The Best Long-Distance Movers in Athens, AL
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The best long-distance mover in Athens is Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.58/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Alabama, per moveBuddha's analysis of 46 Alabama movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Athens?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Athens residents moving out of Alabama are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Athens for in-state moves?
Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.58/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Athens-based mover for long-distance moves within Alabama, followed by Applewhite Movers LLC (4.58/5) and Black Tie Moving (4.48/5). Of the 10 intrastate-capable movers serving Athens, 10 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Athens are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Athens but stay within Alabama:
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Applewhite Movers LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- This Side Up Moving & Storage : 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Motivated Movers, Inc. has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Motivated Movers, Inc. has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 255 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Motivated Movers, Inc.. Discounts may be available for groups like students.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Motivated Movers, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"I have lived in 28 states and 4 foreign countries, so I have used the services of many movers. None of them can compare with the services I received from Motivated Movers."
"We transitioned my momma from independent living to memory care and Tyler and Chris were wonderful!! They were very compassionate to helping us. They went way above and beyond! Highly recommend Motivated Movers!"
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Applewhite Movers LLC has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Applewhite Movers LLC has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 140 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.6.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Applewhite Movers LLC.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Applewhite Movers LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"I was amazed at how professional they were from the moment they greeted me at the door. They took care of my furniture to not scratch or ding anything. I have recommended Applewhite Movers to several friends."
"The movers were extremely thorough and provided their own tools to help us take things apart. They were very careful and completely wrapped all furniture and belongings. Nothing got damaged in the cross country move."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Black Tie Moving has been in business for 6 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Black Tie Moving has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 226 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Black Tie Moving. Discounts may be available for groups like military, seniors.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Black Tie Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"I have moved over 10 times and this was by far the smoothest move I have ever had. They were on time, didn’t waist time and respected my time! I will definitely use them again!"
"100% recommend Black Tie Moving! My boyfriend and I just moved from our apartments into a home. 3 movers came and they were all extremely professional and took the utmost care of our furniture and home."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. This Side Up Moving & Storage has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. This Side Up Moving & Storage has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 244 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.0.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from This Side Up Moving & Storage . Discounts may be available for groups like law enforcement.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. This Side Up Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Our moving team, Alvin and Zach were respectful, courteous, efficient, and skilled at what they do. We felt very cared for during our move. Every step of the way went smoothly. We recommend them 💯."
"I can’t recommend them enough! From start to finish, the entire experience was seamless and stress-free. They handled my belongings with the utmost care, ensuring everything was packed securely. Efficiency was impressive—what could have been long turned quick and organized."
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 37 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 85% positive reviews across roughly 247 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.6.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers arrived on time and did a fantastic job! Everything was wrapped, handled with care, and nothing was damaged. Very friendly, professional, and quick. I highly recommend Two Men and a Truck!"
"Excellent experience from booking to move-in. Very communicative office, movers worked hard, were efficient, careful with all items, and delivered under budget. Will use again!"
What add-on services do Athens movers offer?
Not every mover in Athens offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 10 Athens movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 30.0% of Athens movers, compared to 23.91% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 30.0% of Athens movers, compared to 32.61% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 30.0% of Athens movers, compared to 21.74% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 90.0% of Athens movers, compared to 84.78% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 10.0% of Athens movers, compared to 21.74% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 80.0% of Athens movers, compared to 73.91% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Athens's cost of living.
Does Athens have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 3 of 10 Athens movers (30.0%), compared to 23.91% statewide and 45.83% nationally. The Armstrong Company (4.38/5) and Lambert Relocation, Inc. (4.26/5) rate highest for art handling in Athens. Per-piece handling runs $45 to $445, with custom crates adding $134 to $178 per item.
| Art handling in Athens | Details |
|---|---|
| Athens movers offering this | 3 of 10 (30.0%) |
| Alabama statewide | 11 of 46 (23.91%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Athens art movers | The Armstrong Company, Lambert Relocation, Inc. |
| Per-piece handling fee | $45 to $445 |
| Custom crating per item | $134 to $178 |
Archival materials and custom crates prevent UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard moving blankets cannot guard against for framed artwork and sculpture. Confirm the mover has direct experience with similar media before booking.
Does Athens have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 3 of 10 Athens movers (30.0%), compared to 32.61% statewide and 36.39% nationally. Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.58/5) and Black Tie Moving (4.48/5) rate highest for junk removal in Athens. Standalone junk removal typically runs $134 to $445 per load.
| Junk removal in Athens | Details |
|---|---|
| Athens movers offering this | 3 of 10 (30.0%) |
| Alabama statewide | 15 of 46 (32.61%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Athens junk removal movers | Motivated Movers, Inc., Black Tie Moving |
| Typical cost per load | $134 to $445 |
| Single large item | $67 to $134 |
Scheduling junk removal before your move date reduces the total weight of your shipment, which directly lowers costs on weight-based long-distance quotes. Movers that offer junk removal as an add-on can often coordinate pickup on the same day as loading, eliminating the need to schedule a separate crew.
