Top 8 Best Moving Companies & Services in Texas (2022) | Expert Reviews and Cost Guide

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 a daunting proposition, 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 the state of Texas, and how to budget and plan for your move.

The 8 Best Moving Companies in TX

Our top recommended Texas moving companies for 2022:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Best Overall Moving Broker: Safeway Moving Systems
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

Compare the Best Moving Companies in Texas

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.

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

International Van Lines is one of the preeminent movers in the business. IVL has been handling domestic relocation services since 2004 and now carries out more than 20,000 moves per year. They serve primarily as brokers but maintain high standards for their partner companies, leading to excellent reviews and satisfied customers.

Why We Recommend IVL

International Van Lines’ true calling card is their 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.

Pros and Cons of International Van Lines

Pros:

• Available across the U.S. and in 180 other countries
• Its customer service features heavily in positive reviews
• One month of free storage included in moves

Cons:

• Limited locations in the U.S.
• Brokers out many of its American moves

Services Offered

International works primarily through a highly-regarded network of partner companies to provide the following services:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Packing services
• Unpacking
• Storage services (short-term and long-term)
• Custom crating for fragile items
• Debris removal
• Auto transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight
• And more

How Much Does International Van Lines Cost

International Van Lines’ rates are competitive when compared to other full-service movers. Here, we’ve included some average rates for recent IVL moves.

Get a quote from IVL here.

To learn more about IVL, read our full review.

Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

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 you want the full-service moving experience, Allied and its extensive service offerings can help you.

Why We Recommend Allied

Allied’s large moving vans means that it can handle an array of vehicle shipping options on its own, 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.

Pros and Cons of Allied Van Lines

Pros:

• Transparent pricing
• Doesn’t outsource vehicle shipping
• GPS tracking offered for all moves

Cons:

• Reviews report negative experiences during the claims process
• Elevated costs for longer moves

Services Offered

Allied’s service offerings include, but are not limited to the following:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Auto shipping
• Boat and specialty vehicle shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• Packing supplies
• And more

How Much Does Allied Cost

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:

Get a quote with Allied Van Lines here.

Read our Allied Van Lines review for more insight into this mover.

American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

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. American’s frequent shuttle service between major cities and the well-trained moving crews it offers are the primary reasons for this mover’s success.

Why We Recommend AVL

American Van Lines offers easily understood flat rate pricing for all moves it carries out. 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.

Pros and Cons of American Van Lines

Pros:

• Flat rate pricing
• Price matching available
• Frequent moving shuttles between major cities

Cons:

• Large deposits (up to 50%) often required at booking
• Reviews mention spotty customer service at times

Services Offered

American provides moving crews that average a decade of experience in the industry. This experience strengthens an already robust service profile, which includes the following:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Residential and commercial moving
• Full-service or partial packing
• Car shipping
• Storage
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Antique moving
• And more

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost

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:

Get a quote with American Van Lines here.

Read our American Van Lines review for more information about this flat rate mover.

Safeway Moving Systems: Best Overall Moving Broker

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.

Why We Recommend Safeway

Safeway Moving Systems’ most notable feature is its adherence to flat rate pricing for all moves. One of the most prevalent areas of concern for customers when booking a move of any size is the billing process. 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 yourself add to the scope of your move.

Pros & Cons of Safeway Moving Systems

Pros

• Flat rate pricing for all moves provided
• Partner carriers provide specialized and basic moving services
• 30 days of free storage (at destination) offered with each move
• Top-notch customer service

Cons

• Website doesn’t have much information about the company itself
• No local moving option available

Services Offered

Safeway’s partners are able to offer the following services:

• Long-distance relocations
• Packing
• Unpacking
• Packing materials (as a retailer)
• Short and long-term storage
• Piano moving
• Car shipping
• Commercial relocations
• Liability insurance
• Full valuation coverage
• And more

How Much Does Safeway Cost?

We surveyed numerous moves of varying sizes by Safeway and were able to get the following average ranges:

State Availability: 50  States

Learn More: Read our full review to learn more about Safeway Moving Systems’ reliable services.

Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

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. They partner 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 towards that end.

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT’s network of 500-plus moving partners across the country provides customers with a nearly unmatched diversity of service. No matter the service requirements presented by your particular move, Moving APT will have a partner equipped to assist you. 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.

Pros and Cons of Moving APT

Pros:

• Their website includes full profiles of many of their most-used partners
• Price matching and discounts offered
• The number of affiliates equals great diversity of service

Cons:

• Service quality varies depending on the local partner used for your move
• Some negative reviews and FMCSA complaints report price changing by local agents

Services Offered

Moving APT’s service portfolio is among the most diverse in the industry and includes the following:

• Local and interstate moving
• Residential and corporate relocation
• Commercial and residential moving
• Storage (one free month included with all moves)
• Piano moving
• Car shipping
• Packing services
• Packing supplies (included for some moves)
• Appliance connection services
• Some furniture disassembly and reassembly
• And more

How Much Does Moving APT Cost

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.

Get a Moving APT quote here.

Read our Moving APT review for more details about this moving broker.

JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience

JK Moving Services is a moving carrier and broker that has assisted on more than half a million total moves in its 40 years in the industry. Though they only provide 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.

Why We Recommend JK

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.

Pros and Cons of JK Moving Services

Pros:

• 24/7 customer support
• Financing options through Enhancify
• Excellent value protection and coverage options

Cons:

• Reviews vary across different regions
• Their limited range for local moves

Services Offered

This nationwide broker and carrier provides full-service moving solutions, which include the following:

• Local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
• Long-distance and international moving
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage options
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• And more

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost

JK Moving Services provides fairly little on their website in the way of 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.

Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.

Read our JK Moving Services review to learn more.

U-Pack: Best Overall Container Mover

U-Pack is our choice for the best container service provider. 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, along with the benefit of not having to worry about driving a rental truck to your new home.

Why We Recommend U-Pack

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 — at least for its trailer option — is fairly adjustable. If you elect to downsize prior to moving day, you could stand to pay even less.

Pros and Cons of U-Pack

Pros:

• 240 locations
• The pricing model keeps costs low
• Three-day windows for loading and unloading

Cons:

• Finding parking spaces for units and trailers can be difficult
• No local moving options (under 150 miles)

Services Offered

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.

• Choose from an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer
• Short-term and long-term storage solutions at U-Pack centers
• Moving help can be hired if needed

How Much Does U-Pack Cost

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:

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

If you’re looking to stage a container move, read our full U-Pack review to learn more.

North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

North American Van Lines operates one of the largest moving networks in the U.S. today. With more than 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.

Why We Recommend NAVL

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.

Pros and Cons of North American Van Lines

Pros:

• GPS tracking available for all moves
• A dedicated move coordinator is provided for all relocations
• Variable pricing structure helps clients on most budgets

Cons:

• Many reviews report complicated claims processes for damage
• Specialty services can be based on local agent ability

Services Offered

North American and its network of 500 local agents provide clients with the following:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

How Much Does NAVL Cost

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:

Get a quote for NAVL here.

For a more thorough picture of this mover, read our full North American Van Lines review.

How to Choose a Moving Company

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 have to 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 complaint history through this link.
• TxDMV Number: All Texas movers have to carry a TxDMV number (10 digits), which is to 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 have to carry multiple forms of insurance. 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 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:

• Google
• 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 own labor during the loading and unloading processes. 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

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.

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’ 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.

House Method’s Methodology

At House Method, 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.