The BEST Moving Companies in Houston, TX
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Houston, TX, is 3 Men Movers, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service.. If you’re moving out of Texas to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.
- Best Houston-based mover: 3 Men Movers
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in Houston, TX
- 3 Men Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Student Movers Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Professional and Efficient Service
- Careful Handling of Items
- Friendly and Courteous Staff
- Miscommunication
- Damaged Furniture
- Delays in Scheduled Moves
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
3 Men Movers, a local expert in residential moving, has been serving Houston, TX, and its surrounding areas since 1986. Known for their comprehensive range of services, they offer not only local and long-distance moving but also office relocation, and meticulous packing and unpacking services, even catering to specialized needs like moving pianos and safes. With an impressive reputation, 3 Men Movers boasts a high average rating of 4.8 on Google from 3962 reviews, a commendable 3.9 on Yelp from 499 reviews, and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, they require no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Professional Team
- Efficient Service
- Careful Handling of Items
- Communication Delays
- Occasional Item Damage
- Higher Costs Than Estimates
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 679167
A Better Tripp Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Houston, TX since 1997. With a solid reputation bolstered by an impressive Google rating of 4.7 from 218 reviews and a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, they stand out among nearby moving companies. Their extensive service list includes packing, unpacking, crating, and the expertise to move delicate items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. While their Yelp rating averages at 3.3 from 30 reviews, the majority of customers seem highly satisfied with their professional and reliable services. Notably, they accept cash and credit cards with no deposit required, making the moving process even more convenient for clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and Efficient Service
- Careful with Belongings
- Good Communication
- Poor Customer Service
- Damages to Furniture
- Delayed Arrivals
Company Info
State license #: 000556730B
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 1888352
Alternate Names: Variety Movers, Inc. Commercial Division
Student Movers Inc. has been providing local residential moving services in and around Houston, TX, since 1998, establishing a strong foothold in the area. Unlike some other nearby moving companies, Student Movers Inc. also offers packing, unpacking, and crating services, and they don’t require a deposit. Customers should note that while the company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a high average rating of 4.4 based on 691 reviews on Google, their Yelp profile shows more mixed feedback with an average rating of 2.8 from 229 reviews. Whether you need help with a local move or specialized services like piano moving, Student Movers Inc.'s extensive experience and comprehensive offerings make them a solid choice.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Professional and Friendly Staff
- Easy Booking Process
- Competitive Pricing
- Untrained Movers
- Damaged Furniture
- Poor Communication Regarding Scheduling
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Bellhop Moving, established in 2012, offers local residential moving services across Houston, TX. With a blend of packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out among nearby movers for their comprehensive offerings. Customer feedback is mixed, with a 3.6 average rating on Yelp and a stronger 4.6 average on Google My Business, though their BBB rating sits at a C+. They accept credit cards but do require a deposit, making them a convenient but commitment-needed choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional Service
- Efficient Operations
- Competitive Pricing
- Inconsistent Communication
- Damaged Belongings
- Storage Issues
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 54
DOT #: 436264
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in the Houston area since 1970. With over five decades of experience, they stand out among nearby moving companies for their specialized services, including packing, unpacking, crating, and handling delicate items like pianos and antiques. Consumer reviews reflect a strong reputation, with an average rating of 4.1 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google, and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They accept both cash and credit cards, and do not require a deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Best movers for those moving out of Texas
As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving Texas for a new state:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Best moving containers in Houston, TX
Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.
Container costs in Houston vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.
We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best rental trucks for your Houston, TX move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Houston, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in Texas costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.69–$0.99 per mile.
While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.
We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Labor-only movers in Houston, TX
Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.
Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Houston:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
How we chose the best movers in Houston
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 135 Texas movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How do I find a reputable Houston mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Houston, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Houston or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over Texas, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Houston has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Houston may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable Houston movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the Houston movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in Texas.
Average cost of movers in Houston, Texas
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Houston area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in Texas for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.
Local moving costs in Houston
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Houston, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Houston, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.69 per mile to $0.99 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Houston is $75 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $275 | $105 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $380 | $105 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $611 | $147 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,406 | $206 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,612 | $206 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $2,474 | $288 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Interstate moving costs out of Houston
The cost to move from Houston to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from Texas. Here are a few examples:
- Houston to California Movers: $1,170 to $7,385
- Houston to New York Movers: $1,079 to $7,281
- Houston to Illinois Movers: $685 to $6,215
- Houston to New York Movers: $1,079 to $7,281
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Houston will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Houston will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across Texas state lines.
- Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Houston, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
- Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
- Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
- The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Houston?
If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading permit
For more info on parking permits in Houston, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Houston moving company?
You can save money when hiring a Houston mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.
Do Houston movers offer storage?
Yes, many Houston movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.
If your Houston mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
How can I see all moving companies in Texas?
You can see all moving companies in Texas by taking a look at our full list of Texas movers.
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