($483+) Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $483 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,436 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 660 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 $1,554, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,436 or more.
- Moving containers run $951 - $3,250, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $483 - $1,363.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,204 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 Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
Moving options from Columbus to Montgomery 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 $2,204 - $5,777 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 76% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 660 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 660-mile route from Columbus to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,554 - $4,356 | $951 - $1,811 | $483 - $859 | $946 - $1,598 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,204 - $5,777 | $1,335 - $2,583 | $537 - $1,105 | $976 - $2,006 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,874 - $8,436 | $1,717 - $3,250 | $677 - $1,363 | $1,429 - $2,470 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 660-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Montgomery, Alabama, with costs ranging from $1,554 - $8,436. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $259 - $1,724. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Columbus and Montgomery. Local movers in Columbus typically start around $325 as a base rate plus $145/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,554 - $4,356
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,204 - $5,777
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,874 - $8,436
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 Columbus to Montgomery.
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 Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Montgomery, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $431 - $4,310 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $172 - $1,034/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $259 - $2,069 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $862 - $2,586 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,155 - $8,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $646 - $1,227 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items11% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | $862 - $2,155 |
| Piano | Any piano type46% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $690 - $3,017 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $259 - $1,293 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Integrity Moving & Storage | $560 - $1,724 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $259 - $12,930+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $259 - $3,017+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Montgomery?
Look for Alabama Trucking Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Alabama beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Columbus, OH. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $951 and $3,250. 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 Columbus runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $951 - $1,811
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,335 - $2,583
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,717 - $3,250
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 Columbus, OH, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $603, 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 $65 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $129 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Columbus, OH, and Montgomery, AL, 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 Ohio 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 $951. 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 $1,335 - $2,583.
What are the best moving containers Columbus to Montgomery?
- 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- MVM Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- All American Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 23 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 660 miles from Columbus, Ohio, to Montgomery, Alabama, running $483 - $1,363. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $181 - $207
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Columbus to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $483 - $859
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $537 - $1,105
- 4+ bedrooms: $677 - $1,363
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Columbus to Montgomery starts at $483 - $1,363, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($181 - $207), overnight lodging ($129/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $65 and $302.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $129.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $181 and $207 for the 660-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 $603 for 2 movers in Columbus, Ohio, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to Montgomery?
- 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 Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
For larger DIY moves from Columbus, Ohio, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Montgomery, Alabama.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $976 and $2,006.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $946 - $1,598
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $976 - $2,006
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,429 - $2,470
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $65 - $129 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Columbus, Ohio, typically costs $603.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Montgomery?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Montgomery 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: Columbus, OH vs Montgomery, AL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Columbus and Montgomery to plan around. Cost of living index: 91 vs. 79. Average rent: $1,441/mo vs. $1,200/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 41 vs. 26. Safety index: 50.35 vs. 34.75.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montgomery, AL to Columbus, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Ohio 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 282 movers in Ohio, so you have real options to compare for this 660-mile move.
Our take
The 660-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Montgomery, AL, costs between $1,554 and $8,436 with full-service movers, $951 - $3,250 with a moving container, and $483 - $1,363 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 $2,204 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, OH, to Montgomery, AL
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, 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 $537 - $1,105. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Montgomery a safe place to live?
Montgomery has a safety index of 34.75 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.25, compared to 50.35 and 49.65 in Columbus. 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 Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL?
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. Alabama 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 Alabama?
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.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 46% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 11% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.