Georgia is consistently among the top inbound states in the Southeast, and metro Atlanta has been the engine behind that growth. The Atlanta metro ranked third nationally for total population gain between 2023 and 2024, adding approximately 75,000 residents in that period alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Florida is the single largest source of inbound movers to Georgia – sending roughly twice as many new residents as second-place California – followed by New York, Texas, and Illinois. The draw is Atlanta’s combination of job availability, relative housing affordability compared to Northeast metros, Hartsfield-Jackson’s connectivity (nonstop service to 200+ cities), and a growing international population across Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton counties.
Most Georgia moves are concentrated in the Atlanta metro corridor, and the geography matters: Atlanta to Savannah is approximately 250 miles via I-16, Atlanta to Augusta is about 150 miles on I-20, and Atlanta to Columbus is roughly 100 miles via I-185 south from the I-85 interchange. These are true intrastate long-haul moves that many national companies treat as interstate-tier logistics, and local movers must be equipped for them. Short Metro Atlanta relocations – Johns Creek to Marietta, Buckhead to Decatur – are the highest-volume category, but the state’s footprint makes single-day statewide moves common as well. Summer months (June through August) are peak season; rates are typically lower and mover availability higher from November through February.
For intrastate moves, Georgia movers must hold a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS) and file a tariff with the GDPS Motor Carrier Compliance Division. Complaints against licensed Georgia movers are handled by the GDPS and by the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at consumer.georgia.gov. Interstate moves require FMCSA registration with a USDOT number, verifiable at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Local Atlanta moves run approximately $401 to $1,496 depending on home size, with an average hourly rate of around $101 per mover – meaningfully below the national norm of $139.
Top-Rated Movers in Georgia
Ready To Move, LLC
Address: 2257 Heath Rd, Macon, GA 31206
Website: https://readytomovellc.com
USDOT: #1635369
Family-owned and operated by the Taylor family since 2005, Ready To Move is Macon’s longest-established independent mover and the go-to company for Middle Georgia residents in Macon, Warner Robins, Forsyth, and Milledgeville. The company handles residential and commercial moves, full packing and unpacking, piano moving (baby grand, upright, and player pianos), white glove delivery, interior design receiving and installation, military relocation, and clean-out services. The majority of their business comes from referrals and repeat customers. Ready To Move is fully licensed and insured for both Georgia intrastate and interstate moves, and holds a 4.2-star Google rating across over 200 reviews.
Bulldog Movers, Inc.
Address: 4194 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, GA 30340
Website: https://bulldogmovers.com
USDOT: #1187702
Founded in 1982, Bulldog Movers is one of the largest and longest-established independent moving companies in metro Atlanta, with over 100 licensed and insured professionals and a fleet of more than 40 trucks. The company handles local Metro Atlanta moves, statewide Georgia relocations, interstate moves across the country, and international shipments. Specialty services include piano and chandelier moving, appliance handling, and commercial/office relocations. Past commercial clients have included Tyler Perry Studios, Bad Boy Records, and the University of Georgia. Bulldog maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and 130,000 square feet of secure Atlanta warehouse storage.
Wirks Moving & Storage, Inc.
Address: 1470 Field Park Circle NW, Marietta, GA 30066 (also Atlanta and Alpharetta locations)
Website: https://wirksmoving.com
USDOT: #1942465
Founded in 2009 and now serving over 20,000 customers, Wirks Moving & Storage has grown into one of the Atlanta metro area’s highest-rated movers, with over 2,700 five-star reviews and a 98% customer referral rate. The company provides local and long-distance residential moving, office and commercial relocation, packing and unpacking, crating, and vaulted storage at their 30,000-square-foot Marietta facility. Wirks offers flat-rate guaranteed pricing with no deposits required, and also provides financing options – an uncommon feature in the moving industry. Service areas include all of Metro Atlanta, the greater Atlanta region, and out-of-state destinations.
Moving Companies in Georgia: Common Questions
Is my mover required to be licensed in Georgia?
Yes. Intrastate household goods movers in Georgia must obtain a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS) Motor Carrier Compliance Division and file a tariff. You can verify a mover’s certificate status through the GDPS’s Household Goods Consumer Service Report Card website at gamccd.net. Interstate movers must also hold active USDOT authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, searchable at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Before hiring any Georgia mover, ask for their GDPS certificate number and cross-reference it with the state database.
How much does a local move typically cost in Georgia?
Based on 2025 market data, the average hourly rate for movers in Georgia runs approximately $101 per mover – below the national average of $139. A local move within Metro Atlanta typically costs between $401 and $1,496, depending on home size and duration. A one-bedroom move runs roughly $483 to $700; a three-bedroom home requiring a crew of four for eight hours would run in the $2,200-$3,000 range. Longer intrastate moves (Atlanta to Savannah, Atlanta to Augusta) are priced more like long-distance jobs and require written estimates. Always get a written estimate before committing.
How does Georgia’s geography affect move complexity and cost?
Georgia is a large state, and several common intrastate routes involve distances that rival short interstate moves. Atlanta to Savannah runs about 250 miles via I-16; Atlanta to Augusta is 150 miles on I-20; Atlanta to Columbus is roughly 100 miles via I-185 south from the I-85 interchange. These distances mean that true statewide coverage requires planning for overnight logistics or early-morning departures. Within Metro Atlanta, heavy traffic on I-285, I-75, I-85, and I-20 – particularly during weekday rush hours – can meaningfully extend crew time and increase hourly costs. Scheduling moves to start before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. can reduce transit time and total bill.
What is a binding estimate and how does it protect me in Georgia?
A binding estimate fixes the total price for your move regardless of actual weight or time – you pay exactly what was quoted. A non-binding estimate is an approximation that can increase on moving day. Georgia’s GDPS regulations require movers to provide written estimates, and your signed bill of lading is the legal contract governing the move. Before signing, confirm whether your estimate is binding or non-binding, what additional charges might apply (fuel surcharges, stair carries, long-carry fees), and what the mover’s policy is on released value versus full-value protection for damaged items.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in Georgia?
Complaints against Georgia intrastate movers are handled by the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at consumer.georgia.gov, and by the Georgia Department of Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Division at gamccd.net. For serious disputes involving goods held hostage or fraud, the Attorney General’s office can pursue legal action. Interstate moving complaints go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at fmcsa.dot.gov or by calling 1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238). Document all communications with your mover in writing and keep copies of your estimate, bill of lading, and any receipts before and after the move.