Does Athens have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 3 of 10 Athens movers (30.0%), compared to 21.74% statewide and 23.87% nationally. The Armstrong Company (4.38/5) and Lambert Relocation, Inc. (4.26/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Athens. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Athens | Details |
|---|---|
| Athens movers offering this | 3 of 10 (30.0%) |
| Alabama statewide | 10 of 46 (21.74%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Athens providers | The Armstrong Company, Lambert Relocation, Inc. |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Not every item needs professional packing. Dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps are the items most likely to break in transit and the items most worth paying a crew to pack. Fragile-only packing covers exactly those categories without a full-service packing contract, keeping the per-pound packing cost contained to the portion of the shipment that actually needs it.
Does Athens have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 9 of 10 Athens movers (90.0%), compared to 84.78% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.58/5) and Black Tie Moving (4.48/5) rate highest for storage in Athens. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $229/month.
| Storage in Athens | Details |
|---|---|
| Athens movers offering this | 9 of 10 (90.0%) |
| Alabama statewide | 39 of 46 (84.78%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Athens storage movers | Motivated Movers, Inc., Black Tie Moving |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $229 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $445 |
At $0.50 per cubic foot per month, storage-in-transit for a 1-bedroom load of about 514 cubic feet costs approximately $229 per month in Athens. A 2 to 3 bedroom load near 1,000 cubic feet runs roughly $445 per month. The key question to ask any mover: does your valuation coverage extend to items held in storage?
Does Athens have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 1 of 10 Athens movers (10.0%), compared to 21.74% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.58/5) and Fortson Moving Systems (4.38/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Athens. Hot tub moves typically run $134 to $356 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Athens | Details |
|---|---|
| Athens movers offering this | 1 of 10 (10.0%) |
| Alabama statewide | 10 of 46 (21.74%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Athens hot tub movers | Motivated Movers, Inc., Fortson Moving Systems |
| Bundled with full-service move | $134 to $356 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $267 to $712 |
Hot tub moves require full drainage, a crew of at least 3, and specialized equipment including a flatbed dolly rated for the unit's weight. Empty hot tubs range from 500 to 1,000 lbs, and access conditions such as stairs, narrow gates, or sunken decks can add crane or shuttle fees that significantly raise the total cost. Confirm access logistics with the mover before the quote is finalized to avoid day-of surcharges.
Does Athens have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 8 of 10 Athens movers (80.0%), compared to 73.91% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.58/5) and Applewhite Movers LLC (4.58/5) rate highest for piano moving in Athens. A standalone piano move typically costs $712 to $3,115, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Athens | Details |
|---|---|
| Athens movers offering this | 8 of 10 (80.0%) |
| Alabama statewide | 34 of 46 (73.91%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Athens piano movers | Motivated Movers, Inc., Applewhite Movers LLC |
| Upright piano | $712 to $1,335 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,068 to $2,225 |
| Grand piano | $1,602 to $3,115 |
Upright pianos weigh 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Trained crews use piano boards, straps, and padded blankets to prevent structural damage that standard moving equipment cannot safely manage. Bundling a piano into a household move with full-service movers is usually cheaper than hiring a piano-only carrier.
Who are the best movers in Athens for small long-distance moves?
Motivated Movers, Inc. leads Athens's small-move providers with a 4.58/5 moveBuddha score. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Athens?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Athens. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Athens residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Athens?
2 of 10 Athens movers (20.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 45.65% statewide and 54.55% nationally. Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.58/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Athens, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.52/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Athens residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Athens moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Athens. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Athens?
Moving costs across Alabama range from $558 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $178/hour) to $4,282 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Alabama mover quotes. The table below shows Alabama statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Athens will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Alabama* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $558 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $736 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,127 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,470 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,819 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,282 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Alabama. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Alabama statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Athens?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Athens move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Athens, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Athens
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Athens need?
9 of the 10 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Athens hold a valid FMCSA registration and USDOT number — the 2 federal credentials required before any company can transport household goods across state lines. All movers recommended on this page carry both. Confirm any company's status independently in the FMCSA's carrier database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move covers what to expect during an interstate move and what protections apply at every stage.
Should I hire locally or go national when moving from Athens?
Local Athens movers offer the best value for moves within Alabama, across the 10 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 9 of those hold FMCSA interstate authorization for cross-state routes. The top-rated options on this page cover both.
For moves that cross into another state, national carriers bring purpose-built long-distance logistics, a meaningful advantage when coordinating a move over a long distance.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Athens?
Movers in Athens run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 30°F and moving demand falls well below its summer peak. Reduced competition for mover calendars creates a genuine window to push back on the initial estimate. Off-peak moves in Athens typically come with better availability and shorter booking lead times than any other time of year.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Athens?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of Athens, especially within 50 miles. moveBuddha's research shows that rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% versus full-service movers. The cheapest options are renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For longer moves, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
