10 best movers in Huntsville, Alabama

The best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Alabama is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move around Huntsville.

Top companies for moving out of Alabama

Interstate moving services must have federal licensing to operate legally, which means that they have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers on file. You can use the business name or license information to verify its licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

Interstate moving companies that are based in the state of Alabama must carry both state and federal licensing. In Alabama, local movers also must be licensed by the Transportation Division of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

What factors affect the cost of moving in Huntsville?

Pricing structures are different between local and long-distance moves. Local moving teams charge hourly instead of giving binding estimates, so your final moving cost will be determined by the total hours required to complete your move.

The pricing method for long-distance moves is an all-inclusive rate based on weight and miles traveled. These companies will offer you binding estimates, which means your quoted price won't change unless you alter your moving plans between getting a quote and the final move date.

The average cost of moving in Huntsville

With closer moves, such as within your area or to somewhere nearby, you'll pay an hourly rate. With Huntsville's cost of living higher than 73.8% of U.S. cities, you can expect mid-range moving rates in your area.

When getting quotes, moving companies should estimate the total hours needed. Multiplying the projected hours by the hourly rate offers a ballpark expense estimate, but be sure to check that there are no supplementary or minimum fees.

Tipping your mover

You don't have to tip, but rewarding movers who professionally pack and transport your items with care can show appreciation for their help, especially if you feel they alleviated your moving stress.

For single-day local moves, customers typically tip $5 per mover, hourly. On longer, multiple-day jobs, daily gratuities between $40 and $50 per worker are more customary.

Prepare for other moving costs

For starters, you should set aside 25% more than what your movers quote you when planning a budget. This gives you a buffer in your budget for last-minute costs, like additional services that you may need from your mover, a storage facility near your delivery location or packing material.

Things to consider when moving in Huntsville

We advise hiring a professional moving company when relocating. It's natural to feel anxious about all the details of the big day, but moving teams are equipped to help. Consider these key points when hiring any mover or mapping out the details of your move.

Is my mover properly licensed and insured?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you're planning an interstate move, check the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Alabama are also required to have a license from the Transportation Division of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

Check what insurance policies your movers provide. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound, per item. But if you're moving valuables, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. Purchasing this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or irreplaceable items.

When should I start forwarding my mail?

Give the post office plenty of notice about your upcoming move and address change, about one month ahead of time, and specify a future date for your mail to start forwarding to your new address. By filling out a change of address form, you'll help the USPS direct delivery of your mail more efficiently. Also notify any other important service providers so they are aware of your new location.

Do I need to change my driver's license if I move out of Alabama?

All Alabama residents are required to update their licenses, whether they move in or out of state. Book an appointment with your local department of motor vehicles as soon as possible once you've moved in.

When is the best time of year to move?

The peak time period for relocations countrywide is between May to September, leading to notably higher demand and significantly elevated pricing for moves both large and small. The high summer rates could understandably deter you from moving at that time of year. We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons, when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're worried about possible loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials that movers aren’t allowed to move. These include:

• Perishable foods and produce
• Batteries
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Plants
• Fertilizers
• Aerosols
• Fuel sources
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.