As the second largest U.S. state, Texas covers a massive area that can be difficult to navigate and plan a move in. If you’re planning a move to or within the Lone Star State, you’ll need a professional mover with specific experience in Texas for your relocation.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
To make your move easy and hassle-free, I’ve created this guide on the top nine best moving companies in Texas based on precise criteria and countless hours of research. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about these nine moving companies, like what types of move each is best for and the prices you can expect to see for different types of Texas moves.
What Are the Best Moving Companies in Texas?
My top 9 recommended national moving companies for 2023:
Compare the Best Moving Companies in Texas
Company | Best For | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-distance Cost |
 | Best Full-Service | B | $650–$1350 | $2,100–$5,400 | |
 | Most Transparent Pricing | B- | $550–$1,100 | $2,550–$5,700 | |
 | Best Cost Estimation Tools | B | $700 - $1,250 | $1,800 - $4980 | |
 | Best Flat-Rate | Not Rated | Not available for local moves | $2,200–$5,500 | |
 | Most Moving | B | Call for a quote | $2,750–$5,200 | |
 | Most Customizable | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,750–$6,000 | |
 | Best Vehicle | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Pricing | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Technology | A+ | Call for quote | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Container Service | A+ | Not available for local moves | $1,350–$2,400 | |
 | Best Valuation Coverage Options | A+ | $1,200-$2,750 | $3,100-$8,400 |
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
International Van Lines (IVL) is my top pick for its unmatched moving and service offerings. It can cover almost anything you need, from insurance options to vehicle transportation and moving supplies.
Another benefit of moving with IVL is that it brokers out many of its services for local moves, so you’ll almost always be able to secure your move through IVL, even if you live in a small or remote area in Texas.
IVL has a customer-friendly free cancellation period of 48 hours, giving you more flexibility with your move. Its competitive prices, unique service offerings, and wide availability make this one of my top recommendations for anyone moving to or within Texas.
Depending on where you live in Texas, IVL offers in-house services or contracts with other local moving companies to cover your needs. IVL provides a significant number of moving options, including full-service moves:
- Loading and unloading services
- Packing and unpacking services
- Packing supplies
- Piano moving
- Insurance options
- Vehicle transportation
- Crating
- Short-term and long-term storage
- 30 days of free storage during a move
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Specialized packing services for delicate items
International Van Lines can handle any type of move within the Texas area, including small moves, moves from overseas, or long-distance moves:
- Local moving services
- Intrastate moving services
- Interstate moving services
- Overseas moving services
- Auto transportation services
- Cross-country moving services
- Commercial moving services
- Military moving services
While IVL does offer competitive rates, it’s lacking in discount offerings. Like many competitors, the company offers a 15% senior discount and military discounts on some services but doesn’t offer other unique discounts or price matching. Regardless, I recommend speaking with your IVL representative about your specific move to see if you qualify for any specials the company may be running at that time to secure the best deal.
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
American Van Lines (AVL) has been providing services to Dallas and other areas of Texas for over 20 years, giving its moving team plenty of experience navigating the area and arranging Texas moves.
American Van Lines is one of my top picks because of its many moving services, flexibility, and predictable flat-rate pricing. Many homeowners worry about being charged hidden fees or experiencing price hikes after signing with a mover. If you want peace of mind about this, American Van Lines is an excellent option because its flat-rate pricing structures ensure you won’t be surprised by fee hikes.
All American Van Lines movers go through background checks and drug screens before they can become AVL employees, so you can rest easy knowing that only the most trusted individuals are entering your home. Finally, I appreciate that this particular company has detailed invoices that break down each service and dollar amount so you’ll know exactly what you’re being charged for, eliminating any confusion later.
As a full-service moving company, American Van Lines offers a massive number of moving services and even specialty corporate moving options, which few of its competitors offer:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Storage options
- Certified apartment and household movers
- Crating for big items like pianos, bed frames, or flat-screen TVs
- Specialty packing services for antiques, musical instruments, and other delicate items
- Packing supplies
- Vehicle shipping
- Office moving services and corporate relocation
American Van Lines offers long-distance and local moving options in Texas, with enough options to cover most homeowners’ needs.
