Best Moving Companies in Texas (2024)
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Moving to, from, or elsewhere in Texas can come with many challenges, including travel issues. It consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in terms of fatal crashes. You can avoid the state’s dangerous roads and traffic by choosing a pro to handle every aspect of your move.
We recommend International Van Lines as the best mover in Texas because it offers every moving service imaginable, plus customizable insurance coverage. Our second choice is American Van Lines due to its moving crews, which are ideal for moving challenging items such as antiques. These recommendations are based on our more than 4,800 hours of research on the best moving companies nationwide. We also spoke with industry experts and surveyed 1,000 moving customers to find the best for each state. See which Texas moving companies rounded out our top five list below.
Best Texas Moving Companies of 2024
Our detailed and rigorous rating methodology has led us to name the following moving services as the best movers in Texas:
Moving Long-Distance To or From Texas
Planning a long-distance move to or from Texas involves several crucial considerations to ensure a seamless transition. Acquaint yourself with the state’s diverse geography and climate, from coastal plains to desert regions, each with unique challenges and amenities. Research the area’s cost of living, accounting for factors such as taxes and housing expenses, and embrace Texas’s distinctive culture and customs to foster a sense of belonging.
Meticulous planning is key when moving to or from Texas. This includes considering transportation options, devising packing strategies, and ensuring compliance with permits and regulations. However, establishing a support network in your new community is one of the most important aspects of a successful move. You can do this through local organizations and social media groups, significantly easing the adjustment process.
When selecting a professional moving company, reliability should be your top priority. Research reputable firms with positive reviews and proper credentials. Request detailed estimates and coordinate logistics well in advance to ensure clear communication and comprehensive information exchange. By prioritizing the safety of your belongings, discussing packing protocols, and verifying insurance coverage, you can ensure a smooth and worry-free relocation process.
Familiarize yourself with the terms of the moving contract to fully understand your rights and responsibilities. By adhering to these guidelines and selecting a reputable moving company, you can confidently and confidently navigate your long-distance relocation to or from Texas.
Moving Locally Within Texas
You must consider several key details to ensure a smooth transition when moving locally within Texas with a professional moving company. Research reputable movers in your area and ensure they hold proper licensing and insurance. To ensure that the moving company is properly licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and carries adequate insurance coverage, look for a licensed mover such as All My Sons Moving, which is legally authorized to operate and protect your belongings during the move.
Request detailed estimates from multiple companies, specifying the scope of services, such as packing, loading, and unloading, and any potential additional fees. Reputable movers should provide transparent, upfront pricing and written binding estimates. This ensures you know the exact cost before the move, avoiding surprise fees.
Coordinate logistics with your chosen moving company, providing specific information about your current and new locations, including narrow streets or parking restrictions. Professional movers offer services beyond loading and unloading, such as packing, unpacking, appliance disconnection/reconnection, and specialty item handling. Discuss packing procedures and materials with the movers to ensure the safety of your belongings during transportation. Verify that the company employs trained professionals and uses appropriate equipment, such as furniture pads and dollies.
What Should I Know About Texas Movers?
You should understand Texas movers’ typical pricing, insurance options, and moving services.
Long-distance or interstate move costs depend on distance, total item weight, and time of year. Our research showed that moving to Texas can be more affordable than moving to other states due to its low cost of living and that many movers establish local branches in the state. We found that Texas moves average $7,139 based on the quotes we gathered for this guide. This price includes movers, packing supplies, storage fees, and other assorted costs. Those moving from overseas or transporting large amounts of possessions should expect a higher moving cost.
Moving insurance provides financial protection for your belongings in case they’re lost, damaged, or stolen during the moving process.
Full-value protection covers the total replacement value of your items with no deductible. This means that if the movers damage or lose any of your covered belongings, the insurance company will reimburse you for the full cost of replacing them. Depending on the provider, limitations may apply and/or you may need to pay a deductible. Our February 2024 survey of 1,000 moving customers showed that 72% of consumers purchased full-value coverage, finding the extra charge worth the protection.
