($284+) Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $284 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,757 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 245 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 $967, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,757 or more.
- Moving containers run $813 - $2,521, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $284 - $668.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,558 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 Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Memphis to Birmingham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,558 - $4,248. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 81% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 245-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 245-mile route from Memphis to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $967 - $3,471, container $813 - $1,443, rental truck $284 - $490, freight trailer $709 - $1,285.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,558 - $4,248, container $1,092 - $2,100, rental truck $299 - $609, freight trailer $856 - $1,663.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,980 - $5,757, container $1,409 - $2,521, rental truck $350 - $668, freight trailer $1,072 - $2,118.
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 Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 245-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Birmingham, Alabama, with costs ranging from $967 - $5,757. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $259 - $1,728. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Memphis and Birmingham. Local movers in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $967 - $3,471
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,558 - $4,248
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,980 - $5,757
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 Memphis to Birmingham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee 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 Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Birmingham, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $432 - $4,320 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Guardian Moving Systems | $173 - $1,037/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $259 - $2,074 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $864 - $2,592 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,160 - $8,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $647 - $1,229 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $864 - $2,160 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $691 - $3,024 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $259 - $1,296 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $562 - $1,728 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $259 - $12,960+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $259 - $3,024+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Birmingham?
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.
How much do local movers cost in Memphis, TN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Memphis to Birmingham with a local mover averages $1,558 - $4,248. Working with a local mover based in Memphis, TN often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Guardian Moving Systems (4.52/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Memphis, ranked #12 in Tennessee, based on our analysis of feedback from 217 customers, 88.9% of which is positive.
Address: 4226 Clarke Road, Memphis, TN, 38141 | Founded: 1985
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $813 and $2,521. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Memphis costs roughly $45/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $813 - $1,443
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,092 - $2,100
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,409 - $2,521
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $65 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $130 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Birmingham, AL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $605 in Memphis, TN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee 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 $813. 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 $1,092 - $2,100.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Birmingham?
- 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL
Plan on $284 - $668 for a rental moving truck on the 245-mile route from Memphis, Tennessee, to Birmingham, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $67 - $77
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Memphis 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 Memphis to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $284 - $490
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $299 - $609
- 4+ bedrooms: $350 - $668
Pro tip: A rental truck from Memphis to Birmingham looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $284 - $668. But once you factor in fuel ($67 - $77), overnight lodging ($130/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $67 - $77 for the 245-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $605.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 245-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $130 per night, adding $259 - $389 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $43 and $259.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Birmingham?
- 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 Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL
For larger DIY moves from Memphis, Tennessee, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Birmingham, Alabama.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $856 and $1,663.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $709 - $1,285
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $856 - $1,663
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,072 - $2,118
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $65 and $130.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly five hours typically average $605.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Birmingham?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Memphis to Birmingham. 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: Memphis, TN vs Birmingham, AL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Memphis and Birmingham to plan around. Cost of living index: 86 vs. 87. Average rent: $1,299/mo vs. $1,250/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 35 vs. 33. Safety index: 22.51 vs. 38.36.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham, AL to Memphis, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Alabama, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Tennessee alone has 181 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 245-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Memphis, TN, to Birmingham, 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 $967 - $5,757 on the 245-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $813 - $2,521, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $284 - $668. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,558 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 Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Birmingham, AL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Memphis, TN to Birmingham, 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 Memphis?
Local movers based in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $125/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 Birmingham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Memphis, TN to Birmingham, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Birmingham?
For families, Oxmoor, Crestwood South, and Redmont Park are worth a look in Birmingham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central City, Five Points South, and Highland Park tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN to Birmingham, 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 $299 - $609. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.