- Local moving
- Interstate moving
- Long-distance moving
- Military moving
American Van Lines advertises price matching, a significant benefit for anyone on moving on a budget. This means you can shop around for better deals from other companies and receive the same price at AVL. Since AVL’s prices are higher, shopping around and utilizing the company’s price matching is something we recommend. In addition, AVL may offer a senior discount, but I wasn’t able to confirm the requirements or percentage.
Safeway Moving
4.1
Our Rating
If you’re interested in a long-distance move to the Lone Star State, Safeway Moving is an excellent option, thanks to its high customer service ratings, flat-rate pricing, and availability in all 50 states.
Safeway Moving’s flat-rate pricing is a particularly strong feature because it’s easy to understand and helps you know what you’ll be charged while eliminating concerns about hidden fees.
If you’re moving to or from a neighborhood with a strict HOA or COA, Safeway Moving has ample experience navigating these regulations. The company offers additional resources and support for senior citizens relocating, further alleviating stress during your move.
Safeway Moving isn’t as comprehensive in its service offerings as companies like International Van Lines or American Van Lines, but its services are enough for most moves, which include:
- Packing supplies
- Loading and unloading services
- Packing and unpacking services
- Custom crating
- Storage services (30 days of free storage)
- Specialty items moving
- Junk removal
- Car shipping
- Commercial relocation
- Piano moving
- Full valuation coverage and liability insurance options
Safeway Moving offers local moves throughout some areas of the country but falls short in Texas:
- Local moves (very limited)
- Long-distance
- Interstate moving
- International moving
Within the moving industry, Safeway Moving shines for its massive number of discounts (especially compared to other providers), including student, veteran, senior, teacher, and first responder discounts.
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
Moving APT has more than 500 moving partners throughout the United States, giving customers access to many additional services. As a moving broker, Moving APT works on your behalf to secure the best deal possible with local Texas movers, significantly simplifying the research, negotiating, and price-matching process for you.
I love that this moving broker vets its partners by checking current registration and insurance status, reassuring you that you aren’t working with a shady company.
Moving APT has facilitated over half a million moves throughout the country, making it a well-equipped company for handling whatever move you require. In addition, its website breaks down its top providers by state, giving you each company’s pros and cons and Moving APT’s ranking for each local Texas provider.
Moving APT depends on its local moving partners for what services it can offer you for your move, but these are some of the most common services available:
- Packing services
- Piano moving
- Moving supplies
- Appliance connection services
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly (limited)
- Auto shipping
- Storage services
- Junk removal
- Custom crating
- Home staging
Due to its extensive network of over 500 partners, Moving APT can help you plan just about any move in Texas:
- Local moves
- International moving
- Long-distance moving
- Commercial moving
Some customers report receiving an early booking discount with Moving APT, so I recommend speaking with your representative about this option as early as possible to see if you qualify. Moving APT is unique because it works with a large network of moving partners to price-match and find you the absolute best deal available in the first place, saving you money and time you’d need to spend researching and price-matching companies yourself.
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
JK Moving Services provides moving services within all major Texas cities, including San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, as well as many smaller, remote Texas locations. Numerous positive JK Moving reviews from satisfied customers who have experienced their top-tier assistance firsthand attest to the quality of service.
If you’re interested in customizable moving processes and packages, JK Moving Services is one of my top choices because of its moving coordinators, who create customized services and packages that best suit your needs. Your personal moving coordinator handles your in-person consultation and home inventory to ensure your quote is accurate and all your questions are answered.
In addition, JK Moving Services is experienced with senior living transitions, offering dedicated senior move managers to work with you to create a comprehensive plan to make moving as hassle-free as possible. JK Moving Services is my top choice for a customizable moving experience packed with specialized services and moving options, such as government moves, multiple moving insurance choices, and freighting.
As a moving broker, JK Moving Services can secure nearly any moving service you require through its local Texas partners. These are some of its services:
- Packing and unpacking
- Auto relocation services
- Loading and unloading
- Crating
- Freighting
- Business storage services (short-term and long-term)
- Archive services
- Furniture wrapping
- GPS shipment tracking
- Financing assistance
- Transportation and delivery on moving trucks
- Climate-controlled storage options (short-term and long-term)
- Optional full-value protection
Unfortunately, JK Moving Services only offers local moves in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., leaving those needing a local move in Texas without any options from this company. These are the options JK does offer within the state:
- Long-distance moving
- Government moving services
- International moving
- Speciality Texas commercial moves (data centers, corporate relocation, laboratory moves, and more in major cities like Austin)
During my research, I was unable to source any special discounts. However, an interesting feature of JK Moving Services is its partnership with Enhancify, a home improvement loan company that offers JK’s customers financing options. Depending on your credit, you can even qualify for financing through Enhancify for rates as low as 0%.
