If you’re moving to, from, or within the Lone Star State, you’ll likely be in the market for a professional mover to help you through the process. We know that relocating can be daunting, whether moving to a studio apartment or a five-bedroom house.
We’re confident that our research will ultimately make for a stress-free moving experience. In this article, you’ll learn more about the best moving companies in Texas and how to budget and plan for your move.
8 Best Moving Companies in Texas
Our top recommended Texas moving companies for 2023:
Compare the Best Texas Moving Companies
Here, we’ve provided a quick breakdown of the top moving companies in the state. We’ve included basic pricing information, BBB rating, and links to get free quotes from each. Read our provider summaries below to learn more about the movers listed here.
Company | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-distance Cost |
 | 4.5 | B | $650–$1350 | $2,100–$5,400 |
 | 3.6 | B- | $550–$1,100 | $2,550–$5,700 |
 | 3.7 | Not Rated | Not available for local moves | $2,200–$5,500 |
 | 4.3 | B | Call for a quote | $2,750–$5,200 |
 | 4.0 | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,750–$6,000 |
 | 4.7 | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
 | 3.6 | A+ | Not available for local moves | $1,350–$2,400 |
 | 4.4 | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
International Van Lines is one of the preeminent movers in the business. IVL has been handling domestic relocation services since 2004 and carries out more than 20,000 moves yearly. It serves primarily as a broker but maintains high standards for its partner companies, leading to excellent reviews and satisfied customers.
International Van Lines’ true calling card is its customer service. Clients routinely give IVL high marks for its communication and availability of assistance at all steps throughout the move process. When you book with this mover, you’ll always be in touch with your moving crew and belongings, from pickup to delivery.
International works primarily through a highly-regarded network of partner companies to provide local, long-distance, and international moving with packing and unpacking and short- and long-term storage services.
As for more unique services, IVL offers custom crating for fragile items, debris removal, auto transport, piano moving, air and ocean freight, and more.
International Van Lines’ rates are competitive when compared to other full-service movers. Here, we’ve included some average rates for recent IVL moves.
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $1,400 – $4,400 | $1,900 – $4,900 | $2,100 – $5,100 | $2,400 – $5,400 |
| 4 BR | $3,200 – $6,200 | $5,100 – $8,100 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $6,200 – $9,200 |
Allied Van Lines
4.7
Our Rating
Allied Van Lines is another of the largest moving carriers and brokers in the U.S. It has provided leading service for nearly 90 years and maintains a 96% customer satisfaction rating. The positive client experience is one of Allied’s strengths and shows through the efficiency and accuracy of estimates reported in reviews. Whether you’re looking for extra moving help on a more DIY move or want the full-service moving experience, Allied and its extensive service offerings can help you.
Allied’s large moving vans mean it can handle an array of vehicle shipping options independently, without third-party help. As a customer, this will provide you with added peace of mind and fewer points of contact during your actual move. Allied can provide direct assistance whether you’re shipping a standard to a compact car, a large truck, or even a boat.
Allied’s service offerings include, but are not limited to the following: local and long-distance moving; packing (full-service or partial) and unpacking; furniture assembly and disassembly, boat and specialty vehicle shipping; GPS shipment tracking; storage options; and more.
Allied Van Lines wins points with many of its customers for its transparent pricing practices. Your rates will be easy to understand, from a $500 to $600 price tag for local relocations to long-range relocations totaling over $10,000. Here are some price ranges from recent Allied moves:
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $1,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,400 – $7,400 |
| 4 BR | $3,300 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $10,500 | $10,900 – $13,900 |
American Van Lines
3.6
Our Rating
American Van Lines is one of the most prominent pure carriers in the U.S. With more than 25 years of experience in the business, it can directly provide high-level service to clients across the country. The primary reasons for this mover’s success are American’s frequent shuttle service between major cities and the well-trained moving crews it offers.
American Van Lines offers easily understood flat rate pricing for all its moves. You’ll never have to pay a price beyond that unless your service requirements or inventory are altered before your move date when you’re quoted a rate from this provider.
American provides moving crews that average a decade of experience in the industry. This experience strengthens an already robust service profile, which includes full-service and partial packing, car shipping, storage, furniture assemble and disassemble, antique moving, and more for local, long-distance, and international moves.
