($527+) Cleveland, OH to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Cleveland, OH, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $532 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,267 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 712 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 $1,712, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,267 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,083 - $3,682, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $532 - $1,394.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Cleveland, OH, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,388 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 Cleveland, OH to Birmingham, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Cleveland to Birmingham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,388 - $5,729. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 712 miles, expect 1 to 6 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 712-mile route from Cleveland to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,712 for a studio up to $8,267 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,083 - $3,682 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $532 - $1,394, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $956 - $2,690, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Cleveland, OH to Birmingham, AL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 712-mile move from Cleveland, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama, with costs ranging from $1,712 - $8,267. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $254 - $1,692. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Cleveland and Birmingham. Local movers in Cleveland typically start around $185 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Cleveland to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,712 - $4,598
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,388 - $5,729
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,277 - $8,267
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 Cleveland to Birmingham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Cleveland, OH to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Cleveland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Birmingham, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $423 - $4,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $169 - $1,015/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $254 - $2,030 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $846 - $2,538 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,115 - $8,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $634 - $1,204 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items39% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Move For Less, LLC | $846 - $2,115 |
| Piano | Any piano type61% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Bright Eyed Moving | $677 - $2,961 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $254 - $1,269 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Berger Allied Moving & Storage | $550 - $1,692 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $254 - $12,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $254 - $2,961+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Cleveland to Birmingham?
Alabama Trucking Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Alabama, 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Cleveland, OH. 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 Cleveland, OH to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Cleveland, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,083 and $3,682. 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 Cleveland typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Cleveland to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,083 - $1,986
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,322 - $2,616
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,863 - $3,682
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $63 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $127 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 $592 in Cleveland, OH, 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 Birmingham, AL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,083. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,322 - $2,616, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Cleveland to Birmingham?
- 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland:
- Move For Less, LLC (4.4/5), 16 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- A to Z Moving and Driving, LLC (4.7/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Cleveland, OH to Birmingham, AL
Plan on $532 - $1,394 for a rental moving truck on the 712-mile route from Cleveland, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $192 - $219
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Cleveland 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 Cleveland to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $532 - $999
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $597 - $1,139
- 4+ bedrooms: $762 - $1,394
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $532 - $1,394 does not include fuel ($192 - $219) , lodging ($127/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Cleveland to Birmingham typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
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 $63 and $296.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $127.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $192 and $219 for the 712-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 $592 for 2 movers in Cleveland, Ohio, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Cleveland to Birmingham?
- 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 Cleveland, OH to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Cleveland, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,080 and $2,223.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Cleveland to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,805
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,080 - $2,223
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,461 - $2,690
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Cleveland, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $592.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $63 and $127 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Cleveland to Birmingham?
- 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.
- Miller Transfer (4.84/5 stars): Miller Transfer is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Cleveland to Birmingham, 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: Cleveland, OH vs Birmingham, AL
Cleveland and Birmingham land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 83 in Cleveland and 87 in Birmingham, and rent tracks closely too ($1,295/mo vs. $1,250/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (57 vs 33) and safety scores (36.59 vs 38.36) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham, AL to Cleveland, OH guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Alabama, 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 103 movers licensed in Ohio, useful context for sizing up this 712-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 712-mile route from Cleveland, OH, to Birmingham, AL, run $1,712 - $8,267 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,083 - $3,682, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $532 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,388, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Cleveland, OH, to Birmingham, AL
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 is the best time of year to move from Cleveland, OH to Birmingham, 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.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Birmingham a safe place to live?
Birmingham has a safety index of 38.36 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.64, compared to 36.59 and 63.41 in Cleveland. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Cleveland, OH to Birmingham, 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 $597 - $1,139. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Cleveland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 61% of movers in Cleveland handle piano moves, and 39% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