Allied Van Lines
4.2
Our Rating
Allied Van Lines is my top pick if you need to ship your vehicle to Texas. Not only does Allied complete all vehicle shipping services in-house (which is virtually unheard of in the moving industry), but it offers a special auto guarantee that gives your vehicle additional protection if it gets damaged during transport.
The company’s auto guarantee is unique to Allied and unlike anything I’ve seen offered by other companies. You can rest easy knowing that Allied Van Lines has plenty of experience transporting vehicles across state lines should you need to make a long move to your new home. If your vehicle shipment runs late, you don’t need to worry about being without a car, as Allied will provide you with a rental car free of charge while you wait for your vehicle’s arrival.
Allied is best known for its outstanding in-house vehicle transportation services. However, it’s a full-service moving company providing many other services:
- Auto and boat transportation
- Packing and unpacking
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- DIY moving container service
- Loading and unloading
- Storage for in-transit items
- Specialty packing for delicate items
- Vehicle guarantees
- Extended insurance coverage
- Long-term storage arrangement
Allied Van Lines has multiple locations in Texas, including in major Texas cities like Houston, San Antonio, Plano, Belton, and Fort Worth. Here are some of Allied’s most popular moving options:
- Local moving
- Interstate moving
- International moving
Allied Van Lines doesn’t offer many discounts. However, some customers reported a 10% to 15% senior discount and a discount for up-front cash payments.
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
If you’re interested in a DIY move or a more budget-friendly option, U-Pack is my top choice for a moving container company. U-Pack’s moving containers, known as ReloCubes, can each fit about one room’s worth of household belongings. If you have a large house with three or more bedrooms, consider U-Pack’s moving trailer options, which offer more space while still keeping your costs low.
While most moving containers charge a flat rate for each moving container, U-Pack is unique with its “pay for what you use” pricing. This model ensures you never overpay for space you don’t use, a huge benefit that makes this company a standout option for moving container services.
U-Pack’s service offerings are limited because it’s a moving container service company. Unlike full-service moving companies or brokers, you can’t opt for services like junk removal, packing, home staging, or unpacking services.
U-Pack only offers options for moves 150 miles or greater, making it a limited choice for anyone moving short distances within Texas.
I was unable to confirm any discounts offered by U-Pack. However, some customers noted receiving a senior discount adjusted to their move. Regardless, the company offers highly discounted rates compared to most movers.
North American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
With over 85 years of experience, North American Van Lines (NAVL) has earned a strong reputation for its reliability, full line of customizable moving services, and excellent pricing options.
I really like that this provider’s pricing structures allow customers to set “not-to-exceed” and “bottom line” price limits, meaning you won’t be charged more than that limit unless the nature of your move changes.
NAVL has earned a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and completes full-service moves throughout the United States. Out of the providers on this list, North American Van Lines offers some of the most extensive Texas office locations, ensuring you can secure a move in any part of this massive state.
North American Van Lines is a full-service moving provider with over 500 locations in the United States, offering customers a wide range of services. I especially like its many moving insurance coverage options, which provide that additional peace of mind many homeowners seek:
- Basic liability coverage
- Full-valuation coverage
- Packing and unpacking
- Fragile item packing
- Loading and unloading
- Auto transport
- Storage services
- Crane van for oversized items
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection
- Packing materials
Most individuals moving to or within the Lone Star State will have their needs met with NAVL’s multiple moving options:
- Local moving
- Long distance
- Interstate moves
- International moves (over 175 countries)
While NAVL doesn’t offer many discounts, it’s a top-notch pick for senior citizens. If you’re a part of the Senior Citizens League, you can receive enormous senior discounts between 40% to 65%. These discount rates are truly standout in the industry, so definitely take advantage of these offers if you qualify.
PODS
3.2
Our Rating
PODS is a moving container company with over 20 moving and storage locations scattered throughout Texas. Unlike U-Pack, PODS offers local moving options throughout Texas, giving you greater flexibility when booking your Texas move.
