Highly rated local moving companies for Grand Rapids to Birmingham moves
Organizing a move from Grand Rapids to Birmingham can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 13 local movers in Grand Rapids known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Grand Rapids to Birmingham.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- H & H Moving Company, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC , Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2956991
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: MTC Learning Technologies, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems – Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3328141
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids to Birmingham?
On average, moving companies in Michigan charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,166 – $4,022 | $751 – $1,749 | $494 – $937 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,275 – $5,666 | $1,313 – $2,471 | $555 – $1,217 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,974 – $8,280 | $1,724 – $3,451 | $736 – $1,475 |
Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Birmingham
When planning a move to Birmingham from Grand Rapids, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,166 and $4,022. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,275 and $5,666 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,974 to $8,280.
Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Birmingham
When you’re heading from Grand Rapids to Birmingham, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $751 and $1,749. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,313 and $2,471. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,724 to $3,451. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Grand Rapids to Birmingham
A moving rental truck from Grand Rapids to Birmingham is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $494 to $937. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $555 to $1,217, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Grand Rapids to Birmingham costs around $736 to $1,475.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Grand Rapids to Birmingham
The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Birmingham may only cost $1,941, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,823.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Grand Rapids.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($494–$1,249), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Birmingham
Many movers find Birmingham easier on the wallet than Grand Rapids – roughly 49% less for singles and 6% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,697 for one person in Birmingham versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids. For a family of four, it’s $6,727 compared with $7,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Grand Rapids | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $2,612 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $125,988 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $39,403 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,333 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,160 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 5.0% |
- Rent is about 25% less expensive in Birmingham than in Grand Rapids, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 62% cheaper in Birmingham than in Grand Rapids.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 38% less in Birmingham than in Grand Rapids.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Birmingham. The cost of living for a single person there is 49% below that of Grand Rapids.
- A move to Birmingham can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 6% lower compared to Grand Rapids.
- Birmingham has a higher unemployment rate than Grand Rapids by about 30%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Birmingham surpass those in Grand Rapids by 67%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 18% more in Alabama than in Michigan. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Grand Rapids versus Birmingham:
| Living Expense | Grand Rapids | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.12 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $49.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $4.20 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.99 | $47.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Birmingham, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Birmingham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Birmingham.
- Bread costs less in Grand Rapids than in Birmingham.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Grand Rapids than in Birmingham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Birmingham.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Birmingham
| Grand Rapids | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 196,644 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 31 |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 61.64 |
| Safety index | 55.77 | 38.36 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Birmingham’s population is within about 5% of Grand Rapids, so they’re very similar in size.
- Birmingham has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Grand Rapids scores 6 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Grand Rapids.
- Birmingham is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids’s 56 out of 100.
- Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52.
- Birmingham’s crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 61.64 compared to Grand Rapids’s 44.23. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 38.36 vs Grand Rapids’s 55.77.
- Air quality in Birmingham is Good, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids to Birmingham move
- HOA rules: Costs across Grand Rapids and Birmingham are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Alabama, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Alabama, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Birmingham. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Birmingham
With your sights set on B’ham, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Birmingham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central City
- Five Points South
- Highland Park
- Fountain Heights
- Southside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oxmoor
- Crestwood South
- Redmont Park
Things to do in Birmingham
With your move to Alabama complete, you can dive right into experiencing Birmingham. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Birmingham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park and Museum, and McWane Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham’s Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Birmingham BaronsUAB BlazersSamford University teamsBirmingham Legion FCAlabama Youth Sports Alliance basketball leagueTragic City RollersBirmingham Bulls (SPHL)Birmingham StallionsBirmingham Squadron (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Birmingham?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Grand Rapids to Birmingham. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Birmingham?
Want to save on your move from Grand Rapids to Birmingham? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Birmingham take?
The 734-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Birmingham, , takes one to six days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Birmingham.
What kinds of discounts do Grand Rapids movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Grand Rapids, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Grand Rapids?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Grand Rapids provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Grand Rapids moving services
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