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Best Movers in Houston, TX

We compared 37 companies and chose the top movers

    • Bronze Star Moving & Storage Inc.
      4.3(117)
    • Vanity Van Lines
      4.2(20)
    • Pan Transit Van Lines
      2.6(126)

    Best Movers in Houston, TX

    Author picture
    By: Cassidy McCants
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Jon Bortin

    Our 4 picks for moving companies in Houston

    1. Punctuality and speed: Bronze Star Moving & Storage
    2. Partner discounts: Vanity Van Lines
    3. Interstate commercial moves: Pan Transit Van Lines
    4. International moves: International Van Lines

    To help find the best options for you, we've compared 37 moving companies and determined which were available in Houston. Then we analyzed ratings and reviews on ConsumerAffairs from Houston customers.

    To make our picks, we also considered pricing, the quote and deposit processes, and the availability of packing services and storage options. Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.

    Bronze Star Moving & Storage Inc.
    Bronze Star Moving & Storage Inc.
    4.3
    117 reviews
    Highlight
    Free 30-day storage
    Types of moves
    Residential and commercial
    Discounts available
    Military
    Read Reviews

    Bronze Star Moving & Storage provides moves to and from Houston. It offers binding and nonbinding quotes, so your initial quote may or may not change by the final bill — make sure to clarify the type of quote you're getting.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker and carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding and nonbinding
    • Storage options: Yes
    • Packing services: Full-service packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, assembly and disassembly

    Pros

    • Transparent cancellation policy
    • Nationwide availability
    • Efficient crews, according to reviewers

    Cons

    • Some reports of price fluctuations
    • Occasional issues with subcontractors
    • Deposit requirements: Undisclosed
    • Moving quote: $5,000 to $6,000*
    • Discounts: Military

    *Based on a 600-mile three-bedroom move as of publishing

    • “It can be hard to move, but this company made it easy. Their storage units are safe, and when I got my things back, they were in great shape. Professional movers are available to move you across state lines!” — Fleta from Houston
    • “Everything was delivered safely and without any damage. James and his team are quick and do great work, so everyone should hire them. It was like my breakables were kings when they put them in bubble wrap and two layers of padding. To help them remember to be extra careful.” — Lenora from Houston
    Vanity Van Lines
    Vanity Van Lines
    4.2
    20 reviews
    Highlight
    Flexible rescheduling (up to one week prior to move)
    Types of moves
    Long-distance and limited local moves
    Discounts available
    Phone, cable, internet and home security partner discounts
    Read Reviews

    Vanity Van Lines is a broker that offers long-distance moves (with local moves available in some locations, though not in Texas) and free 30-day storage. Once you’ve scheduled a move, you can reschedule up to a week in advance of your relocation date without penalty.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker
    • Type(s) of quotes: Online and phone
    • Storage options: Yes
    • Packing services: Packing and unloading; DIY packing boxes available

    Pros

    • In-home and virtual inventories available
    • Nationwide availability for larger moves

    Cons

    • Local moves available only in some hubs
    • Deposit requirements: Undisclosed
    • Moving quote: Undisclosed
    • Discounts: Phone, cable, internet and home security partner discounts
    • “The team at Vanity Van Lines is not only highly professional but also incredibly friendly and accommodating. They took the time to understand my specific needs and preferences, ensuring that every aspect of the relocation was tailored to my requirements.” — Merry from Houston
    Pan Transit Van Lines
    Pan Transit Van Lines
    2.6
    126 reviews
    Highlight
    Moves reviewed by moving consultants
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, interstate
    Discounts available
    None specified
    Read Reviews

    Pan Transit Van Lines offers commercial and residential interstate moves to and from Houston. It provides binding not-to-exceed quotes, so you'll pay less than the original quoted price if your belongings weigh less than anticipated.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding not-to-exceed
    • Storage options: No
    • Packing services: Full-service packing and unpacking

