($562+) Lansing, MI to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Lansing, MI, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $562 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,720 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 817 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 $1,888, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,720 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,054 - $3,623, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $562 - $1,435.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lansing, MI, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,443 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 Lansing, MI to Montgomery, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Lansing 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 $2,443 - $6,196. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 76% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 817 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 817-mile route from Lansing to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,888 for a studio up to $7,720 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,054 - $3,623 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $562 - $1,435, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $920 - $2,757, 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 Lansing, MI to Montgomery, AL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 817-mile move from Lansing, Michigan, to Montgomery, Alabama, with costs ranging from $1,888 - $7,720. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $246 - $1,640. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Lansing and Montgomery. Local movers in Lansing typically start around $570 as a base rate plus $240/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lansing to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,888 - $4,320
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,443 - $6,196
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,955 - $7,720
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 Lansing to Montgomery.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Lansing, MI to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Lansing 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 packing70% of local movers | $410 - $4,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $164 - $984/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $246 - $1,968 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $820 - $2,460 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,050 - $8,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $614 - $1,167 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: M & M Moving and Storage | $820 - $2,050 |
| Piano | Any piano type30% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $656 - $2,870 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $246 - $1,230 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $533 - $1,640 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $246 - $12,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $246 - $2,870+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Lansing to Montgomery?
Movers licensed to operate in Alabama are typically members of the Alabama Trucking Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Lansing, MI. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Lansing, MI to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Lansing, Michigan, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,054 and $3,623. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Lansing typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lansing to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,054 - $1,981
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,382 - $2,749
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,910 - $3,623
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Lansing, 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 $574 in Lansing, MI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $62 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $123 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 $1,054. 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 $1,382 - $2,749.
What are the best moving containers Lansing 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 Lansing 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 Lansing:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 32 years in business
- MASS Movers LLC (4.9/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Lansing, MI to Montgomery, AL
Plan on $562 - $1,435 for a rental moving truck on the 817-mile route from Lansing, Michigan, to Montgomery, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $213 - $244
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $16
- Lansing daily rental rate: $19 - $29
- 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 Lansing to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $562 - $1,069
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $588 - $1,308
- 4+ bedrooms: $714 - $1,435
Pro tip: The base rate of $562 - $1,435 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Lansing to Montgomery. Fuel ($213 - $244), lodging at around $123/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 $62 and $287.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $123.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $213 and $244 for the 817-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 $574 for 2 movers in Lansing, Michigan, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Lansing 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 Lansing, MI to Montgomery, AL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Lansing, 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 $738 and $2,091.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lansing to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $920 - $1,818
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,117 - $2,091
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,485 - $2,757
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?
- 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 $62 - $123 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Lansing, Michigan, for about five hours typically runs $574.
What are the best freight companies from Lansing to Montgomery?
- 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: If speed matters on your move from Lansing to Montgomery, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Lansing, MI vs Montgomery, AL
Lansing and Montgomery land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 84 in Lansing and 79 in Montgomery, and average rent is $1,129/mo vs. $1,200/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 46 vs 26 and safety scores are 51.34 vs 34.75.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montgomery, AL to Lansing, 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 173 movers in our Michigan network to compare for this 817-mile move.
Our take
A move from Lansing, MI, to Montgomery, AL, 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 $1,888 - $7,720 on the 817-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,054 - $3,623, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $562 - $1,435. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,443 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 Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Lansing, MI, to Montgomery, AL
How walkable is Montgomery?
Montgomery has a walkability score of 26 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 33, compared to 46 and 55 in Lansing. 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 Lansing, MI to Montgomery, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $562 to $7,720, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,888 and $7,720, 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 Lansing, MI to Montgomery, AL?
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 do local movers charge in Lansing?
Local movers based in Lansing typically start around $570 as a base rate, plus $240/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Montgomery run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Lansing, 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 Lansing movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 30% of movers in Lansing handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.