($591+) Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Detroit, MI, runs anywhere from $591 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,060 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,838, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,060 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,088 - $3,453, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $591 - $1,514.
- 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 $2,545 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 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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,545 - $6,032. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 77% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 813 miles, expect 2 to 7 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 813-mile route from Montgomery to Detroit, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,838 - $4,556 | $1,088 - $1,867 | $591 - $1,018 | $1,008 - $1,751 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,545 - $6,032 | $1,441 - $2,673 | $595 - $1,324 | $1,086 - $2,138 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,044 - $8,060 | $1,896 - $3,453 | $776 - $1,514 | $1,428 - $2,876 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 813-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Detroit, Michigan, with costs ranging from $1,838 - $8,060. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $253 - $1,684. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Montgomery and Detroit. Local movers in Montgomery typically start around $462 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,838 - $4,556
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,545 - $6,032
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,044 - $8,060
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.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Detroit, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing64% of local movers | $421 - $4,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $168 - $1,010/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $253 - $2,021 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $842 - $2,526 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,105 - $8,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $631 - $1,198 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $842 - $2,105 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $674 - $2,947 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $253 - $1,263 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $547 - $1,684 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $253 - $12,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $253 - $2,947+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Detroit?
Michigan Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Michigan, 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Montgomery, AL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Detroit, Michigan, cost between $1,088 and $3,453. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Montgomery runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,088 - $1,867
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,441 - $2,673
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,896 - $3,453
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $63 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $126 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Detroit, MI, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $589 in Montgomery, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,088. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,441 - $2,673.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Detroit?
- 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 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:
- C & R Movers, LLC (4.2/5), 12 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 813 miles from Montgomery, Alabama, to Detroit, Michigan, running $591 - $1,514. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $218 - $249
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Montgomery 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 Montgomery to Detroit based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $591 - $1,018
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $595 - $1,324
- 4+ bedrooms: $776 - $1,514
Pro tip: The base rate of $591 - $1,514 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Montgomery to Detroit. Fuel ($218 - $249), lodging at around $126/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $126 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $55 and $274 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $218 - $249 in fuel for the 813-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $589 in Montgomery, Alabama, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Detroit?
- 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 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 $2,138.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,008 - $1,751
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,086 - $2,138
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,428 - $2,876
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $63 - $126 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for about five hours typically runs $589.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Detroit?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Montgomery to Detroit. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Montgomery, AL vs Detroit, MI
Montgomery and Detroit land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 79 in Montgomery and 92 in Detroit, and average rent is $1,200/mo vs. $1,250/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 26 vs 51 and safety scores are 34.75 vs 27.08.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Michigan, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Alabama alone has 112 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 813-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Montgomery, AL, to Detroit, MI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,838 - $8,060 on the 813-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,088 - $3,453, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $591 - $1,514. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,545 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include General Motors and Henry Ford Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Detroit, MI
How do I know a mover is licensed in Michigan?
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($218 - $249), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $126/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Detroit?
Detroit has a walkability score of 51 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 52, compared to 26 and 33 in Montgomery. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI?
Costs on this route range from around $591 to $8,060, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,838 and $8,060, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.