American Van Lines’ flat rates can be nominally higher than many of its competitors’ price points. However, this difference is pretty slight and part of the guaranteed pricing tradeoff. Here are some average ranges for service with American:
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $1,700 – $4,700 | $2,300 – $5,300 | $2,600 – $5,600 | $4,200 – $7,200 |
| 4 BR | $4,800 – $7,800 | $5,600 – $8,600 | $7,400 – $10,400 | $10,800 – $13,800 |
Safeway Moving
3.7
Our Rating
If you’re looking into a full-service move in the Lone Star State, Safeway Moving Systems may be able to help you book with a reputable carrier. This Chicago-based broker partners with movers across the country and will be able to assist you with your Texas move, no matter where you’re headed. Whether you’re moving from one side of the state to another or all the way to either coast, this long-distance moving specialist can help.
Safeway Moving Systems’ most notable feature is its adherence to flat-rate pricing for all moves. The billing process is one of the most prevalent areas of concern for customers when booking a move of any size. Most moving horror stories begin and end with hidden fees for services that were thought to be included in the base price and exorbitant markups. When you book with Safeway, you’ll be quoted a competitive flat rate, which will not fluctuate unless you add to your move’s scope.
Safeway’s partners can offer long-distance relocations, packing and unpacking, short and long-term storage, piano and car shipping, commercial relocations, and more. Safeway also allows for the purchase of packing materials. Moves can be fully covered with full valuation coverage and liability insurance if needed.
We surveyed numerous moves of varying sizes by Safeway and were able to get the following average ranges:
| 250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $2,000 – $5,000 | $2,100 – $5,100 | $2,200 – $5,200 | $2,700 – $5,700 |
| 4 BR | $3,200 – $6,200 | $4,700 – $6,700 | $5,500 – $7,500 | $7,800 – $10,800 |
Moving APT
4.3
Our Rating
Moving APT was founded in 1999 as a relatively small two-truck operation and is now one of the largest moving brokers in the country. The company partners with hundreds of moving companies across the U.S. and are equipped to provide everything from basic to white glove moving services. Its stated goal is to transform the interstate moving experience, and with the number of fully licensed and insured partners it works through, Moving APT has made steps toward that end.
Moving APT’s network of 500-plus moving partners across the country provides customers with a nearly unmatched diversity of service. Moving APT will have a partner equipped to assist you no matter the service requirements presented by your particular move. That aside, this broker consistently checks the validity of its partners’ registration and insurance status, which speaks to the quality of these independent operators. Its website is easily navigable and allows you to sort movers by location and move type, thus easing the selection process.
Moving APT’s service portfolio is among the most diverse in the industry and includes storage (one free month included with all moves), piano and car shipping, included packing supplies, appliance connection services, and more. Moving APT does all sorts of moves: local, interstate, residential, corporate, and commercial.
Moving APT can provide quotes that are, by definition, guaranteed rates. However, you should note that some negative reviews report price inflation by local agents. On its website, Moving APT lists the average cost of a 1,200-mile move at $4,300. To get an exact quote for your particular moving needs, you should contact them for a quote today.
JK Moving Services
4.0
Our Rating
JK Moving Services is a moving carrier and broker that has assisted on over half a million total moves in its 40 years in the industry. Though it only provides direct local service within a small area around Washington D.C., it can provide long-distance relocation assistance to clients in all the lower 48 states, including Texas.
JK’s service profile is among the most flexible in the business. This allows clients of varying needs to fully shape their own moving experience and move package, as services are offered on an a la carte basis. JK’s customer service is also of note, as it provides 24/7 support for all clients and GPS tracking for all shipments and moves.
This nationwide broker and carrier provide full-service moving solutions and local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. JK Moving offers packing (full-service or fragile-only), climate-controlled storage options, furniture wrapping, and GPS shipment tracking. There is also financial assistance available for those who need it.
JK Moving Services provides fairly little on its website regarding sample pricing. An expected range for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move is between $2,500 and $5,500. Beyond this, you should schedule a personalized estimate with JK to get your optimized price today. JK’s proprietary AI-assisted virtual quote tool allows for accurate cost assessments in any location, which can help you to expedite the process.
U-Pack
3.6
Our Rating
U-Pack is our choice for the best container service provider in Texas. Through 240 locations across all 50 states, it provides long-distance help for moves of all sizes.
Customers who would prefer to save a little money on their move while avoiding liability for their goods while in transit should consider this option. With U-Pack, you’ll be afforded three-day windows for loading and unloading and the benefit of not having to worry about driving a rental truck to your new home.
U-Pack’s “pay for what you use” pricing model is of particular note for more budget-conscious customers. While most container providers will charge flat rates for their moving vessels, U-Pack’s pricing is fairly adjustable, at least for its trailer option. If you elect to downsize before moving day, you could stand to pay even less.
U-Pack provides clients with two sizing options for moves. Its ReloCube can fit most studio apartments, while the trailer is suitable for most three-bedroom homes. You can choose from an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer, short-term and long-term storage solutions at U-Pack centers, and even hire moving help if needed.
