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The best local movers for Houston to Cleveland moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Houston that also handles long-distance moves to Cleveland. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 49 local movers in Houston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Houston to Cleveland.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
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
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
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
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
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Cleveland?
The average hourly rate for movers in Texas is $131. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,140 – $4,853 | $950 – $2,327 | $821 – $1,566 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,868 – $6,602 | $1,553 – $3,190 | $836 – $1,756 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,834 – $8,421 | $2,326 – $4,540 | $1,105 – $2,142 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Cleveland
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Houston to Cleveland will cost between $1,140 and $4,853. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Houston to Houston will range from $2,868 to $6,602, and a large move from Houston to Cleveland will cost from $4,834 to $8,421.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Cleveland
If you’re moving from Houston to Cleveland, expect to pay between $950 and $2,327 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,553 up to $3,190. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,326 and $4,540. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Cleveland
Renting a moving truck from Houston to Cleveland is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $821 and $1,566. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $836 and $1,756. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,105 up to $2,142 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Houston to Cleveland
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,319, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,838.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Houston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($821–$1,880) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Houston to Cleveland
Many movers find Cleveland easier on the wallet than Houston – roughly 10% less for singles and 6% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,490 for one person in Cleveland versus $2,770 in Houston. For a family of four, it’s $6,729 compared with $7,157.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Houston | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,338 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $2,733 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $108,509 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $64,965 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $2,490 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $6,729 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 3.5% |
- If you’re heading to Cleveland from Houston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 16% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 59% less in Cleveland than in Houston.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 7% lower in Cleveland compared to Houston.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Cleveland. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 10% lower than in Houston.
- Choosing to move to Cleveland can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 6% less than in Houston.
- In Cleveland, the unemployment rate is approximately 66% higher than in Houston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Cleveland and Houston (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Ohio has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Houston and Cleveland:
| Living Expense | Houston | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $310.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $48.93 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $3.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $55.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $35.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in Cleveland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Houston than in Cleveland.
- Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Cleveland.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Cleveland.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Houston than in Cleveland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Houston than in Cleveland.
How life is different in Houston vs. Cleveland
| Houston | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 372,624 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 57 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 52 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 63.41 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 36.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Cleveland’s population is about 84% less than Houston.
- Cleveland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Houston’s score of 5.
- Cleveland is more walkable than Houston with a score of 57 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Cleveland is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Cleveland and Houston have a similar crime rate with scores of 63.41 and 63.5, respectively.
- Cleveland and Houston have a similar safety level, with scores of 36.59 and 36.5.
- Air quality in Cleveland is Moderate, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Cleveland move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Ohio doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Cleveland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Cleveland
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to America’s North Coast, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Cleveland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Tremont
- Ohio City
- Detroit-Shoreway
- Clark-Fulton
- Waterloo
Best neighborhoods for families
- Edgewater
- Jefferson
- Kamm’s Corner
- Ohio City
- Old Brooklyn
Things to do in Cleveland
Once you’re settled into your new home in Ohio, it’s time to get out and discover what Cleveland has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Cleveland, such as the A Christmas Story House, African American Museum, ARTneo, and Artists Archives of the Western Reserve.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Edgewater Park, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and Rocky River Reservation — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Cleveland Browns (NFL)Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)Cleveland Charge NBA G-League)Cleveland Crunch (MASL2)Cleveland Guardians (MLB)Cleveland Monsters (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Cleveland?
The best time to move from Houston to Cleveland 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 Cleveland?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Houston to Cleveland, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Houston to Cleveland take?
Moving from Houston, TX to Cleveland, covers 1,297 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Houston movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Cleveland.
Which movers in Houston give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Houston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 27 movers in Houston advertise piano moving expertise. 15 movers in Houston provide antique moving services. State totals show 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Houston moving services
Popular Texas routes
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