($585+) Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Detroit, MI, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $585 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,554 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 815 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 $1,765, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,554 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,121 - $3,418, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $585 - $1,559.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Detroit, MI, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,448 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 Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Detroit to Montgomery: 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 $2,448 - $5,972. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 74% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 815 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 815-mile route from Detroit to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,765 - $4,833 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,121 - $2,064), rental truck ($585 - $1,050), or freight trailer ($940 - $1,751). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,448 - $5,972 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,554.
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 Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL
For the 815-mile move from Detroit, Michigan, to Montgomery, Alabama, full-service movers cost between $1,765 and $8,554. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $260 - $1,736 (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. For scale, local movers in Detroit generally start around $248 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Detroit to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,765 - $4,833
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,448 - $5,972
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,126 - $8,554
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 Detroit to Montgomery.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Detroit movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Montgomery, 45% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $434 - $4,340 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $174 - $1,042/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $260 - $2,083 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $868 - $2,604 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,170 - $8,680 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $650 - $1,235 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Powell Relocation Group (MI) | $868 - $2,170 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $694 - $3,038 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $260 - $1,302 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $564 - $1,736 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $260 - $13,020+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $260 - $3,038+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Detroit 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Detroit, MI. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Detroit, Michigan, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,121 and $3,418. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Detroit typically costs about $85/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Detroit to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,121 - $2,064
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,385 - $2,673
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,766 - $3,418
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Detroit, MI 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 $608 in Detroit, MI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $65 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $130 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 Michigan 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 $1,121. 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 $1,385 - $2,673.
What are the best moving containers Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 15 years in business
- O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. (4.3/5), 44 years in business
- Men on the Move (4.6/5), 34 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL
Renting a moving truck for the 815-mile move from Detroit, Michigan, to Montgomery, Alabama, costs between $585 and $1,559, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $225 - $257
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Detroit 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 Detroit to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $585 - $1,050
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $632 - $1,324
- 4+ bedrooms: $791 - $1,559
Pro tip: The base rate of $585 - $1,559 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Detroit to Montgomery. Fuel ($225 - $257), lodging at around $130/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $65 and $304.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $130.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $225 and $257 for the 815-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 $608 for 2 movers in Detroit, Michigan, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Detroit 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 Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Detroit, Michigan, to Montgomery, Alabama. 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 $781 and $2,203.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Detroit to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $940 - $1,751
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,086 - $2,203
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,532 - $2,962
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 Detroit, Michigan, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $608.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $65 and $130 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Detroit to Montgomery?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Montgomery fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs Montgomery, AL
Good news for your budget: Montgomery isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Detroit. Cost of living index runs 79 there against 92 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 51/100 and 27.08/100 here versus 26/100 and 34.75/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montgomery, AL to Detroit, MI guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Alabama 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. There are 151 movers in our Michigan network to compare for this 815-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 815-mile route from Detroit, MI, to Montgomery, AL, run $1,765 - $8,554 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,121 - $3,418, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $585 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,448, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Detroit, MI, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $585 to $8,554, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,765 and $8,554, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Detroit, MI 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 $632 - $1,324. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($225 - $257), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $130/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Detroit, MI to Montgomery, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 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 Detroit movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Detroit handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.