($84+) Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Columbus, GA, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $84 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,705 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 81 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $549, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $3,705 or more.
- Moving containers run $527 - $1,753, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $84 - $164.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, GA, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $988 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL
Moving options from Columbus to Montgomery fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $988 - $3,060 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 27% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 90% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 81 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 81-mile route from Columbus to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $549 for a studio up to $3,705 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $527 - $1,753 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $84 - $164, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $0 - $0, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 81-mile move from Columbus, Georgia, to Montgomery, Alabama, with costs ranging from $549 - $3,705. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $235 - $1,568. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Columbus and Montgomery. Local movers in Columbus typically start around $315 as a base rate plus $140/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $549 - $2,422
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $988 - $3,060
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,364 - $3,705
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 Columbus to Montgomery.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 84% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Montgomery, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $392 - $3,920 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $157 - $941/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $235 - $1,882 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs68% of local movers | $784 - $2,352 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $1,960 - $7,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $587 - $1,116 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $784 - $1,960 |
| Piano | Any piano type36% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $627 - $2,744 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $235 - $1,176 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $510 - $1,568 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $235 - $11,760+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $235 - $2,744+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Montgomery?
Look for Alabama Trucking Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Alabama beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Columbus, GA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Columbus to Montgomery with a local mover averages $969 - $2,999. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Columbus, GA often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.44/5 stars) is a local mover in Columbus, based on our analysis of feedback from 428 customers, 88.3% of which is positive.
Address: 4520 Cargo Dr, Columbus, GA, 31907 | Founded: 1914
Moving container costs from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Columbus, Georgia, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $527 and $1,753. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Montgomery. If you go over that window, storage in Columbus adds around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $527 - $923
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $722 - $1,327
- 4+ bedrooms: $989 - $1,753
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Columbus, GA and Montgomery, AL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $549 in Columbus, GA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $59 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $118 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Georgia to Alabama 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 $527. 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 $722 - $1,327.
What are the best moving containers Columbus to Montgomery?
- 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- Apple Moving (4.0/5), 26 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL
Renting a moving truck for the 81-mile move from Columbus, Georgia, to Montgomery, Alabama, costs between $84 and $164, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $20 - $23
- Daily insurance: $24/day
- Equipment rentals: $5 - $16
- Columbus 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 Columbus to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $84 - $127
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $94 - $146
- 4+ bedrooms: $99 - $164
Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbus to Montgomery looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $84 - $164. But once you factor in fuel ($20 - $23), overnight lodging ($118/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to 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 $59 and $274.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $118.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $20 and $23 for the 81-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 $549 for 2 movers in Columbus, Georgia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to Montgomery?
- 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 Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Columbus, Georgia, to Montgomery, Alabama, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $0 and $0.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $0 - $0
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $0 - $0
- 4+ bedrooms: $0 - $0
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $59 - $118 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Columbus, Georgia, for about five hours typically runs $549.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Montgomery?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Columbus to Montgomery. 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: Columbus, GA vs Montgomery, AL
Good news for your budget: Montgomery isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Columbus. Cost of living index runs 79 there against 78 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 25/100 and 27.82/100 here versus 26/100 and 34.75/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montgomery, AL to Columbus, GA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Georgia to Alabama, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 256 movers licensed in Georgia, useful context for sizing up this 81-mile move.
Our take
The 81-mile move from Columbus, GA, to Montgomery, AL, costs between $549 and $3,705 with full-service movers, $527 - $1,753 with a moving container, and $84 - $164 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $988 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, GA, to Montgomery, AL
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Montgomery a safe place to live?
Montgomery has a safety index of 34.75 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.25, compared to 27.82 and 72.18 in Columbus. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $94 - $146. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Montgomery?
For families, Dalraida, Forest Park, and Hillwood are worth a look in Montgomery. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cloverdale/Idlewild, Old Cloverdale, and EastChase tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 36% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.