($643+) Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Detroit, MI, runs anywhere from $611 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,581 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 813 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $2,079, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,581 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,280 - $3,825, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $611 - $1,781.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Detroit, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,768 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 423 real quotes from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors.
Compare moving options from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI
There are 3 main ways to move from Montgomery to Detroit: 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 $2,768 - $6,889. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 813-mile route from Montgomery to Detroit, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,079 - $5,049, container $1,280 - $2,112, rental truck $611 - $1,164, freight trailer $1,052 - $2,001.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,768 - $6,889, container $1,551 - $3,054, rental truck $694 - $1,369, freight trailer $1,303 - $2,344.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,526 - $9,581, container $2,144 - $3,825, rental truck $843 - $1,781, freight trailer $1,649 - $3,156.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI
For the 813-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Detroit, Michigan, full-service movers cost between $2,079 and $9,581. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $253 - $1,684 (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.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,079 - $5,049
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,768 - $6,889
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,526 - $9,581
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 Detroit.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Michigan. 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.
Add-ons and specialty services from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. Here's what each add-on and specialty service typically runs from Montgomery to Detroit, with prices localized to Montgomery costs.
- Full packing: $421 - $4,210 if you want the crew to box everything.
- Storage in transit: $168 - $1,010/mo if your new place isn't ready on arrival.
- Shuttle fee: $253 - $2,021 when a full-size truck can't reach the door.
- Full-value protection: $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) for coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb.
- Small moves: $842 - $2,526 for shipments under about 2,000 lbs.
- Office / commercial: $2,105 - $8,420 for a workplace relocation.
- Car shipping: $631 - $1,198 to move a second vehicle.
- Antiques & fine art: $842 - $2,105 for climate control and white-glove handling.
- Piano: $674 - $2,947 for an upright, baby grand, or grand.
- Pool table: $253 - $1,263 for disassembly and professional re-leveling.
- Hot tub: $547 - $1,684 for 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect.
- Wine collection: $253 - $12,630+ for climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport.
- Pet relocation: $253 - $2,947+ for ground, air, or VIP concierge service.
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Detroit?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
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 Detroit, MI
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Detroit, Michigan, cost between $1,280 and $3,825. 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.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,280 - $2,112
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,551 - $3,054
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,144 - $3,825
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 $126 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 $589 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 Detroit, MI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Michigan 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 $1,280. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,551 - $3,054, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Detroit?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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:
- McCorquodale Transfer (5.0/5), 28 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI
Moving truck rentals from Montgomery, Alabama, to Detroit, Michigan, cost between $611 and $1,781. A rental truck is the most hands-on way to move. You load your belongings into the truck yourself, drive the full 813 miles to your new home, and unload everything when you arrive. The base rate covers the truck rental only. Fuel ($218 - $249), insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) are billed separately.
Rental moving truck sizes generally run from 10 - 26 feet. The 15- to 17-foot truck is the go-to option for most 2-bedroom moves. Studio and 1-bedroom moves typically fit into a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck, while 3+ bedroom homes usually call for a 20- to 26-foot truck. Keep in mind that anything 20 feet or larger typically requires diesel fuel, which adds to your fuel budget for the trip.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Montgomery to Detroit based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $611 - $1,164
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $694 - $1,369
- 4+ bedrooms: $843 - $1,781
Pro tip: A rental truck from Montgomery to Detroit looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $611 - $1,781. But once you factor in fuel ($218 - $249) , overnight lodging ($126/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $295.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $126.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $218 and $249 for the 813-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 $589 for 2 movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Detroit?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Their base rates are typically the lowest among national truck rental companies, and Budget regularly offers discounts for online bookings, AAA members, and military.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable on this list. Penske maintains a newer fleet (averaging under 2 years old) and includes unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance on every one-way move.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability option. With more than 23,000 locations and 7 truck sizes ranging from 8 to 26 feet, U-Haul covers nearly every U.S. zip code and accommodates same-day pickups in most markets.
Freight trailer costs from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Montgomery, Alabama, to Detroit, Michigan. 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 $758 and $2,344.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,052 - $2,001
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,303 - $2,344
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,649 - $3,156
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 Montgomery, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $589.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $63 and $126 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Detroit?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Holley Trucking (44/5 stars): Holley Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Montgomery to Detroit, 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: Montgomery, AL vs Detroit, MI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Montgomery and Detroit to plan around. Cost of living index: 79 vs. 92. Average rent: $1,200/mo vs. $1,250/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL guide.
Our take
For a move from Montgomery, AL, to Detroit, MI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,079 for a studio to $9,581 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 813-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,280 - $3,825. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $611 - $1,781, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,768 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
How to plan your move from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI
- Compare your moving service options: Decide which service fits your Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI move by comparing hands-off full-service pricing ($2,079 - $9,581) with lower-cost DIY container and truck options.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Get a tailored estimate for your move from Montgomery to Detroit using the moving cost calculator before you start contacting movers.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Shortlist a few movers from our recommended picks for this route, weighing their moveBuddha ratings and the strengths called out in each review.
- Request free quotes: Reach out for free estimates from your top choices so you can compare actual costs, not just averages, before booking.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Protect yourself by looking up the mover's registration and complaint history with the FMCSA before you sign anything.
- Book early and time your move: Schedule your move for the fall or winter when demand drops, and book ahead to secure the best price and date for this route.
FAQ
What are some tips for a move from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI?
Decluttering one bedroom's worth of items before your move reduces your shipment by around 500 pounds and saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
From there, having a clear plan makes everything easier. Use a moving checklist to stay on top of key tasks and deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks as moving day gets closer.
When is the best time of year to move from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI?
The fall and winter months, roughly October through March, are generally the most affordable time to move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Detroit, Michigan. Demand is lower, movers have more availability, and you'll often find more competitive pricing across all service types.
If you have to move during peak season (mid-May through mid-September), try to book as early as possible and avoid weekends and month-end dates, when demand is highest and prices reflect it.
How long will it take to move from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete moves from Montgomery to Detroit in 5 - 7 days. That timeline is driven by how carriers consolidate multiple shipments on a single truck heading the same direction.
Freight trailers are usually the fastest option (other than driving a rental truck yourself), with deliveries typically in 3 - 5 days. That said, freight is best-suited for moves where you know exactly when and where you'll be receiving your items. Renting a truck and driving from Montgomery, Alabama, to Detroit, Michigan, means the schedule is completely yours to set.
What does it cost to move from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI?
Costs on this route range from around $2,079 on the low end to $9,581 on the high end. Where you land depends on your home size, the service you choose, and when you move.
Full-service movers typically fall between $2,079 and $9,581, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during off-season months (October - March) can also make a meaningful difference in your final total for a move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Detroit, Michigan.
What is the most affordable way to move from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI?
A rental truck is typically the cheapest way to move from Montgomery to Detroit, since the base rate covers only the vehicle and you handle everything else. A 2-bedroom truck rental on this route averages $694 - $1,369. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Those extra costs are broken out in the truck rental section above. It's worth totaling them before you book, since a moving container can sometimes land close to the same final price once a truck rental's add-ons are factored in, with less of the loading and driving on you.