U-Pack’s rates are among the lowest in the industry, even among competitors in the container and DIY space. Here are some sample rates for you to consider:
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $600 – $1,600 | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,600 – $2,600 | $2,100 – $3,100 |
| 4 BR | $800 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $2,800 | $2,800 – $3,800 | $4,100 – $5,100 |
North American Van Lines
4.4
Our Rating
North American Van Lines operates one of the largest moving networks in the U.S. today. With over 85 years of experience and 500 local agents throughout the country, it is primed to provide high-level assistance to clients in all locations. Whether you’re looking for help with packing ahead of a DIY move or want to book a full-service moving package, NAVL is an ideal choice.
North American Van Lines offers its clients a variable pricing structure. This structure is far from typical in the moving industry and is where this mover truly stands out. Aside from standard pricing, NAVL provides both fixed-rate and “not to exceed” options. If you get a quote from this provider and your service requirements and inventory remain the same on moving day, these two options will help you stay under budget.
North American and its network of 500 local agents provide clients with an array of services for local, long-distance, and international moving. Some of those services are full-service or partial packing, furniture assembly, debris removal, 24/7 shipment tracking, appliance installation, and more. NAVL also offers excellent insurance options for moving coverage.
Again, North American’s rates and pricing structure are huge in its appeal to customers everywhere. The following average ranges reflect what you can expect to pay for typical moves with this provider:
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $1,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,400 – $7,400 |
| 4 BR | $3,300 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $10,500 | $10,900 – $13,900 |
How to Choose a Moving Company in Texas
Vetting moving companies can feel like a challenge, but it is an essential step if you want a seamless moving process. We’ve listed several key factors you should consider when evaluating different providers after getting moving estimates. Remember, you should feel free to request proof of any and all required registrations and insurance policies before booking.
Fully Registered
All local moving companies must comply with their home state’s registration requirements, while all providers conducting interstate moves must be federally registered. In Texas, this includes:
- FMCSA Registration: This federal body is responsible for maintaining safety standards and regulating all interstate moving companies. All such movers must also carry active US DOT and MC numbers. You can confirm a given mover’s registration status and look up the complaint history through this link.
- TxDMV Number: All Texas movers must carry a TxDMV number (10 digits), which will be displayed on all vehicles and written moving estimates.
Insured
Whether you’re dealing with local movers or cross-country relocation specialists, all moving companies you come in contact with must carry multiple insurance forms. These include:
- Workers’ compensation: This protects your interests in the unfortunate occurrence of a work-related injury during a move. Without this coverage, you could be held liable for damages.
- Released liability: If your goods are lost or damaged during a move, a small amount of reimbursement is provided. The rate of $0.60 per pound per item is the industry standard and is included in the base cost of your move. You can elect to supplement this with valuation coverage from most movers if you so choose.
Well-Reviewed
Customer reviews are a vital resource when vetting any moving company. These will give you a far more accurate picture of a given mover’s practices, aside from stated policies. Such feedback from the following sources will help to narrow down your options:
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau
- Social media
Full-Service Moving
Full-service movers will be the most expensive option for any relocation and will often be able to provide the most high-quality, hassle-free experience for any moving client. In a best-case scenario, this will involve a fully qualified moving team handling all basic and add-on services for you. You’ll have a fairly hands-off experience and will have time and energy to dedicate to other areas of your relocation, including seeing to utility services, arranging for childcare on your move date, and other such tasks.
Self-Service
A DIY move through a moving container or truck rental company will lead to far cheaper costs on your end. You’ll be responsible for your labor during loading and unloading. Most such providers allow for a certain degree of flexibility around this and often provide access to their own private storage facilities.
Moving To Texas (Costs And Living Tips)
Texas has become one of the most moved-to states in recent years. This is mainly due to a far lower cost of living and the lack of a state income tax. Although higher property taxes largely balance out the latter of these, residents still view this as an enticing feature of life in the Lone Star State. Here, we’ve included a brief breakdown of the advantages of life in Texas to better prepare you for your upcoming move.
