Fact Checked by: 
Industry-trained crews
Local moving companies in Huntsville
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Applewhite Movers LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- This Side Up Moving & Storage : 4.58 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 614
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4119
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2172780
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
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 #: 3959
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1874024
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3859
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 1170867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Factors influencing moving costs from Huntsville to California
The cost of Huntsville movers will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of stuff you’re moving, your home’s size, and its layout will factor into your overall moving costs.
- Time of year: Prices usually go up during peak moving season in Huntsville, especially in the summer months.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Moving yourself is generally less expensive, but it can be stressful and requires more work on your part than hiring a moving company.
What to know before moving from Huntsville, AL, to California
Heading from Huntsville to California comes with new adventures, but also a bump in living expenses. Because California usually has a higher cost of living than Huntsville, it’s smart to budget and plan ahead.
Take a look at how living in Huntsville stacks up against California so you’re prepared before making the move:
Compare cost of living: Huntsville vs. California
| Huntsville, AL | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,409 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $266,736 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,959 | $91,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 13.3% |
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- You’ll need to budget more for rent in California since the cost of living is typically 32% more expensive than in Huntsville.
- Take into account that home prices are about 189.1% higher in California than in Huntsville, so you will need to make sure you can afford this monthly increase if you’re looking to purchase a home.
- The average income is about 50.8% higher in California than in Huntsville.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Huntsville by about 74.2%.
- Be prepared to pay more in income taxes. Income taxes are 166.00% higher in California than in Huntsville.
How life is different in Huntsville, AL, from California
If you’re moving from Huntsville to California, everything from the weather and local population to the predominant political views can feel pretty different. Let’s break down what life in California is like compared to the Rocket City.
| Huntsville, AL | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 241,114 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 64.8-34.2 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 55" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 2" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 42.55 |
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- In the most recent presidential election, California leaned Democratic, while Huntsville went Democratic.
- No need to buy new summer clothes. Average highs in California hit 87°F, which is about the same as the 90°F you’re already used to in Huntsville.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Huntsville can drop to 30°F. In contrast, California enjoys milder lows of only 59°F, so you can look forward to gentler winters in the Golden State.
- If you’re moving from Huntsville to California, you can likely skip packing your raincoat. California gets just 22 inches of rain a year—less than the 55 inches you’ve been used to in Huntsville.
- Winter in California feels familiar if you’re coming from Huntsville, with nearly the same amount of snowfall. It gets about 7 inches each year, which is almost identical to the 2 inches you’re used to in Huntsville.
Other considerations when moving to California from Huntsville
When you’re moving from Huntsville to California, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
- HOA rules: Make sure to check your neighborhood or community’s moving rules ahead of time to avoid any surprises on moving day.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- 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. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit for California, but it’s smart to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to California without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in California
No matter what you're into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—California is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in California
Parks in California
Sports Teams in California
Universities in California
FAQs
How long does a move from Huntsville to California take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Huntsville, AL to California? Typically, the process takes about six to 17 days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
What is the best way to get a car from Huntsville to California?
Need to ship your car from Huntsville to California? Trust professionals who’ll protect your vehicle and manage all the details seamlessly. See our top choices for car shipping from Huntsville to California.
Why are people moving from Huntsville to California?
Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Huntsville?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Huntsville .
