($522+) Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $533 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,944 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 660 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,599, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,944 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,061 - $3,308, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $533 - $1,321.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,432 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
Moving options from Columbus to Montgomery fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,432 - $6,066 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 660 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 660-mile route from Columbus to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,599 - $4,263 | $1,061 - $1,997 | $533 - $987 | $936 - $1,780 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,432 - $6,066 | $1,307 - $2,605 | $553 - $1,126 | $1,144 - $2,212 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,149 - $8,944 | $1,766 - $3,308 | $704 - $1,321 | $1,428 - $2,895 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
Hiring full-service movers from Columbus, Ohio, to Montgomery, Alabama, costs between $1,599 and $8,944. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 660-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $259 - $1,724, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Columbus and Montgomery. For a rough baseline, movers based in Columbus tend to start around $325 plus $145/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,599 - $4,263
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,432 - $6,066
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,149 - $8,944
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Montgomery, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $431 - $4,310 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $172 - $1,034/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $259 - $2,069 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $862 - $2,586 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,155 - $8,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $646 - $1,227 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items37% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $862 - $2,155 |
| Piano | Any piano type53% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $690 - $3,017 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling23% of local movers | $259 - $1,293 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | $560 - $1,724 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $259 - $12,930+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $259 - $3,017+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Montgomery?
All three below meet the standards set by the Alabama Trucking Association, the group most Alabama movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbus, OH, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,061 and $3,308. 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 Columbus typically costs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,061 - $1,997
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,307 - $2,605
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,766 - $3,308
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Columbus, OH, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $603, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $65 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $129 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Columbus, OH, and Montgomery, AL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio 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 $1,061. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,307 - $2,605, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- EkoMovers (4.3/5), 16 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL
A rental truck for this 660-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Montgomery, Alabama, costs between $533 and $1,321. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $181 - $207
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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: $533 - $987
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $553 - $1,126
- 4+ bedrooms: $704 - $1,321
Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbus to Montgomery looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $533 - $1,321. But once you factor in fuel ($181 - $207) , overnight lodging ($129/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Columbus, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $603.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $181 - $207 for the 660-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $52 and $280, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $129 per night for hotel stops on the 660-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $259 - $388.
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, OH to Montgomery, AL
If you're moving a larger household from Columbus, Ohio, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Montgomery, Alabama.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,144 and $2,212.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $936 - $1,780
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,144 - $2,212
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,428 - $2,895
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 Columbus, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $603.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $65 and $129 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Montgomery?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- THE Sygma Network (4.5/5 stars): THE Sygma Network is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Columbus 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: Columbus, OH vs Montgomery, AL
Columbus and Montgomery land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Columbus and 79 in Montgomery, and rent tracks closely too ($1,441/mo vs. $1,200/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (41 vs 26) and safety scores (50.35 vs 34.75) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montgomery, AL to Columbus, OH guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio 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 103 movers in our Ohio network to compare for this 660-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 660-mile route from Columbus, OH, to Montgomery, AL, run $1,599 - $8,944 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,061 - $3,308, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $533 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,432, 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 Columbus, OH, to Montgomery, AL
How long does a move from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($181 - $207), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $129/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbus, OH 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 $553 - $1,126. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Columbus, OH to Montgomery, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,599 to $8,944, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,599 and $8,944, 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 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 53% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.