($556+) Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD

Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $573 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,607 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 $1,778, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,607 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,095 - $3,766, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $573 - $1,534.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,560 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD

There are 3 main ways to move from Birmingham to Washington DC: 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 $2,560 - $6,192. 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 Birmingham to Washington DC, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,778 - $4,698, container $1,095 - $1,930, rental truck $573 - $1,025, freight trailer $936 - $1,880.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,560 - $6,192, container $1,477 - $2,841, rental truck $589 - $1,216, freight trailer $1,102 - $2,118.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,085 - $8,607, container $1,959 - $3,766, rental truck $758 - $1,534, freight trailer $1,492 - $2,870.

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 Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD

Full-service movers for the 742-mile relocation from Birmingham, Alabama, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,778 and $8,607. 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 $338 - $2,252, 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 Birmingham typically charge a base rate around $310 plus $175 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Washington DC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,778 - $4,698
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,560 - $6,192
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,085 - $8,607

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 Birmingham to Washington DC.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Maryland. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD

Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Washington DC, 93% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$563 - $5,630
Storage in transitNew place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers $225 - $1,351/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$338 - $2,702
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers$1,126 - $3,378
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,815 - $11,260
Car shippingSecond vehicle$843 - $1,602
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$1,126 - $2,815
PianoAny piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers $901 - $3,941
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers$338 - $1,689
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy$732 - $2,252
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$338 - $16,890+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$338 - $3,941+

What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Washington DC?

All three below meet the standards set by the Maryland Motor Truck Association, the group most Maryland movers are affiliated with.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Birmingham, AL. 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 Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD

Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,095 and $3,766. 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 Birmingham typically costs about $70/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Washington DC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,095 - $1,930
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,477 - $2,841
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,959 - $3,766

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Birmingham, AL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $788, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $84 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $169 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Birmingham, AL, and Washington DC, MD, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Maryland 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 $1,095. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,477 - $2,841, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Washington DC?

  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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:

  • Secure Moving, Inc (4.8/5), 29 years in business
  • Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 14 years in business
  • Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD

Truck rentals from Birmingham, Alabama, to Washington DC, Maryland, range from $573 - $1,534 for the 742-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $266 - $304
  • Daily insurance: $34/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
  • Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Washington DC based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $573 - $1,025
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $589 - $1,216
  • 4+ bedrooms: $758 - $1,534

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Birmingham to Washington DC starts at $573 - $1,534, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($266 - $304) , overnight lodging ($169/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?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $84 and $394.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $169.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $266 and $304 for the 742-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 $788 for 2 movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Washington DC?

  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 Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Birmingham, Alabama, to Washington DC, Maryland. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,013 and $2,118.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Washington DC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $936 - $1,880
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,102 - $2,118
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,492 - $2,870

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?

  • 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 $84 and $169.
  • 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 Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly five hours typically average $788.

What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Washington DC?

  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. Kykenkee, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Washington DC 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: Birmingham, AL vs Washington DC, MD

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Washington DC, side by side with Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Birmingham, AL Washington DC, MD
Cost of living index87151
Average rent$1,250/mo$2,400/mo
Median home value$141,615$594,337
Average income$44,376/yr$101,027/yr
Unemployment rate5.6%7.0%
State income taxUp to 5.0%Up to 5.75%
Walkability score33/10077/100
Safety index38.36/10039.63/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Maryland, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 46 movers licensed in Alabama, useful context for sizing up this 742-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Birmingham, AL, to Washington DC, MD, 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 $1,778 - $8,607 on the 742-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,095 - $3,766, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $573 - $1,534. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,560 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 Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.

FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Washington DC, MD

What do local movers charge in Birmingham?

Local movers based in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate, plus $175/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Washington DC run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD?

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.

How much does it cost to move from Birmingham, AL to Washington DC, MD?

Costs on this route range from around $1,778 to $8,607, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,778 and $8,607, 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 Washington DC?

Washington DC has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 70, compared to 33 and 31 in Birmingham. 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 ($266 - $304), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $169/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

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

About 82% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.