($487+) Norfolk, VA to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $487 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,982 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 712 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 $1,404, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,982 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,052 - $3,239, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $487 - $1,411.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Norfolk, VA, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,997 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 Norfolk, VA to Birmingham, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Norfolk to Birmingham: 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 $1,997 - $5,201. Containers cost roughly 36% 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 712 miles, expect 1 to 6 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 712-mile route from Norfolk to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,404 for a studio up to $6,982 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,052 - $3,239 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $487 - $1,411, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $893 - $2,644, 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 Norfolk, VA to Birmingham, AL
For the 712-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, full-service movers cost between $1,404 and $6,982. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $268 - $1,788 (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 Norfolk generally start around $220 plus $89 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Norfolk to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,404 - $3,926
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,997 - $5,201
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,507 - $6,982
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 Norfolk to Birmingham.
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 Norfolk, VA to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Norfolk movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Birmingham, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $447 - $4,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $179 - $1,073/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $268 - $2,146 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $894 - $2,682 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,235 - $8,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $670 - $1,272 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $581 - $1,788 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $268 - $13,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $268 - $3,129+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Norfolk to Birmingham?
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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Norfolk, VA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Norfolk, VA to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,052 and $3,239. 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 Norfolk typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Norfolk to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,052 - $1,892
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,286 - $2,673
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,845 - $3,239
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $626 in Norfolk, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $67 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $134 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Birmingham, AL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $1,052. 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 $1,286 - $2,673.
What are the best moving containers Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Norfolk, VA to Birmingham, AL
Plan on $487 - $1,411 for a rental moving truck on the 712-mile route from Norfolk, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $203 - $231
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Norfolk daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Norfolk to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $487 - $962
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $525 - $1,108
- 4+ bedrooms: $651 - $1,411
Pro tip: The base rate of $487 - $1,411 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Norfolk to Birmingham. Fuel ($203 - $231), lodging at around $134/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $626.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $203 - $231 for the 712-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 $54 and $291, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $134 per night for hotel stops on the 712-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $268 - $402.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Norfolk 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 Norfolk, VA to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Norfolk, Virginia, to Birmingham, 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 $805 and $2,035.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $893 - $1,753
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,071 - $2,035
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,462 - $2,644
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Norfolk, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $626.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $67 - $134 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Norfolk to Birmingham?
- 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 Birmingham 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: Norfolk, VA vs Birmingham, AL
Day-to-day costs in Birmingham are close to what you're used to in Norfolk: cost of living index of 87 versus 91, with average rent of $1,250/mo compared to $1,500/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 46/100 and 41.9/100 in Norfolk versus 33/100 and 38.36/100 in Birmingham.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham, AL to Norfolk, VA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia 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 304 movers in our Virginia network to compare for this 712-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 712-mile route from Norfolk, VA, to Birmingham, AL, run $1,404 - $6,982 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,052 - $3,239, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $487 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,997, 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 Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Birmingham, AL
How do I know a mover is licensed in Alabama?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Norfolk, VA to Birmingham, AL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Alabama also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.
Is Birmingham a safe place to live?
Birmingham has a safety index of 38.36 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.64, compared to 41.9 and 58.1 in Norfolk. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Norfolk, VA 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 $525 - $1,108. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Norfolk movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Norfolk handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.