($611+) Orlando, FL to Houston, TX Movers
Moving from Orlando, FL, to Houston, TX, runs anywhere from $611 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,846 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 962 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,849, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,846 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,084 - $3,861, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $611 - $1,758.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Orlando, FL, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,072 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Orlando, FL to Houston, TX
Moving options from Orlando to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,072 - $5,317 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 28% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 68% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 962-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 962-mile route from Orlando to Houston, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,849 - $4,217 | $1,084 - $2,053 | $611 - $1,193 | $985 - $1,922 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,072 - $5,317 | $1,495 - $2,796 | $667 - $1,403 | $1,219 - $2,190 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,462 - $6,846 | $1,858 - $3,861 | $828 - $1,758 | $1,581 - $2,998 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Orlando, FL to Houston, TX
Full-service movers for the 962-mile relocation from Orlando, Florida, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,849 and $6,846. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $307 - $2,048, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Orlando typically charge a base rate around $188 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Orlando to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,849 - $4,217
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,072 - $5,317
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,462 - $6,846
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Orlando to Houston.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Orlando, FL to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Orlando movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Houston, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $512 - $5,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Big Man Movers Corp. | $205 - $1,229/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,458 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,024 - $3,072 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,560 - $10,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $767 - $1,457 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 1776 Moving and Storage, Inc. | $1,024 - $2,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Big Man Movers Corp. | $819 - $3,584 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling1% of local movers | $307 - $1,536 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $666 - $2,048 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $307 - $15,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $307 - $3,584+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Orlando to Houston?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Orlando, FL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Orlando, FL to Houston, TX
Moving containers from Orlando, Florida, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,084 and $3,861. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Orlando runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Orlando to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,084 - $2,053
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $2,796
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,858 - $3,861
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $717 in Orlando, FL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $77 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $154 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Houston, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Florida to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,084. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,495 - $2,796.
What are the best moving containers Orlando to Houston?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Orlando to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Orlando:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Best USA Movers Orlando (5.0/5), 14 years in business
- Orlando Express Movers (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Orlando, FL to Houston, TX
Plan on $611 - $1,758 for a rental moving truck on the 962-mile route from Orlando, Florida, to Houston, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $313 - $358
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Orlando daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Orlando to Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $611 - $1,193
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $667 - $1,403
- 4+ bedrooms: $828 - $1,758
Pro tip: The base rate of $611 - $1,758 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Orlando to Houston. Fuel ($313 - $358), lodging at around $154/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $154 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $67 and $333 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $313 - $358 in fuel for the 962-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $717 in Orlando, Florida, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Orlando to Houston?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Orlando, FL to Houston, TX
For larger DIY moves from Orlando, Florida, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Houston, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,219 and $2,190.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Orlando to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $985 - $1,922
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,219 - $2,190
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,581 - $2,998
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $77 - $154 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Orlando, Florida, for about five hours typically runs $717.
What are the best freight companies from Orlando to Houston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Orlando to Houston. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Orlando, FL vs Houston, TX
Orlando and Houston land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Orlando and 97 in Houston, and average rent is $1,943/mo vs. $1,549/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 41 vs 47 and safety scores are 50.43 vs 36.5.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston, TX to Orlando, FL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Florida to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Florida alone has 885 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 962-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Orlando, FL, to Houston, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,849 for a studio to $6,846 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 962-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,084 - $3,861. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $611 - $1,758, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,072 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.
FAQs: Moving from Orlando, FL, to Houston, TX
What are the best neighborhoods in Houston?
For families, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, and Kingwood are worth a look in Houston. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Greenway/Upper Kirby, and Montrose tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Houston?
Houston has a walkability score of 47 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, compared to 41 and 57 in Orlando. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Houston a safe place to live?
Houston has a safety index of 36.5 out of 100 and a crime index of 63.5, compared to 50.43 and 49.57 in Orlando. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Orlando, FL to Houston, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Orlando, FL to Houston, TX?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Orlando movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Orlando handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.