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond, Virginia, costs between $496 and $1,363, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $188 - $215
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Montgomery daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Montgomery to Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $496 - $901
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $519 - $1,170
- 4+ bedrooms: $709 - $1,363
Pro tip: A rental truck from Montgomery to Richmond looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $496 - $1,363. But once you factor in fuel ($188 - $215), overnight lodging ($128/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $128 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Montgomery, Alabama, usually costs about $598 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 691-mile drive falls between $188 and $215, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $43 and $256 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Richmond?
- 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 Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond, Virginia, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,073 and $2,055.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $931 - $1,737
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,073 - $2,055
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,420 - $2,561
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Montgomery, Alabama, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $598.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $64 - $128 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Richmond?
- 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: If speed matters on your move from Montgomery to Richmond, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Montgomery, AL vs Richmond, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Richmond, side by side with Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Montgomery, AL | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 79 | 95 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $1,595/mo |
| Median home value | $146,265 | $327,959 |
| Average income | $55,687/yr | $62,671/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 26/100 | 51/100 |
| Safety index | 34.75/100 | 51.55/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Virginia, 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 112 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 691-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Montgomery, AL, to Richmond, VA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,555 for a studio to $7,801 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 691-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,014 - $3,301. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $496 - $1,363, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,301 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Brink's and CarMax.
FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Richmond, VA
What is the cheapest way to move from Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA?
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 $519 - $1,170. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Richmond a safe place to live?
Richmond has a safety index of 51.55 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.45, compared to 34.75 and 65.25 in Montgomery. 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 4 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 Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA?
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. Virginia 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 do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.