Released value protection, on the other hand, typically only covers up to $0.60 for every $1 of lost, stolen, or damaged goods. We recommend that your moving insurance coverage is at least equal to the estimated value of your household goods.
Texas has an abundant supply of moving companies offering comprehensive relocation services. Nationwide franchised movers such as International Van Lines and JK Moving Services have licensed Texas locations equipped for long-distance moves within the continental United States and even international relocations. They have certified vehicles, equipment, and trained staff and specialize in end-to-end moving logistics. This includes packing, transportation, storage, unloading, and more.
You can move to Texas on a budget using a self-service mover such as U-Pack. There are also many reputable local and regional moving companies located within Texas. For example, Budget has an extensive rental fleet with locations across Texas for do-it-yourself (DIY) moves using moving truck rental services.
Compare Moving Companies in Texas
International Van Lines and American Van Lines are on our list because of their comprehensive service options and quality insurance coverage with full-value protection plans. See how our five favorite Texas movers compare below.
FMCSA Licensing
Average Price*
Deposit Required
Pros
- Flexible insurance plans
- Free month of storage
- Upfront pricing
- Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
- Provides fixed-rate quotes
- Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
- Flat-rate pricing
- Free month of storage for all customers
- Light packing is available for long-distance moves
- Offers a quick quote process for last-minute moves
- Prescreens all third-party movers in its network
- Provides full-service packing and crating for all moving customers
- Background-checked movers
- Financing available
- Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
Cons
- Below-average customer reviews
- Outsources some moves
- Requires up to a 25% deposit
- Charges higher average prices
- Has limited customer service on weekends
- Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
- Can’t promise extra services, such as fragile packing and crating
- No upfront pricing
- Reputation for difficult communication during the first phase of a move
- No customer service on the weekends
- No refund on your deposit if it's more than 72 hours after booking
- Not responsible for damage due to broker status
- Higher-than-average pricing
- Long quote process
- No refund on your deposit
Summary
We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.
We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.
We recommend Safeway Moving Inc. for condo or HOA residents. The company has a special focus and training on the regulations and problems that may arise with these moves.
We recommend Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as a reputable broker if you need to move quickly. The company’s customer service is prompt, and its broker network helps you find a vetted mover fast.
We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.
Rating Categories
Customer Service
Reputation
Value
Service Offerings
Item Protection
Scheduling
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Sample Quote in TX | Deposit Required | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $5,250–$7,688 | 25% | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $6,191 | Up to 50% up-front | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| B- | $7,998 | Up to 40% | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| B | $6,824 | Up to 33% | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $7,995 | $250 up-front | GET ESTIMATE |
Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2024.
Note: Sample quotes are for a 3-bedroom move from Denver to Dallas unless otherwise noted.
Top Companies for Texas Moves
International Van Lines
Best Service Offerings
American Van Lines
Best Overall Moving Labor
Safeway Moving Inc.
Most Reliable Pricing
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Most Efficient
JK Moving Services
Best Specialized Packing
What Local Texas Moving Companies Should I Consider?
We’ve mainly considered national, interstate movers for our guide. Some of our picks offer local moving services in Texas, but there are also several reputable local movers to consider.
- All My Sons Moving: All My Sons Moving has over 20 years of experience in the moving industry and offers a wide range of services. The company specializes in residential and commercial moving, packing and unpacking, and storage solutions. Its team of professionally trained and background-checked movers ensures a smooth and stress-free relocation experience for its clients.
- Mighty E’s Moving: Mighty E’s Moving is an Austin-based company that has established a solid reputation for its reliable services and competitive pricing. It specializes in local and long-distance moves and offers labor-only services for those who prefer to handle the packing themselves.
- Firehouse Movers: Firehouse Movers is a highly regarded local moving company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It has gained a loyal customer base over the past 20+ years thanks to its efficient and professional services, and it offers various moving packages, including full-service moves, apartment moves, and even piano moving services.
