10 best movers in Pelham, Alabama

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

Long-distance movers in Pelham

A long-distance move is when you move to a different state or more than 50 miles away. If you're crossing state lines, you must be especially careful that the mover you choose has the necessary 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 the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We've verified that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

Featured

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 Pelham is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Pelham is above 83.6% of the country.

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

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

These extra considerations can cause your final moving bill to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move fragile, oversized or valuable items. These items can be more expensive to move:

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

When researching moving companies, ask whether they move these items and charge extra 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 are common due to issues such as inclement weather, transportation emergencies, traffic and a lack of supplies. These can increase your moving costs and extend your timeline. Delays are unpredictable, 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

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

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting a quote from the movers.

Small items may not pose an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can save some money and ensure you get the movers you want.

Movers are busiest between May and September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you have difficulty finding an economical relocation service that meets your needs.

While you can move on your own, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky items such as furniture. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you lack the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

Another alternative is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can be less expensive, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Pelham

What’s full-service moving?

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

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state move by checking 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?

Estimate the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. 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 compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best moving time spans from May to September, leading to notably higher demand and elevated pricing for moves both large and small. The high summer rates could understandably steer you away from moving at that time of year.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

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

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

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, take those belongings with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.