10 best movers in Florence, Alabama

The best moving company for moving out of Alabama is International Van Lines. If you're planning a local move around Florence, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Florence

A long-distance move is when you move from one state to another or over 50 miles away. When moving across state lines, ensure your mover has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

The reliable and experienced long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Moving is expensive, but the average hourly moving rate in Florence is below the national average. Despite the cost of living in Florence only being higher than 39.5% of the country, moving prices in the area are lower than expected.

Numerous factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up quickly. The following are common moving expenses:

• Junk removal
• Professional labor
• Packing
• Supplies
• Fuel
• Storage

These extra considerations can cause your total moving cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move fragile, oversized or valuable items. The following items often are more expensive to move:

• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Safes
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Pianos
• Artwork and sculptures

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they take good care of your belongings or make your move easier. For long-distance moves, a standard tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as traffic, transportation emergencies, a lack of supplies and inclement weather. These can inflate your moving costs and prolong your timeline. There’s no way to prevent unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can reduce your moving expenses in Florence.

Be communicative

To avoid surprise charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, especially about items you add to your inventory after getting an estimate from the movers.

For example, your movers can usually add small items to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed beforehand. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can save some money and ensure you reserve your preferred moving company.

Movers are busiest between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, consider moving outside of those months, as there may be lower rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find a cheap moving service that meets your needs.

You can move by yourself, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large items such as furniture. Professional movers provide significant value if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be less expensive, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Florence

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers tackle all aspects of the moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an interstate move, you should screen companies for valid USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting 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.

How does moving insurance work?

See what insurance policies your movers provide. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include high-worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months, May through September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to limited availability and inflated costs countrywide for big and small moves alike. This might deter you from a summer relocation given the price hikes. You also may want to steer clear of moving amid Florence's scorching summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating even more difficult.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

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

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Moving businesses frequently restrict insurance coverage on expensive goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Bring irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials prohibited for transportation by movers. These include the following:

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

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 moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.