    Pros

    • Available nationwide
    • Transparent cancellation policy

    Cons

    • No local moves
    • Deposit requirements: Up to 50%
    • Moving quote: Undisclosed
    • Discounts: None specified
    • “An excellent experience with their movers and the crew were cautious with my sculptures and double packed them. They also put them in big crates so they would be thoroughly protected. I was relieved when I got the pieces intact!” — Peter from Houston
    • “Jackson and Kevin did an excellent job. Incredibly thorough and eloquent. They conducted a walkthrough beforehand and made sure we were satisfied with everything. Jackson was also excellent. He made sure we were aware of the entire procedure. Thanks to a wonderful team, I'm very happy with the move!” — Michael from Katy
    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    International Van Lines
    International Van Lines
    4.4
    1,036 reviews
    Highlight
    Quick (under 15 minutes) quotes
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, auto transport
    Discounts available
    None specified
    Read Reviews

    International Van Lines offers short- and long-term (first month free) storage solutions, plus storage-in-transit options and full-service packing and unpacking. It provides moves to and from Houston.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker and carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding and nonbinding
    • Storage options: Yes
    • Packing services: Full-service packing and unpacking

    Pros

    • Professional and punctual crews, according to reviewers
    • Dedicated moving coordinators
    • Operates in more than 180 countries

    Cons

    • A few reviewers mention surprise upcharges
    • Deposit requirements: One-third of the full price
    • Moving quote: Undisclosed
    • Discounts: None specified
    • “I moved from NY to Texas back in June using IVL. I went with IVL because they did a great job with my sister's move. The movers packed very well, and I had no damaged items or missing items. Their cost was also pretty fair for what we were looking for. I want to say thanks to my rep, Alex. He was great at setting up the move and communicating with my wife through the process. I would use them again if I had to move. A word of advice is to ask them for a virtual tour. It was easy and made a huge difference.” — Ryan from Houston
    • “I had no trouble getting in touch with the spokesman. Harrison, who was very accommodating with dates. From the first conversation, I had a vibe that International Van Lines would deliver top-notch service. He gave me comfort when it came to the things I worried would be difficult, like the big dining table that I worried wouldn't fit through the new house's front door. Many thanks for making things super easy!” — Donny from Houston
    3x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Moving Experience and Best Overall Value

    Moving Companies in Houston Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Bronze Star Moving & Storage Inc. logo
    Vanity Van Lines logo
    Pan Transit Van Lines logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Find a team that works for you & enjoy a stress-free move.

      What to consider when hiring a moving company in Houston

      Moving can be a daunting task, but careful planning and hiring the right movers can make all the difference. Start by determining what type of mover best suits your needs: Is your move local or long-distance, and do you need full-service packing services or basic transport?

      Research companies available in your area — check their licensing, insurance and online reviews. Get multiple quotes to compare pricing and services, and get everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

      It’s also smart to declutter beforehand and to make sure you understand how pricing works. Ask about extra services like packing and unpacking, and factor in potential costs for bulky items or difficult access. Don't hesitate to ask about insurance coverage and the claims process in case of damage.

      Cost to move in Houston

      The cost of hiring a mover ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on several factors. Long-distance moves naturally cost more than local relocations. The volume of your belongings also plays a role — larger homes require more labor and truck space. Extra services like packing, unpacking and the handling of specialty items add to the overall cost.

      The time of year and even the day of the week can also influence pricing (peak seasons and weekends are generally more expensive times to move). To get an accurate estimate, request quotes from multiple movers and provide a detailed inventory of your possessions.

      Average cost for moving services from and within Houston

      The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

      Tipping movers

      While not mandatory, tipping movers is a common practice. It shows appreciation for the crew’s hard work, especially in cases of excellent service.

      A typical tip ranges from $20 to $50 per mover for a standard local move, but you can adjust this based on the complexity and duration of the job. For long-distance moves, consider tipping a larger amount or a percentage of the total cost. You can also provide nonmonetary gestures of gratitude (e.g., offering cold drinks and snacks on moving day).

      What about DIY moves?

      Moving yourself can be a cost-effective option, but it requires significant effort and planning. You might need to rent a truck, purchase or gather various packing supplies, and recruit friends or family to help.

      If you plan to move yourself, factor in truck rental fees, fuel, insurance and potential equipment rentals, like dollies and moving blankets. Consider the time commitment, including packing, loading, driving, unloading and unpacking. Will you have to take off work? Assess your available time, your physical capabilities and the potential for reliable help before deciding if a do-it-yourself move is the right choice for you.