This company is one of the best moving options for anyone moving on a budget. Simply schedule a date with PODS, select how many and what kind of moving containers you require, then wait for the driver to drop these moving containers off at your home. After you’re finished packing the containers, call the company back, and a qualified driver will come and pick them up and then drop them off at your new home.
My research found that PODS has some of Texas’s most affordable moving container rates. In many cases, it’s an even more affordable choice than renting a moving truck or U-Haul. It’s certainly more convenient in the sense that you don’t have to worry about driving a large vehicle or returning it.
While not a full-service moving company, PODS offers a few options to reduce stress and your risk of injury on your move day:
- Storage services
- Moving container services
- Loading and unloading
Unlike U-Pack, my other top moving container company choice, PODS offers local moves within Texas, giving you greater flexibility:
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
Another strong point of choosing PODS is its excellent discount variety. Unlike many providers on this list that only offer highly-specific discounts, you’re likely to find some kind of discount or promotion that you qualify for on PODS’ extensive promotional page. It frequently offers seasonal discounts and a 10% discount for service members.
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How Much Do Top Moving Companies Typically Charge in Texas?
Distance, the type of move, chosen services, and location all affect your move quote. While you can save money by price-matching, shopping around, and negotiating with the moving company to lower your moving cost, it’s critical that you have a realistic idea of what different types of moves will cost you in Texas before selecting a company.
To give you a better idea of costs, the following table shows the average moving cost based on the type of move.
| Type of Move | Average Cost |
| Local move (within the same city) | $600–$2,400 |
| Local move (within the same state) | $4,000–$6,000 |
| Long-distance move | $600–$10,000+ |
| International move | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Full-service move | $2,300+ |
| Auto moving | $1,000+ per vehicle |
Next, I’ll list out different moving estimates some of my recommended providers gave me for different sized-homes and moves within Texas:
2-Bedroom Homes
| Home Size | Moving Estimate | Average Provided By |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $2,015–$3,445 | International Van Lines |
| 2-bedroom home | $458–$927 | PODS (DIY Move) |
| 2-bedroom home | $1,350–$3,500 | North American Van Lines |
| 2-bedroom home | $1,700–$3,500 | Moving APT |
*Based on a local move in Texas of less than 250 miles.
4-Bedroom Homes
| Home Size | Moving Estimate | Average Provided By |
| 4-bedroom home | $5,500–$8,500 | Safeway Moving |
| 4-bedroom home | $6,021–$7,500 | Allied Van Lines |
| 4-bedroom home | $6,300–$8,500 | North American Van Lines |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,002–$3,202 | PODS (DIY Move) |
*Based on a long-distance move to Texas of at least 1,000+ miles.
How Can You Negotiate With the Top Moving Companies and Get Discounts?
Planning, shopping around, and negotiating with several moving companies will get you the best deal possible for your move. Since an in-state move alone can easily cost over $4,000, this process is critical if you want to save money — sometimes, up to hundreds of dollars.
Be Polite and Confident
Remember, don’t be shy. Moving company representatives are used to negotiating with customers all the time, so this isn’t anything out-of-the-ordinary or rude. Be polite, confident, and firm with your approach, and always come prepared with some bargaining power.
Stay Informed and Ask For Price-Matching
Gain bargaining power by researching what your desired move will cost and gathering free quotes from multiple top moving companies in Texas. Once you’ve found a better price for comparable services, speak with a representative from your preferred company and ask if they can price match what a competitor offered you.
Be Flexible and Ask About Offers
Other proactive steps to take include asking about any available discounts, promotions, and special offers. You can also ask about moving on different dates, such as offering to move during the week or early in the morning to cut back on costs. If you opt for a move with specialty services, ask if you can bundle services together and receive a discount or package deal. Finally, always ask about hidden fees and if the company offers a flat-rate or binding estimate to ensure you aren’t surprised by any fees or price hikes at the last minute.
How Can You Avoid Moving Scams From Bad Moving Companies?
Anyone can fall for a moving scam. Unfortunately, many clever scammers use tricks to take advantage of unsuspecting families that are already under a lot of pressure as they plan their move. If you fall for a moving scam, you’ll likely incur extra costs and lose personal belongings.
Here are some of the most common moving scams to watch out for as you plan your Texas move:
- No in-person consultations: Nearly all legitimate movers will complete an in-person home survey and inventory, or at minimum, a virtual one. If the company insists a phone call is all that’s needed, look elsewhere.
