($447+) Montgomery, AL to Garland, TX Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Garland, TX, runs anywhere from $447 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,026 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 646 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 $1,506, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,026 or more.
- Moving containers run $941 - $3,302, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $447 - $1,275.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Garland, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,135 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 Garland, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Montgomery to Garland: 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 $2,135 - $5,679. Moving containers run about 38% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 75% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 646-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 646-mile route from Montgomery to Garland, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,506 - $4,090 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($941 - $1,772), rental truck ($447 - $897), or freight trailer ($873 - $1,594). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,135 - $5,679 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,026.
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 Montgomery, AL to Garland, TX
For the 646-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Garland, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,506 and $8,026. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $262 - $1,748 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Montgomery generally start around $462 plus $133 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,506 - $4,090
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,135 - $5,679
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,047 - $8,026
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 Garland.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Garland, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Garland, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $437 - $4,370 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $175 - $1,049/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $262 - $2,098 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $874 - $2,622 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,185 - $8,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $655 - $1,244 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $874 - $2,185 |
| Piano | Any piano type58% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $699 - $3,059 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $262 - $1,311 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $568 - $1,748 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $262 - $13,110+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $262 - $3,059+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Garland?
Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Montgomery, AL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Garland, TX
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Garland, Texas, cost between $941 and $3,302. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Montgomery costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $941 - $1,772
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,334 - $2,501
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,680 - $3,302
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $131 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $612 in Montgomery, AL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Garland, TX, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Texas 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 $941. 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 $1,334 - $2,501.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Garland?
- 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 Garland, TX
Truck rentals from Montgomery, Alabama, to Garland, Texas, range from $447 - $1,275 for the 646-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $180 - $205
- 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 Garland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $447 - $897
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $527 - $1,086
- 4+ bedrooms: $608 - $1,275
Pro tip: The base rate of $447 - $1,275 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Montgomery to Garland. Fuel ($180 - $205), lodging at around $131/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $131 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $57 and $284 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $180 - $205 in fuel for the 646-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $612 in Montgomery, Alabama, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Garland?
- 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 Garland, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Montgomery, Alabama, to Garland, Texas. 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 $787 and $2,041.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $873 - $1,594
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,007 - $2,041
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,371 - $2,692
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 $66 and $131.
- 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 $612.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Garland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
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 Garland 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 Garland, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Garland, side by side with Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Montgomery, AL | Garland, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 79 | 100 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $1,624/mo |
| Median home value | $146,265 | $249,342 |
| Average income | $55,687/yr | $74,717/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | None |
| Walkability score | 26/100 | 40/100 |
| Safety index | 34.75/100 | 62.87/100 |
| 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 Garland, TX to Montgomery, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Texas, 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 142 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 646-mile move.
Our take
The 646-mile move from Montgomery, AL, to Garland, TX, costs between $1,506 and $8,026 with full-service movers, $941 - $3,302 with a moving container, and $447 - $1,275 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 $2,135 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Garland tend to point to quality education and diversity, though severe storms and extreme heat come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Garland Independent School District and City of Garland.
FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Garland, TX
Is Garland a safe place to live?
Garland has a safety index of 62.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 37.13, 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.
How walkable is Garland?
Garland has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Garland?
For families, Wood Glen, Valley Creek North, and Meadowcreek Village are worth a look in Garland. If you're moving solo or without kids, Wood Glen, Valley Creek North, and Buckingham North tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
What do local movers charge in Montgomery?
Local movers based in Montgomery typically start around $462 as a base rate, plus $133/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 Garland run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 58% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.