      Tips for a successful Houston move

      A few things can save money, time and energy when you’re moving to Houston — including creating a budget, having less stuff and packing efficiently.

      1. Create a moving budget: Estimate the expenses associated with hiring movers or renting a truck, factoring in distance, the volume of your belongings and any additional services. Include costs for packing supplies, potential travel expenses (e.g., gas, tolls, lodging) and temporary storage if needed. Don't forget to account for insurance, cleaning fees and tipping your movers. Research average costs for moves like yours and get multiple moving quotes for a realistic budget.
      2. Declutter and sell or donate: While it takes time to sort through your belongings and determine what’s worth keeping and what needs to go, downsizing can ultimately make every part of the move go more smoothly. You can host a garage sale if you’d like to get cash for things you’re parting with, or you can donate gently used items. Many charities offer donation pickup services, making it easy to declutter while supporting a good cause. (Remember to get a donation receipt for potential tax deductions.)
      3. Pack smartly: Start by gathering quality packing supplies — get some sturdy boxes, packing tape, cushion wrap and markers. Pack room by room, and label boxes with their contents and destination (e.g., “Kitchen — Utensils”). Use appropriate packing materials to protect fragile items, and consider buying wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Maximize box space by filling in gaps with towels or clothing. It’s also a good idea to pack an essentials box or bag with items you'll need immediately after arrival at your new home.

      Moving within or to Texas?

      We’ve got some resources for you.

      » MORE: Moving checklist

      Moving regulations in Houston

      All moving companies in the U.S. should be licensed and insured — if a mover isn’t licensed, cross it off your list. If the moving company has to cross state lines for a move, it’s also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (you can check for a USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website).

      Verify current state regulations with Texas’ transportation authority. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has resources online to help protect consumers from illegitimate movers.

      » LEARN MORE: What is a USDOT number?

      FAQ

      How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?

      Truck rentals for local moves (typically under 100 miles) are generally priced by the day, with rates starting around $20. Rental truck companies usually calculate costs for long-distance moves based on mileage. You might plan to spend $2,000 or more for a larger move, depending on the distance and duration of the rental.

      The size of the truck and fuel costs are major cost considerations, especially for long-distance moves. Don't forget to factor in potential taxes, environmental fees, insurance coverage and the cost of necessary moving supplies like dollies and blankets.

      » CALCULATE: How much does a moving truck cost?

      Is hiring a mover worth it?

      If you can afford it, hiring a mover is likely worth it. When moving, going the DIY route is typically the cheapest option, but the associated stresses aren’t always worth it. While hiring a mover typically comes with a higher price tag, it can save a significant amount of time, stress and even money. In some cases, the combined expenses of renting a truck and handling the logistics yourself can even exceed the cost of hiring professional movers, so it's crucial to weigh your options carefully.

      How much does it cost to ship a car?

      The cost of shipping a car can vary significantly ($500 to $1,700 is typical as of publishing). Distance is the biggest cost factor, but time of year also plays a role (peak moving times, including summer and holidays, tend to have higher prices). The type of carrier you choose — open or enclosed — also affects the cost. Enclosed carriers offer more protection but at a higher price.

      Your vehicle's size and weight also factor into the equation, and extras like expedited shipping will increase the cost. The good news: Urban areas like Houston are often cheaper to ship to or from because they’re less remote and easier to get to than rural destinations. To get the best rate, get quotes from multiple auto transport companies and compare their services and pricing.

      Does Houston have a high cost of living?

      According to our recent study, Houston’s cost of living isn’t very high for a large city. We found that a single adult would need a salary of $62,890 to live comfortably in Texas’ largest city.

      Methodology

      ConsumerAffairs carefully collects in-depth, verified reviews to tell each customer’s experience with a company. We believe customer experiences are a crucial indicator when evaluating companies, so these reviews are a significant factor when we make our top picks.

      To choose the top moving companies in Houston, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Houston. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      • Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
      • Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
      • Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for a down payment of 20% or less over those with higher deposit requirements.
      • Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
      • App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.
      Guide Sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

      1. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, “Don’t Make a Move Without Us.” Accessed Nov. 2, 2024.

      Not sure how to choose?

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