($496+) Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Richmond, VA, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $496 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,511 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 692 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 $1,451, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,511 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,044 - $3,167, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $496 - $1,296.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Richmond, VA, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,063 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 Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL
Moving options from Richmond to Montgomery fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,063 - $4,965 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 39% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 75% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 692 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 692-mile route from Richmond to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,451 - $4,081 with full-service movers, $1,044 - $1,892 with a container, $496 - $901 with a rental truck, or $894 - $1,737 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,063 - $4,965 full-service, $1,261 - $2,595 by container, $519 - $1,170 by rental truck, or $1,062 - $2,055 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,713 - $7,511 full-service, $1,723 - $3,167 by container, $655 - $1,296 by rental truck, or $1,406 - $2,588 by freight.
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 Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 692-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Montgomery, Alabama, with costs ranging from $1,451 - $7,511. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $266 - $1,772. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Richmond and Montgomery. Local movers in Richmond typically start around $360 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Richmond to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,451 - $4,081
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,063 - $4,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,713 - $7,511
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 Richmond to Montgomery.
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 Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Richmond movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Montgomery, 45% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing85% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $886 - $2,658 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,215 - $8,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $664 - $1,261 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Mr. Moving, LLC | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $576 - $1,772 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,101+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Richmond to Montgomery?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Alabama Trucking Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Richmond, VA, 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 Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,044 and $3,167. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Montgomery. If you go over that window, storage in Richmond adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,044 - $1,892
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,261 - $2,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,723 - $3,167
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 Richmond, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $620, 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 $66 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $133 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Richmond, VA, 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 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 $1,044. 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 $1,261 - $2,595.
What are the best moving containers Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond:
- Mr. Moving, LLC (4.6/5), 6 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL
A rental truck for this 692-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Montgomery, Alabama, costs between $496 and $1,296. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $195 - $223
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Richmond 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 Richmond to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $496 - $901
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $519 - $1,170
- 4+ bedrooms: $655 - $1,296
Pro tip: A rental truck from Richmond to Montgomery looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $496 - $1,296. But once you factor in fuel ($195 - $223), overnight lodging ($133/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. 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 Richmond, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $620.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $195 - $223 for the 692-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 $53 and $288, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $133 per night for hotel stops on the 692-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $266 - $399.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Richmond 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 Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Richmond, Virginia, to Montgomery, Alabama, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,062 and $2,055.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $894 - $1,737
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,062 - $2,055
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,406 - $2,588
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $66 and $133.
- 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 Richmond, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $620.
What are the best freight companies from Richmond to Montgomery?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Montgomery quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Richmond, VA vs Montgomery, AL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Montgomery, side by side with Richmond on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Richmond, VA | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 79 |
| Average rent | $1,595/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Median home value | $327,959 | $146,265 |
| Average income | $62,671/yr | $55,687/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 26/100 |
| Safety index | 51.55/100 | 34.75/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to Alabama, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 262 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 692-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Richmond, VA, to Montgomery, AL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,451 for a studio to $7,511 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 692-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,044 - $3,167. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $496 - $1,296, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,063 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Richmond, VA, to Montgomery, AL
Is Montgomery a safe place to live?
Montgomery has a safety index of 34.75 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.25, compared to 51.55 and 48.45 in Richmond. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Richmond, VA 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 is the best time of year to move from Richmond, VA to Montgomery, 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.
How long does a move from Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($195 - $223), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $133/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Richmond movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Richmond handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.