Highly rated local moving companies for Detroit to Birmingham moves
Organizing a move from Detroit to Birmingham can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 36 local movers in Detroit known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Detroit to Birmingham.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Birmingham?
On average, moving companies in Michigan charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,190 – $3,982 | $699 – $1,802 | $530 – $1,015 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,391 – $5,724 | $1,313 – $2,705 | $550 – $1,193 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,134 – $7,874 | $1,777 – $3,417 | $680 – $1,404 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Birmingham
When planning a move to Birmingham from Detroit, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,190 and $3,982. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,391 and $5,724 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,134 to $7,874.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Birmingham
When you’re heading from Detroit to Birmingham, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $699 and $1,802. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,313 and $2,705. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,777 to $3,417. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Birmingham
A moving rental truck from Detroit to Birmingham is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $530 to $1,015. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $550 to $1,193, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Detroit to Birmingham costs around $680 to $1,404.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Detroit to Birmingham
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Detroit to Birmingham may only cost $1,921, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,685.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Detroit.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($530–$1,275), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Birmingham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Birmingham runs about 8% higher for singles and 1% higher for families than Detroit.
Singles spend around $2,697 in Detroit versus $2,500 in Detroit; families pay $6,727 compared with $6,687.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Detroit | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $2,612 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $125,988 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $39,403 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 5.0% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Birmingham from Detroit with rent being about the same in each state.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 72% steeper in Birmingham compared to Detroit.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Birmingham and Detroit are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Birmingham, with the cost of living for a single person being 8% more than in Detroit. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family between Birmingham and Detroit remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Birmingham has a lower unemployment rate than Detroit by about 38%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Birmingham surpass those in Detroit by 67%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 18% more in Alabama than in Michigan. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Detroit versus Birmingham:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $49.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.20 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $47.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Birmingham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Detroit than in Birmingham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Birmingham.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Birmingham.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Detroit than in Birmingham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Detroit than in Birmingham.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Birmingham
| Detroit | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 196,644 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 31 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 61.64 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 38.36 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Birmingham’s population is about 69% less than Detroit.
- Birmingham has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Detroit scores 7 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Detroit.
- Birmingham is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Detroit, which has a score of 52.
- Birmingham’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 61.64 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Birmingham is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 38.36 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Birmingham is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Birmingham move
- HOA rules: Costs across Detroit and Birmingham are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Alabama, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Alabama, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Birmingham. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Birmingham
With your sights set on B’ham, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Birmingham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central City
- Five Points South
- Highland Park
- Fountain Heights
- Southside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oxmoor
- Crestwood South
- Redmont Park
Things to do in Birmingham
With your move to Alabama complete, you can dive right into experiencing Birmingham. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Birmingham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park and Museum, and McWane Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham’s Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Birmingham BaronsUAB BlazersSamford University teamsBirmingham Legion FCAlabama Youth Sports Alliance basketball leagueTragic City RollersBirmingham Bulls (SPHL)Birmingham StallionsBirmingham Squadron (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Birmingham?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Detroit to Birmingham. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Birmingham?
Want to save on your move from Detroit to Birmingham? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Detroit to Birmingham take?
The 725-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Birmingham, , takes one to six days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Birmingham.
What kinds of discounts do Detroit movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Detroit?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 22 movers in Detroit provide piano moving services. 8 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Detroit moving services
Popular Michigan routes
- Michigan to Alabama car shippers
- Michigan to California movers
- Michigan to Florida movers
- Michigan to Georgia movers
- Michigan to Illinois movers
- Michigan to New York movers
- Michigan to North Carolina movers
- Michigan to Ohio movers
- Michigan to Pennsylvania movers
- Michigan to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!