Texas Moving Costs
The cost of your next move will largely hinge on a few key elements. First and foremost, moving distance will be the single largest determining factor. Local moves (typically under 100 miles) will be billed at hourly rates. Long-distance and interstate moves will be billed based on shipping weight or volume and move distance. We’ve included some average price ranges for moves of varying sizes. Viewing these figures should aid you when budgeting for your next move.
| Long-Distance | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
| Local | $1,200 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,750 |
| 250 mi | $2,750 | $3,800 | $5,100 | $6,000 |
| 500 mi | $3,100 | $4,100 | $6,000 | $6,700 |
| 1000 mi | $3,500 | $4,500 | $6,400 | $8,400 |
| 2000 mi | $4,300 | $4,900 | $6,800 | $9,000 |
| 2500 mi | $4,800 | $5,100 | $7,100 | $10,000 |
| 3000 mi | $5,100 | $6,000 | $8,750 | $11,250 |
Best Cities in the Lone Star State
Texas’ combination of wide-open space, sprawling metroplexes and urban amenities, and the low cost of living have made it a favorite destination in the last couple of decades. The following towns and cities can provide you with some of the best that Texas living has to offer:
- Fort Worth: Fort Worth nominally serves as half of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and is therefore situated at the heart of one of Texas’s largest urban centers. It’s known as the far more affordable of the two and affords residents a much more spread-out feel. The area has grown by nearly 19% in the last decade, making it one of the state’s fastest-growing cities, behind Houston and Frisco. Residents here enjoy low costs of living, an excellent housing market, and a thriving job market due to its proximity to Dallas.
- Austin: You’ve likely heard the phrase “keep Austin weird” at some point. While a group of local business owners originally drummed up this catchphrase to drive revenue, the state capital has come to thoroughly embody this motto. This growing center for the arts and culture is increasingly popular with younger demographics but still maintains an incredibly diverse makeup. However, living here will cost a fair amount above the state average, with median home costs coming in at a shade under $500,000.
- San Antonio: Texas as a whole is steeped in its history. Nowhere is this more readily apparent than in San Antonio; the Alamo stands as a constant reminder of the state’s origins. Beyond that, the city has one of Texas’s best dining and bar scenes, and some of the country’s best barbecue can be found here. Despite its popularity, San Antonio has largely maintained a smaller city feel. Its growth outward rather than upward has helped in this regard. Homes here go for an average of $287,310, which is just below the state average.
Living in Texas
Texas’ status as one of the most desirable destinations for new residents is well-earned. When you settle down here, this is what you can expect:
- Cost of living: Across the board, Texas’ cost of living is 6.1% lower than the national average. The price of groceries, utilities, and healthcare all hover around this marker. Transportation costs — both public and private — are around 3% above the national average.
- Housing prices: The lower housing costs make the lion’s share of the difference in overall living costs. The median home cost across the state is $289,252, nearly 15% below the national average. Meanwhile, two-bedroom rent sits at a median of $1,146 per month – around $100 below the national average for similarly-sized apartments.
- Weather & Climate: Texas is well-known for its hot and dry climate. If you aren’t a fan of snow or winter, this should rank highly on your list of potential destinations. Average high temperatures for January are 60 degrees Fahrenheit, while July highs reach 95 degrees. Overall average temperatures are relatively high, but winters in most parts of the state are fairly mild.
Final Thoughts
Your move to a new home will be vastly improved by getting an early start on the quote process. This should ideally begin eight weeks prior to moving day when you take a full inventory of your home. While doing this, you should research movers in your area and begin scheduling quotes with all who fit your job parameters. You should have a fairly easy move if you book a month ahead of moving day.
When it comes to choosing a moving company in Texas, our experts recommend going with International Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, or American Van Lines. Each of these companies offers various services in all moving situations—from local to international moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do movers cost per hour in Texas?
Moving labor help in Texas averages between $140 and $150 for two movers, for two hours of work. For labor-only services (with no moving truck and only basic equipment), this two-hour minimum is typical. The above rate works out to $35 to $37.50 per mover, per hour, which fits within the industry average rate of $25 to $50 per mover per hour.
When is the best time to schedule a move in Texas?
While the busiest time of year for movers across the country is between May and September, you may want to avoid a summer move in Texas. Overly hot or humid conditions will hinder your movers’ ability to work well and could present a safety hazard at worst. Weather data for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex show that average temperatures in October hover around 70 degrees, which makes early Autumn a great time to move.
How do I check if a moving company is licensed in Texas?
All Texas movers have to be registered with the TxDMV. You can look up this registration via the TxDMV’s Truck Stop service, which will require some identifying information for the mover in question. Their DBA, VIN, USDOT number, or TxDMV number will be needed in order to find a mover.
How can I file a complaint against a Texas moving company?
The TxDMV’s CES – or Complaint Entry System – is the place to go for any issues related to commercial carrier misconduct. If you feel that services have not been rendered in a satisfactory manner, or if you have an unfulfilled damage claim, this portal provides you with an efficient method of resolution.
Today's Homeowner’s Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.
- Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
- Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
- Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
- Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
- Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.
