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Top-rated local movers that handle Gainesville to Houston moves
When planning a move from Gainesville to Houston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing six local movers in Gainesville who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Gainesville to Houston.
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Hughes Relocation Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Baymeadows Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2106
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2787568
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1531
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Golden Moving Systems, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 077949
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 110502
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 469
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 1040023
Alternate Names: Baymeadows Movers , Mandarin Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Gainesville to Houston?
Movers in Florida charge $172 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,049 – $3,783 | $738 – $1,963 | $552 – $1,140 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,013 – $5,230 | $1,396 – $2,840 | $602 – $1,251 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,672 – $7,112 | $1,802 – $3,535 | $747 – $1,661 |
Cost to hire movers from Gainesville to Houston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Gainesville to Houston, you can expect to spend between $1,049 and $3,783. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,013 to $5,230 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Gainesville to Houston typically runs between $3,672 and $7,112.
Cost of moving containers from Gainesville to Houston
When moving from Gainesville to Houston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $738 and $1,963. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,396 to $2,840. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,802 up to $3,535. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Gainesville to Houston
Renting a moving truck in Gainesville is usually your cheapest option to get to Houston. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $552 and $1,140. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $602 and $1,251. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $747 and $1,661.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Gainesville to Houston
The cost of Gainesville movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,791, but larger homes can run up to $6,167.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Gainesville.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($552–$1,492) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Gainesville to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Houston runs about 60% higher for singles and 105% higher for families than Gainesville.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Gainesville versus $1,727 in Gainesville; families pay $7,157 compared with $3,491.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Gainesville | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,444 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $288,002 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,013 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,727 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,491 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Gainesville to Houston, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 8% lower in Houston than in Gainesville.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 18% higher in Houston compared to Gainesville, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person is 60% more than in Gainesville. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Houston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 105% more than it is in Gainesville.
- Houston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 7% lower than that of Gainesville. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 18% higher in Houston than in Gainesville. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Neither Florida nor Texas has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Gainesville with Houston:
| Living Expense | Gainesville | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $310.42 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.22 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.70 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.25 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Gainesville than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Gainesville than in Houston.
- Eggs cost more in Gainesville than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Gainesville than in Houston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Gainesville than in Houston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Gainesville than in Houston.
How life is different in Gainesville vs. Houston
| Gainesville | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,085 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 49 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 52.61 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 1531% greater than Gainesville.
- Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Gainesville’s score of 6.
- Houston is more walkable than Gainesville with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Gainesville’s 37 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Gainesville, which has a score of 69.
- Houston’s crime rate is higher than Gainesville with a score of 63.5 compared to Gainesville’s 8.0. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Gainesville with a score of 36.5 vs Gainesville’s 52.61.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Gainesville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Gainesville to Houston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Texas doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Houston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Houston
Now that you’ve chosen HOU as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Houston to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, it’s time to see what Houston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Houston offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Gainesville to Houston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Gainesville to Houston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Gainesville are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Gainesville to Houston?
Because spring and fall moves from Gainesville to Houston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Gainesville to Houston take?
A move of 856 miles from Gainesville, FL to Houston, generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Gainesville sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Houston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Gainesville?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Gainesville, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Gainesville offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in Gainesville have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 3 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across FL, there are 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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