Moving companies in Texas.

Local moves (generally under 50–100 miles) in Texas are typically priced by the hour. In major metros like Houston, DFW, and Austin, expect roughly $100–$160 per hour for a two-person crew with a truck. A one-bedroom apartment might take 3–5 hours, while a three-bedroom home could run 6–10 hours or more. Rates tend to be slightly lower in smaller cities like San Antonio, Lubbock, or El Paso.

A TxDMV-registered household goods mover has met Texas's insurance and registration requirements for intrastate moves and can be looked up by name or registration number on the TxDMV website. Rogue or unlicensed movers often advertise very low prices, demand large cash deposits, and may hold your belongings hostage for inflated charges. Always verify registration before booking, especially for moves entirely within Texas.

May through August is peak moving season in Texas, driven by school year transitions, lease expirations, and corporate relocations. Summer heat makes moves more difficult and physically taxing, and the best movers book out weeks in advance. If your schedule allows, moving October through March offers cooler temperatures, better mover availability, and potentially lower rates — though even winter in South Texas can be mild enough that demand stays moderate year-round.

Generally yes. The California-to-Texas corridor is extremely high volume, meaning more trucks make that run and backhaul opportunities are plentiful. Texas-to-California moves can cost more on a per-mile basis depending on the time of year and carrier availability. That said, costs vary significantly by weight, access, and timing. Get quotes from multiple movers and ask whether the carrier uses its own trucks or brokers the move to a third party.

No special license beyond TxDMV registration is required for an intrastate mover handling a Dallas-to-Houston move, but make sure the company is actually registered with TxDMV for household goods moves. The ~240-mile drive on I-45 is straightforward, and most full-service movers in either metro handle this corridor regularly. However, because it's an intrastate move, FMCSA interstate rules do not apply — Texas rules govern the contract.

Austin has seen enormous population growth and housing cost increases over the past decade. The city's geography — divided by MoPac, I-35, and Highway 183 — creates significant traffic congestion that affects move timing. Many apartment complexes require elevator reservations and have specific move-in windows. Confirm these logistics with your new building well in advance. Rents have softened from 2022 peaks but remain above the Texas average; budget accordingly if moving from a lower-cost Texas market.

Texas has no state income tax, but property tax rates are among the highest in the country, typically ranging from 1.6% to 2.5% of assessed value annually depending on the county and city. For a $400,000 home, that could mean $7,000–$10,000 per year in property taxes. Factor this into your housing budget when evaluating the overall cost of relocating to Texas, particularly if you're coming from a high-income-tax, lower-property-tax state.

Moving brokers arrange moves but do not own trucks or employ movers — they sell your job to a third-party carrier. Brokers must be registered with FMCSA for interstate moves but are not always transparent about which carrier will actually handle your belongings. In Texas, brokers facilitating intrastate moves should still comply with TxDMV rules. Ask any company you contact whether they are a carrier or a broker, get the actual carrier's information in writing before moving day, and verify that carrier's credentials independently.

Houston's flat geography and extensive suburban sprawl mean moves often cover significant ground even within the metro. Flooding is a real concern — ask your new landlord or real estate agent about the property's flood zone status and flood history before committing. During hurricane season (June through November), last-minute evacuations can create mover unavailability. Humidity is extreme year-round, which can affect packing materials, wood furniture, and electronics if left in a non-climate-controlled truck or storage unit for extended periods.

For an intrastate move, complaints against TxDMV-registered movers can be filed with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. TxDMV has a complaint process on its website and can investigate registered carriers. For interstate moves, complaints can be filed with the FMCSA at protectyourmove.gov. In either case, document everything — keep copies of your Bill of Lading, estimate, inventory list, and any written communication. Photograph belongings before and after the move to support any damage claims.