- Unicorn Moving: Unicorn Moving is an Austin-based mover that prioritizes sustainability. It uses eco-friendly packing materials and implements green practices throughout its operations. Its experienced movers are trained to handle your belongings with care and efficiency.
National van lines are great for long-distance moves, while local Texas movers are better for those moving within the state. Local movers have a better understanding of the area and can offer a more personalized experience. They’re also often more competitively priced for short moves.
What Determines a Texas Move’s Cost?
The cost of a Texas move depends on the distance, weight of your items, and time of year. Our 2024 survey showed that affordability is the largest driving factor for customers hiring one moving company over another. We’ve also outlined two basic pricing structures for interstate moves below and provide guidance on how to save money in certain areas.
Single-Day Moves
For a single-day, local move within Texas, most moving companies will charge an hourly rate that covers the cost of the moving truck and labor. This hourly rate typically ranges from $100–$200 per hour, depending on the company and the number of movers required. Additional fees may apply for travel time to and from the moving company’s location and any packing materials or supplies needed. Some companies offer flat-rate pricing for local moves based on factors such as home size, distance traveled, and number of belongings. Regardless of the pricing structure, expect the total cost to be influenced by the number of movers needed, the overall weight and volume of items being moved, and any challenging circumstances, such as stairs or long carrying distances.
Multiday Moves
Several key factors determine the cost of a long-distance, multiday move to, from, or within Texas:
- Booking time frame: Book your move at least 4–6 weeks in advance to avoid potential surcharges that some movers apply for last-minute bookings within a week of the move date.
- Company size: Quotes can vary greatly between national van lines, local movers, and truck rental options. Larger, well-known brands typically charge more, but they often provide better service reliability, claims handling, and overall peace of mind.
- Distance and weight: These are the primary determinants of the “line-haul fees,” which constitute most expenses. Reputable movers should have well-defined processes for weighing their trucks and stable per-mile rates to calculate these fees accurately.
- Extra services: Extra services such as packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and more can significantly increase the overall cost. Companies may charge flat fees or incorporate costs into the line-haul fees.
- Insurance: Replacement value protection plans and other moving insurance options safeguard your belongings but contribute to the overall cost, with higher-value plans being more expensive. Going without coverage saves money but carries financial risks. Our 2024 survey found that roughly 58% of consumers who purchased full-value coverage reported it costing less than $500.
- Time of year: If possible, avoid moving between May and September, the industry’s busiest months, when rates are generally higher due to increased demand. The last and first days of the month are typically the busiest days to move.
We requested sample quotes for all providers in this review for Texas moves, and the average price for a three-bedroom home came out to $7,139. See what each provider costs in more detail below.
| Moving Company | Sample Quote | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | $5,250–$7,688 | 25% |
| American Van Lines | $6,191 | Up to 50% up-front |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | $7,998 | Up to 40% |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | $6,824 | Up to 33% |
| JK Moving Services | $7,995 | $250 up-front |
How Do I Plan and Prepare for a Texas Move?
Planning and preparing for a move in Texas requires careful organization and attention to detail. Here are some steps to help ensure a smooth moving experience:
- Create a time line: Start planning at least eight weeks before your move. Follow a time line that includes researching moving companies, purging unnecessary items, collecting moving supplies, and coordinating utility transfers.
- Downsize: Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This will reduce your moving costs and make the packing process easier.
- Gather supplies: Stock up on moving boxes, packing materials (bubble wrap, packing paper), labels, markers, and tape. Many moving companies will also provide these for a fee.
- Gather quotes and research companies: Contact three reputable moving companies and request in-home estimates. This will give you an accurate idea of costs and allow you to compare services and prices. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a valuable government resource for checking a company’s insurance information and identifying any active red flags, such as revoked licensing.
- Transfer utilities: Arrange to have your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, etc.) disconnected at your current home and reconnected at your new home, with some overlap to avoid service interruptions.
- Change your address: Notify important parties (employer, banks, subscriptions, etc.) of your new address and file a change with the United States Postal Service (USPS).
- Pack strategically: Label all boxes by room and content, and keep essentials separate for easy access during the first few days in your new home.
