10 best movers in Hoover, Alabama

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of Alabama is International Van Lines. If you're moving around Hoover, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Hoover

A long-distance move is when you relocate to another state or more than 50 miles away. If you're moving across state boundaries, you should be especially cautious that the mover you hire has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

The long-distance movers below are experienced and actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

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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 within or out of Hoover is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Hoover is above 84.9% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly depending on what services you need. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

These additional considerations can bring up the cost of your final moving bill:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are valuable, fragile or particularly large. These items commonly cost more to move:

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

Ask movers if they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. For long-distance moves, a typical tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Bad weather, transportation emergencies, traffic and limited supplies can all add time and money to your move. Be prepared for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Hoover.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Inform them of additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

For example, small items can usually be added to the truck without issue, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — need to be discussed in advance. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

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

Peak moving season is between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find an affordable moving provider that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

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

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have heavy items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone to help you move.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Hoover

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers handle all aspects of the moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you take into account the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can provide more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are typically only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim accepted 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 out of state move, you should screen companies for compliant 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?

Determine the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. Purchasing this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The optimal moving time falls during May to September, leading to much higher demand and elevated pricing for moves both sizable and small. The high summer rates could understandably dissuade you from moving at that time of year.

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?

Load up your car with anything too important to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and electronics.

Many moving businesses limit insurance coverage for costly items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about potential loss or damage, pack those priceless or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

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

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.