Best moving companies in Plano, TX 2025

We compared 27 companies and chose the top movers

    • Moving Direct Van Lines
      4.3(51)
    • Bellhop
      2.9(271)
    +1 more
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    Edited by: Jon Bortin

    Best moving companies in Plano, TX 2025

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Moving Direct Van Lines logo
    Bellhop logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

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

      Whether you’re planning to move locally within Plano or across the country, you might be thinking about hiring movers to ease some of the stress. We’re here to help — we’ve chosen the best movers in Plano by comparing ratings and reviews, price, discounts, availability and additional services, like packing and storage, among other factors.

      Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,591,400 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      Our 2 picks for moving companies in Plano

      To help find the best options for you, our research team started by comparing 80 moving companies. We narrowed the list to companies available in Plano and then analyzed ratings and reviews from Plano customers. We also considered other factors, including price and the availability of packing services and storage options. We ultimately chose the following companies as our top picks in Plano.

      Our editor’s top picks

      1. Specialized packing services: Moving Direct Van Lines
      2. Local service: Bellhop
      Moving Direct Van Lines
      Highlight
      Works with Cargo Hub for international services
      Types of moves
      Local, interstate, international; commercial and residential
      Discounts available
      None specified

      Moving Direct Van Lines provides commercial and residential moves to and from Plano. It offers full-service packing and unpacking and short- and long-term storage solutions.

      Highlights

      • Broker vs. carrier: Broker
      • Type(s) of quotes: Binding
      • Storage options: Short-term and long-term storage
      • Packing services: Full-service packing and unpacking

      Pros

      • International services
      • Custom packing
      • Great packing services, according to reviewers

      Cons

      • Fairly small fleet of carriers
      • Deposit requirements: Undisclosed
      • Discounts: None specified
      • “Before hiring Moving Direct Van Lines Van Lines movers, I did a ton of research, and after some initial apprehension, I'm glad I still hired them! These movers were committed to making the move go as smoothly and damage-free as possible! I salute their dedication to their profession!” — Roberto from Richardson
      Bellhop
      Highlight
      Flexible reservations
      Types of moves
      Commercial, residential, interstate, local
      Discounts available
      Storage

      Bellhop offers local, interstate, residential and commercial moves and packing services in some areas, including packing-only options (without moving service). It’s a broker and carrier and provides moving services to and from Plano.

      Highlights

      • Broker vs. carrier: Broker and carrier
      • Type(s) of quotes: Fixed-price and hourly-rate quotes
      • Storage options: Third-party storage options
      • Packing services: Varies by location; packing-only services available

      Pros

      • Packing-only services available
      • App for tracking shipment
      • Packing kits (for an added charge)

      Cons

      • Availability varies statewide
      • Storage options are through third parties
      • Deposit requirements: 10% of estimated costs (charged 48 hours after booking)
      • Discounts: Storage
      • Our experience with Bellhop was incredible! From the time they got there until they left they were professional and helpful. They knew what they were doing as far as packing a trailer and were very careful with our stuff. They were friendly, professional, and communicated well. We Highly recommend them!” — Alicia from Coppell
      • “My move was fraught with inconveniences that slowed down the moving out and moving in processes. Despite the delays and struggles (a thunderstorm, apartment complex not opening until 10 am when movers showed up at 8, apartment wouldn’t let us in until I showed up with a money order, etc.), the movers remained calm and friendly and did a great job finishing the move.” — James in Plano

      What to consider when hiring a moving company in Plano

      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 Plano

      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 Plano

      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 Plano move

      A few things can save money, time and energy when you’re moving to Plano — 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 Plano

      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 Plano 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 Plano have a high cost of living?

      As of publishing, the cost of living in Plano is a bit higher than in most of Texas. Our 2024 study found that a single adult would need a salary of $71,224.06 to live comfortably in Plano.

      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 Plano, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Plano. 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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