10 best movers in Opelika, Alabama

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

Long-distance movers in Opelika

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or over 50 miles away. When moving across state lines, check that your mover has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To look up a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The long-distance movers below are reliable and 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?

Relocating within or out of Opelika is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Opelika is above 73.3% of the country.

Various factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up fast. The following are common moving expenses:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay extra for moving fragile, valuable or oversized items. Some common items that can incur higher fees include these:

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

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

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons such as traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. Although delays are unpredictable, 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

Consider these ways to lower moving expenses in Opelika.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

For example, small items can likely be added to the truck without issue, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed ahead of time. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t begin your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can reduce costs and ensure you reserve your preferred moving team.

The busiest moving period is between May and September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cost - effective mover that meets your needs.

One alternative is moving yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving on your own:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. If you lack the time or support system required for a self-move, hiring movers is valuable.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be more cost-effective. However, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Opelika

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will handle every part of the moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking everything for you.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are typically only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you're coordinating an interstate move, verify 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.

How does moving insurance work?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to review all rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime time to move is May to September, creating lower availability and inflated costs countrywide for both big and small moves. Understandably, this might give you pause about making a move during the summertime.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

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 valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about possible loss or damage, pack those invaluable or irreplaceable possessions in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

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

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.