- Protect valuables: Keep jewelry, important documents, and other valuables with you during the move.
- Plan for your pets: Make arrangements for the safe transport of your pets, and inquire about pet policies with your moving company.
What Time Line Should You Follow To Prepare for Your Move?
How Do I Choose the Best Moving Company in Texas?
You must do thorough research to find the right moving company in Texas. The ideal mover should have extensive experience moving household goods across state borders, provide services that suit your schedule and financial limitations, and employ skilled professionals to handle your belongings with the utmost care.
We recommend following these steps to find the best moving company in Texas:
- Read reviews: Read our in-depth review of the top five Texas moving companies and sift through customer testimonials on the BBB, Yelp, and Google Reviews. Look for patterns in positive or negative feedback to gauge the company’s quality of service. This should help you narrow down your top three.
- Check credentials: Verify your top picks have valid licenses and insurance. They should have a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) license and show proof of liability and cargo insurance in Texas.
- Verify insurance coverage: Ensure each company offers adequate insurance coverage options to protect your belongings during the move.
- Inquire about experience: Consider your top picks’ experience handling moves similar to yours, whether long-distance, local, or specialized moves involving pianos or antiques.
- Compare estimates: Get at least three in-home estimates. This will give you a better understanding of the average cost and allow you to compare services and pricing.
- Assess professionalism: Observe the company’s professionalism, punctuality, and communication skills during the quote process, as these can indicate the level of service you can expect.
Our video below explains how to vet and book a quality moving company:
What Are My Moving Options in Texas?
Moving companies offer various service models to accommodate different requirements and budgets. Understanding the differences between your options can help you choose the most suitable solution for your move.
Container shipping
This service involves loading your belongings into a secure container that a company transports to your new home. Container shipping works well for partial- or long-distance moves, as containers can be loaded and unloaded in stages. You’re responsible for packing, but the service offers flexible pickup and delivery schedules.
DIY moves
Truck rental services such as U-Haul allow you to pack, load, and transport your belongings yourself. These are more affordable (typically $1,000–$2,000), but DIY moves involve significant physical effort, packing supplies costs, and higher risks of damage without professional handling.
Freight transport
Specialized freight providers are ideal for moving oversized, heavy, or unique items such as vehicles, large furniture, or machinery. They have the necessary equipment, such as flatbeds, car haulers, or box trucks, to safely transport these items over long distances.
Full-service moves
This comprehensive service includes professional movers handling every aspect of your move. They provide packing materials, carefully pack all household items, load all trucks, transport your belongings, unload your items, and even reassemble furniture at the new location. Full-service moves offer convenience and minimize physical effort but come at a premium cost compared to other types of moves.
What Is The Best Mover in Texas?
International Van Lines is our top pick for the Lone Star State because it offers comprehensive moving services, including long-distance and local moving services. We also like that the company includes the option for an adjustable, custom insurance plan to protect your valuables.
Each provider fulfills different moving needs, so it’s important to take some time to figure out what you value most from a moving company and what your biggest concern is with your Texas move. We recommend obtaining multiple quotes to narrow your focus and accurately compare each provider.
FAQ About Texas Moving Companies
How can I move to Texas without hiring a moving team?
You can move to Texas without hiring a moving team by choosing a self-service move. A self-service move is an excellent middle ground between a full-service move and a moving truck rental. You can also move your belongings via air cargo, bus, your own car, or a moving truck rental company.
What are the cheapest days to hire movers in Texas?
Try to schedule your local Texas move on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to get the cheapest rate possible.
Should you tip movers?
Yes, if you think your movers did a great job, you should tip them. We suggest tipping movers between 20% and 30% of the total moving cost. You could also tip around $20–$30 per person for a local move and $50 per person for long-distance moves.
Do movers charge sales tax in Texas?
Moving services, including the transportation of household goods, are usually not subject to sales tax except when they’re part of a bill that includes taxable goods or services. For instance, if the cost of shipping is included in the sale of taxable tangible personal property, sales tax may apply.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
