Local moving companies in Houston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Student Movers Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving

DOT #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
1201 Fannin Street, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77002 USStandout movers with a personal touchโBellhop Moving wins praise for professional, polite staff, efficient service, careful handling, and quick, well-communicated moves. Customers appreciate clear coordination and competitive pricing, often noting a smooth experience from booking to completion. Many cite friendly movers who arrive on time, assemble or move items quickly, and treat belongings and homes with care, making Bellhop a strong value compared to competitors who often require longer minimums and charge higher rates. Despite this, significant concerns arise: nearly 40% of feedback reports damaged items, unprofessional conduct, and final charges much higher than initial estimates. Some mention crews lacking basic moving equipment, unresolved claims, or moves left incomplete, requiring hiring a second company. Bellhop delivers affordable, positive moving experiences for most, but the risk of property damage or frustrating service issues is notable and greater than with traditional, established moving companies. Among 68 reviews analyzed, 58.8% were positive and 38.2% negative, with just a handful reflecting a neutral outlook.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
- State license #: 007018347C
Alternative Business Names
- Bellhop Moving Services
3 Men Movers

DOT #: 1914113
Years in Business: 39
6805 Sands Point Drive, Houston, TX 77074 USWhen it's time to move, customers want a skilled crew thatโs quick, cares for their belongings, and keeps them in the loopโ3 Men Movers delivers on these expectations according to 644 reviews, with more than 8 in 10 praising their service. The most common feedback highlights efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, a fast-moving process, and clear communication. Crews consistently arrive promptly, wrap items with care, and treat customers and homes with respect, setting them apart from many competitors. Customers also appreciate easy scheduling and straightforward pricing. The most frequent complaints involve damage to items, delays in arrival or delivery, and unexpected charges. Some reported damaged furniture, billing surprises, and missed timing commitments. While these issues occur less often, they can affect high-value or time-sensitive moves. Compared to other movers in the area, 3 Men Movers stands out for their professionalism, speed, and attention to detail, though customers should clarify cost estimates and insurance coverage up front. The majority of input points to reliable, fast-moving teams who make relocation much smoother than customers expect, but awareness of the rare but impactful issues ensures the best experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- DOT #: 1914113
- State license #: 000534796B
Alternative Business Names
- 3 Men Movers LTD
A Better Tripp Moving & Storage

DOT #: 679167
Years in Business: 28
5400 Mitchelldale Suite B1, Houston , TX 77092 USA Better Tripp Moving & Storage stands out for its reliable and professional staff, efficiency, and exceptional care with customer belongings. Out of 249 feedback entries, nearly 89% are positive, highlighting careful handling, fast service, courteous movers, and strong communication. Many repeat customers point to consistent experiences, where movers are efficient, detailed, and friendlyโthings not commonly found with other movers. While most input is glowing, about 10% references problems like damaged or missing items, late arrivals, and difficulty resolving claims. These issues tend to bring more stress to moves that are already demanding. Some customers also mention communication gaps when claims arise. Compared to typical moving companies, A Better Tripp receives far more consistent praise for care, organization, and staff professionalism, though the negative experiences tend to revolve around damage or loss that are sometimes unresolved. This moving company ranks well for reliability and quality, but customers should still ensure clear documentation and double-check specific needs for higher-value or irreplaceable items.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 679167
- State license #: 005972633C
Local Associations
Student Movers Inc.

DOT #: 1888352
Years in Business: 27
8630 Lipan Road, Houston, TX 77063 USStudent Movers Inc. receives high praise for efficient, careful, and prompt moves. In 463 reviews analyzed, about 69% of feedback highlighted speedy service, professional crews, attention to detail, and rates below the competition. Customers often describe staff as courteous, friendly, and respectful of property, with affordable prices and efficient care setting them apart from other local movers. Downside feedback centers on items damaged during moves, late arrivals or long delays, and difficulty reaching the company or resolving problems. Some users report frustrating experiences with communication or unexpected delays, and claims about damaged belongings are not always resolved to customersโ satisfaction. Student Movers offers fast, friendly, cost-effective service, but reliability and handling concerns surface more than with top-tier moving companies.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
Additional Information
- DOT #: 1888352
- State license #: 000556730B
Alternative Business Names
- Variety Movers, Inc. Commercial Division
All My Sons Moving & Storage

DOT #: 902281
Years in Business: 26
9550 West Wingfoot Road, Houston, TX 77041 USExpectations soar, but sticker shock occasionally follows. Out of 533 customer feedback entries, only 45% reflect a positive experience with All My Sons Moving & Storage. Many customers praise the movers for being efficient, professional, careful, and keeping them well-informed throughout the process. Acts of kindness and skill in handling delicate or heavy items set many crews apart from competing moving companies. Still, the highest number of complaints involve unexpectedly high final bills, damage to belongings, and fees that werenโt explained upfront. These issues stand out more starkly here than with other movers. While some praise the staffโs politeness and efficiency, more than half report excessive charges or mishandled propertyโproblems that significantly overshadow the companyโs strengths. Friendly, capable crews help when theyโre on the job, but customers express frustration over costs that donโt match initial expectations. Compare this to most reputable moving firms, and the rate of pricing disputes at All My Sons stands out as a major concern. Before booking, clarify all costs in writing to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 902281
- State license #: 006677527C
Alternative Business Names
- All My Sons Moving & Storage Of Houston, LLC.
Factors influencing moving costs from Houston to Columbia
What to know before moving from Houston to Columbia
Moving from Houston to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Houston than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Houston compares to Columbia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Houston | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,447 |
Average home value | $263,945 | $220,612 |
Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $64,683 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $1,956 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $4,274 |
Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Columbia are 7% lower than in Houston, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Columbia are 16.4% lower than in Houston. - Income in Columbia is 7.4% lower than in Houston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 29.4% lower than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 40.3% lower than in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 26.83% higher than in Houston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbia are 3.03% lower than in Houston.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 7.00% higher than in Houston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,118.41 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Columbia
Columbia | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 2,301,572 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 35 | 47 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 49 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 63.5 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 36.5 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 94% less than Houston.
- Columbia's public transportation has a similar score to Houston.
- Columbia is less walkable than Houston with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 3.0 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 48.39 vs Houston's 36.5.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Houston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Houston vs. Columbia move
- Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in South Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While South Carolina doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Columbia without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbia
With your sights set on "Soda City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Seven Oaks
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Chapin
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
Once youโre settled into your new home in South Carolina, itโs time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, and South Carolina Military Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Columbia?
The best time to move from Houston to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Houston to Columbia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Houston to Columbia take?
The 1,002-mile move from Houston, TX, to Columbia, SC, takes two to eight days. Some Houston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.