Local moving companies in Alabama
When making the move from Alabama to San Jose, CA, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier.
Out of 43 Alabama movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to San Jose, CA.
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Changing Spaces Moving Inc: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
Motivated Movers, Inc. has been serving Madison, AL, and surrounding areas with reliable local residential moving services since 2011. Setting themselves apart from nearby moving companies, they offer an array of specialized services, including packing and unpacking, as well as the capability to move bulky items like pianos and hot tubs. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp, 4.8 on Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, customer satisfaction is a clear priority. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Bellhop Moving, serving the Birmingham, AL area since 2012, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, making them versatile compared to other local movers. Customer feedback is mostly positive, with an impressive 4.7 average rating from 435 Google reviews, though Yelp reviews average 3.6. Bellhop Moving is BBB accredited with a B+ rating and accepts credit card payments, ensuring convenience for clients, though a deposit is required.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 614
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Huntsville, AL since 1990. What sets them apart from many nearby movers is their extensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options. Customers appreciate that they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making the moving experience more convenient. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an impressive 4.8 average rating from over 800 Google reviews, they are a trusted choice, despite some mixed feedback on Yelp.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3822
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1164434
Changing Spaces Moving Inc has been a trusted name for local residential moving services in and around Birmingham, AL since 2004. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer a comprehensive suite of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, and they can even handle specialized tasks like moving pianos. Customers consistently praise the company, as evidenced by their average Yelp rating of 4.1 and a perfect 5.0 on Google My Business. Furthermore, their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau underscores their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 457
Years in Business: 111
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World-Wide Moving, Inc. , Coleman American Moving Services , Coleman World Group, LLC , Coleman Worldwide Moving , Covan Worldwide Moving
Coleman Worldwide Moving, established in 1915, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Montgomery, AL. Unlike many nearby movers, Coleman also provides an array of additional services such as office moving, packing and unpacking, and safe relocation, which sets them apart. Consumer feedback is mixed, with a Google My Business rating of 3.6 based on 36 reviews, but they hold an impressive A rating from the Better Business Bureau. This long-standing and reputable company accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, making them a convenient choice for local residents.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Alabama to San Jose, CA
The following table outlines average cost ranges for moves from Alabama to San Jose, CA, by home size and moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,314 – $5,115 | $1,196 – $3,121 | $1,228 – $2,545 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,502 – $8,040 | $2,104 – $4,630 | $1,439 – $3,058 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,125 – $11,713 | $3,072 – $6,336 | $1,765 – $3,786 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,297-mile move from Alabama to San Jose, CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of authenticated price data points from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Your end price can vary by shipment size, added services, parking/access limitations, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest comparing several mover quotes to confirm pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Alabama to San Jose, CA
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Alabama to San Jose, CA, you can expect prices to land between $1,314 and $5,115. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,502 to $8,040. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $7,125 and $11,713.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to San Jose, CA
Moving containers from Alabama to San Jose, CA, will cost you $1,196 to $3,121 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,104 to $4,630. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,072 to $6,336. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to San Jose, CA
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,228 and $2,545 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Alabama to San Jose, CA with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,439 to $3,058. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,765 to $3,786.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Compare local moving companies from Alabama to San Jose, CA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motivated Movers, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Bellhop Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Changing Spaces Moving Inc | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Coleman Worldwide Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
Considering the 3,175 movers we’ve assessed, take a look at how Alabama movers compare against the national average for services and discounts provided:
| Alabama | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 95% | 96% |
| Antiques | 34% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 4% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 2% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Alabama to San Jose, CA
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in San Jose, CA stacks up against Alabama. We’ll cover everything, from cost of living and the social scene to daily life and can’t-miss attractions in your area.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. San Jose, CA
| Alabama | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $925 | $3,095 |
| Average home cost | $227,508 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,609 | $83,421 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 231 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 6.6% |
| State Income Tax | 5.0% | 13.3% |
San Jose sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 235% more expensive in San Jose than in Alabama, so be sure to plan ahead and allocate additional funds.
- In San Jose, home prices run about 539% higher than in Alabama. Be prepared for a larger down payment, steeper property taxes, and higher overall homeownership costs.
- On average, incomes in San Jose are about 40% higher than in Alabama. This could help you stay on top of living expenses or grow your savings over time.
- Unemployment in San Jose runs 128% above Alabama, so be proactive with networking and applications.
- Income taxes in California are 166% higher than in Alabama, leaving you with less take-home pay to cover expenses or save.
How life is different in San Jose from Alabama
| San Jose | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 73-25 | Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 17″ | 56″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 21.48 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, San Jose voted Democratic and Alabama voted Republican.
- Summers in San Jose average 82ºF, while Alabama typically sees highs of 91ºF. Choosing to move somewhere cooler can mean less extreme heat, reduced energy costs, and more time to enjoy being outside in the summer.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in San Jose generally drop to around 42ºF, while Alabama can get as cold as 33ºF. Moving to San Jose means you’ll enjoy gentler winters, which makes daily life easier, more affordable, and more pleasant.
- In San Jose, you’ll get just 17 inches of rain annually, less than the 56 inches you typically see in Alabama. With all the extra sunshine, you’ll have more opportunities to explore your new surroundings. This sunnier forecast is the perfect way to start your next chapter.
- San Jose doesn’t get snow, while Alabama sees around 1 inch annually. Relocating to San Jose means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Crime rates in San Jose are higher than in Alabama, with a crime index of 47.73 versus 21.48. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in San Jose
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, San Jose can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in San Jose
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Children’s Discovery Museum
- The Tech Interactive
- San Jose Museum of Art
- New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum
Parks in San Jose
- Almaden Quicksilver County Park
- Alum Rock Park
- Emma Prusch Farm Park
- Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
- Joseph D. Grant County Park
Sports teams in San Jose
- San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
- San Jose Giants (California League)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
Universities in San Jose
- San Jose State University
- San Jose City College
- Evergreen Valley College
- International Technological University
- WestMed College
Other considerations when moving to San Jose, CA
- HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can check your California moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to California, but you should check local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is everything. With our moving checklist, you can be sure you’re on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Alabama to San Jose take?
The time it takes to move from Alabama to San Jose, CA varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.
If you’re heading to San Jose from northern Alabama, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.
Moving your belongings from Alabama to San Jose typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Make sure to ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Alabama to San Jose?
Because of the 2,297-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Alabama to San Jose as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Jose, CA?
With summer temperatures reaching 82°F and winter nights dipping to 42°F, most people make the move from Alabama to San Jose in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.
Helpful moving resources
Alabama moving services
Popular Alabama routes
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