- Suspicious quotes: There’s truth to the statement that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. While you shop around and gather multiple quotes, be wary of companies that give you very low estimates. The company may pad the price with hidden fees or hold your belongings hostage until you agree to pay more to make up the difference. It is very important to be careful because you want to avoid being in a situation where you have to find a way out of a hostage shipment scenario.
- Unmarked moving trucks: A moving company should have signage on its truck. In Texas, a TxDMV number (10 digits long) should be easily identified on the vehicle.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Top Moving Company?
Choosing the best moving company for your move depends on several factors, such as:
- High-quality customer reviews: All companies receive negative reviews from time to time. But it’s essential to look at the big picture. If the company has many negative reviews or a handful of reviews that highlight shady practices, you’ll want to steer clear of this company.
- Registration and licensing: All moving companies in Texas must carry a TxDMV number (10 digits long). Look for this on all moving vehicles and written moving estimates. You’ll also want to check that the company has FMCSA registration, which is the federal body responsible for regulating all interstate moving companies. Confirm a mover’s registration status and check its complaint history using this company search.
- Your items: Do you require specialty services to move fragile or awkward items like a large flat-screen TV, piano, musical instruments, artwork, or hot tub? Only certain companies, like International Van Lines or American Van Lines, offer specialty services like these. For vehicle shipping, look into Allied Van Lines, which offers in-house vehicle transportation and guarantees.
- Your preferences: Consider your budget and preferences. Do you have enough money for a full-service, more expensive move, or would you prefer a self-service company like U-Pack to save money?
So, What Is the Best Moving Company in Texas?
Choosing the right moving company can be challenging, between moving scams, hidden fees, and added stress to an already time-consuming, energy-draining process. But the process doesn’t have to be so complicated. Carefully research a handful of the best moving companies in Texas before selecting a list of three to five that you’re most interested in that offer the type of services and move you need.
International Van Lines and American Van Lines are my picks for the best moving companies in Texas, especially for long-distance relocations, because of these companies’ extensive moving options, services, and availability. However, if you need local movers or want to make a budget-friendly move, I recommend PODS because of its low prices and availability throughout the state.
Compare at least three free quotes from the best moving companies in Texas below to start planning your move.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do movers cost per hour in Texas?
On average, moving labor in Texas costs between $140 and $150 for two movers for two hours of work, not including moving truck expenses like gas or specialty equipment. This is equivalent to around $35 per hour per person, which falls within the national average of $25 to $50 per mover per hour.
When is the best time to schedule a move in Texas?
Texas summers are hot and best avoided as this is a popular time of year to move for families with children. The temperatures and climate conditions could also affect your movers’ ability to work on some days. Instead, move in the fall or winter for better rates and temperatures.
What are Texas movers required to do?
Texas movers must give you a complete copy of your moving services contract signed by both parties upon shipment delivery. If a company doesn’t seem interested in drawing up or providing you with a written copy of your quote or contract before the move, steer clear, as this is shady and illegal in Texas.
How can I file a complaint against a Texas moving company?
If you experience any unfulfilled damage claims or serious misconduct from a moving company in Texas, go to TxDMV’s Complaint Entry System, which handles all issues related to misconduct by commercial carriers.
Methodology: How We Ranked The Best Moving Companies in Texas
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our moving company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — reputable, affordable companies able to tackle a wide range of packing and moving tasks.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with former and current professional movers.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across four categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and developed the following formula:
- Transparency (30 Points): We awarded top points to companies that supplied quotes quickly and provided easy-to-read moving contracts. We used the availability of sample pricing and quick quote features, GPS tracking, and clear customer service hours to determine this metric. Points were also awarded for up-front communication regarding policies, licensing, insurance, and the clear listing of added fees.
- Basic Service Options (20 Points): While this may seem like a given for most movers, a strong basic service profile is not guaranteed when you book your move. Movers that offer local, long-distance, and international moving while providing packing and loading with their basic service packages rate highly here.
- Customization Options (30 Points): Aside from basic services, a comprehensive list of added services indicates a mover’s quality. Assembly and disassembly, valuation coverage, piano moving, car shipping, and similar add-ons indicate a mover that puts customer service first.
- Reputation (20 Points): We assessed each mover’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. We weighed BBB ratings and the company’s complaint response rate to calculate this metric.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
