Local moving companies in California
When you’re moving from California to Montgomery, AL, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Golden State to the vibrant Cradle of the Confederacy.
Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Montgomery, AL.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from California to Montgomery, AL
This table details typical cost ranges to move from California to Montgomery, AL, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,257 – $4,862 | $1,164 – $2,858 | $1,174 – $2,434 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,327 – $7,160 | $2,218 – $4,544 | $1,377 – $2,786 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,182 – $11,140 | $2,814 – $5,620 | $1,723 – $3,587 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,242-mile move from California to Montgomery, AL using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from California to Montgomery, AL
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Montgomery, AL, typically costs between $1,257 and $4,862. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,327 and $7,160. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to Montgomery, AL, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,182 up to $11,140.
Cost of moving containers from California to Montgomery, AL
When relocating from California to Montgomery, AL, you’ll typically spend between $1,164 and $2,858 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,218 up to $4,544. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,814 and $5,620. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Montgomery, AL
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from California to Montgomery, AL, expect to pay between $1,174 and $2,434. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,377 to $2,786. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,723 and $3,587.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from California to Montgomery, AL
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| All Star Movers & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Meathead Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Sterling Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rigo’s Moving Company Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
After evaluating 3,180 movers, here’s how California movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| California | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 61% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from California to Montgomery, AL
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Montgomery, AL differs from what you’re used to in California. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: California vs. Montgomery, AL
| California | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,200 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $140,563 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $49,989 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 79 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.8% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 5.0% |
Montgomery sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Montgomery is about 35% cheaper than in California, giving you more flexibility in your budget.
- Buying a home in Montgomery could be more affordable, with prices averaging 82% less than in California.
- Expect salaries in Montgomery to be approximately 46% lower than in California. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Even though unemployment in Montgomery is 7% higher than in California, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Income tax rates in Alabama are about 62% lower than in California, which means a lighter tax burden and more take-home pay.
How life is different in Montgomery from California
| Montgomery | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 51″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 28.43 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- California and Montgomery both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summer temperatures in Montgomery typically reach 91ºF, which is about the same as the average 87ºF you’re used to in California. That means you won’t have to worry about a major heat increase. However, be sure to consider local humidity, weather patterns, and possible shifts in energy costs for a complete picture of what summer living will be like in your new home.
- Winter in Montgomery brings colder temperatures, often dropping to 35ºF. That’s noticeably chillier than the 59ºF winters back in California. Get ready for higher heating bills and a few adjustments to your routine. The upside? Montgomery treats you to fresh air, beautiful winter landscapes, and loads of seasonal activities.
- You can expect about 51 inches of annual rainfall in Montgomery vs only 22 inches in California. More rainfall equates to lusher landscapes and rainier days, so you’ll want to make a few tweaks to your routine. Grab some waterproof gear before you move.
- Montgomery doesn’t get snow, while California sees around 7 inches annually. Relocating to Montgomery means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Crime rates in Montgomery are higher than in California, with a crime index of 65.25 versus 28.43. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Montgomery
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Montgomery.
Museums in Montgomery
- Legacy Museum
- Rosa Parks Library and Museum
- Civil Rights Memorial Center
- Alabama Department of Archives and History
- Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
Parks in Montgomery
- Riverfront Park
- Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park
- Wright Brothers Park
- Alabama Bicentennial Park
Sports teams in Montgomery
- Montgomery Biscuits (Double A)
Universities in Montgomery
- Faulkner University
- Auburn University at Montgomery
- Troy University
Other considerations when moving to Montgomery, AL
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Alabama, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to Alabama on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Montgomery take?
The time it takes to move from California to Montgomery, AL depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Montgomery will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from California to Montgomery can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Montgomery?
If you’re planning a 2,242-mile move from California to Montgomery, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Montgomery, AL?
Summer temperatures in Montgomery can soar to 91°F, while winters can get as chilly as 35°F. That’s why most people making the move from California to Montgomery prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
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