Local moving companies in Houston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Alternate Names: Square Cow Movers, Square Cow Moovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
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
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Factors influencing moving costs from Houston to California
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- Move size: How much stuff you’re bringing and the size and layout of your place will directly affect your moving costs.
- Time of year: Moving in the summer in Houston usually means higher prices, since that's peak season for movers.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can save money, but expect more hassle and effort than if you hire professional movers.
What to know before moving from Houston, TX, to California
Heading from Houston to California comes with new adventures, but also a bump in living expenses. Because California usually has a higher cost of living than Houston, it’s smart to budget and plan ahead.
Take a look at how living in Houston stacks up against California so you’re prepared before making the move:
Compare cost of living: Houston vs. California
Houston, TX | California | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,856 |
Average home cost | $263,945 | $771,057 |
Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $91,905 |
Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.4% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Plan to set aside extra for rent in California. It typically runs 20% higher than in Houston.
- Thinking about buying? Home prices in California are roughly 192.1% higher than in Houston, so make sure you can afford a steeper mortgage.
- You’ll find average incomes are around 31.6% higher in California compared to Houston.
- Unemployment rates are about 31.7% higher in California than in Houston.
- Brace yourself for higher income taxes. They’re 13.30% steeper in California than in Houston.
How life is different in Houston, TX, from California
If you’re moving from Houston to California, everything from the weather and local population to the predominant political views can feel pretty different. Let’s break down what life in California is like compared to the HOU.
Houston, TX | California | |
---|---|---|
Population | 39,029,342 | 2,301,572 |
Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 59-41 |
Summer high | 87ºF | 94ºF |
Winter low | 59ºF | 43ºF |
Annual rain | 22" | 53" |
Annual snow | 7" | 0" |
Crime index | 28.43 | 63.5 |
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- In the most recent presidential election, California voted Democratic and Houston voted Republican.
- Summer highs in California average 87°F, while Houston can reach up to 94°F. Get ready to enjoy cooler temps this summer.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Houston drop to 43°F, while California only dips to 59°F. That means you can look forward to milder winters in the Golden State.
- When you move from Houston to California, you can ditch those raincoats. California gets just 22 inches of rain a year, a drop from the 53 inches you're used to in Houston.
- In California, you’ll get around 7 inches of snow each year, while Houston sees about 0 inches. If you’re heading this way, be sure you’re ready for colder temps and plenty of snow.
Comparing the pros of Houston, TX, vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Houston vs California side-by-side.
Pros of living in Houston, TX | Pros of living in California |
---|---|
Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Ample economic opportunity |
Ample economic opportunity | Pleasant weather |
Delicious seafood | Abundant recreational options |
Diversity | High quality of life |
Affordable housing | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Houston, TX, vs. California:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Houston for California.
Cons of living in Houston, TX | Cons of living in California |
---|---|
Tropical storms | High cost of living |
Heat and humidity | Heavy tax burdens |
Terrible traffic | Natural disasters |
Limited public transportation | Terrible traffic |
High crime rate | Strange laws |
Other considerations when moving to California from Houston
When you’re moving from Houston to California, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities ask for parking permits when you’re using a moving truck or large vehicle. Check in advance to see if you’ll need a permit for your move.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a California moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in California, but be sure to look up local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can set your official move date so your mail is forwarded to California without any hiccups. Start here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary by state, so be sure to review the regulations where you live. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in California
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, California has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in California
Parks in California
Sports Teams in California
Universities in California
FAQs
How long does a move from Houston to California take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Houston, TX to California? Typically, the process takes about five to 16 days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
What is the best way to get a car from Houston to California?
Need to ship your car from Houston to California? Trust professionals who’ll protect your vehicle and manage all the details seamlessly. See our top choices for car shipping from Houston to California.
Why are people moving from Houston to California?
Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather. On the other hand, people are moving away from Houston because of the tropical storms and heat and humidity.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Houston?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Houston .