The best local movers for Indianapolis to Houston moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Indianapolis that also handles long-distance moves to Houston. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 27 local movers in Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Houston.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Wheaton Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving and Storage Company , Hilling Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 92
DOT #: 719392
Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Companies , Planes Specialized Logistics , Planes Commercial Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: Crown Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Houston?
The average hourly rate for movers in Indiana is $130. 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 | $1,073 – $4,646 | $833 – $2,092 | $634 – $1,204 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,443 – $5,750 | $1,406 – $2,915 | $699 – $1,460 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,925 – $7,836 | $1,936 – $4,029 | $923 – $1,795 |
Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to Houston
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Houston will cost between $1,073 and $4,646. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Indianapolis will range from $2,443 to $5,750, and a large move from Indianapolis to Houston will cost from $3,925 to $7,836.
Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to Houston
If you’re moving from Indianapolis to Houston, expect to pay between $833 and $2,092 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,406 up to $2,915. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,936 and $4,029. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Houston
Renting a moving truck from Indianapolis to Houston 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 $634 and $1,204. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $699 and $1,460. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $923 up to $1,795 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Indianapolis to Houston
The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,095, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,167.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Indianapolis, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($634–$1,659) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Houston runs about -1% higher for singles and 7% higher for families than Indianapolis.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Indianapolis versus $2,804 in Indianapolis; families pay $7,157 compared with $6,667.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Indianapolis | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,708 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $220,467 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,804 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,667 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 0.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 11% higher in Houston compared to Indianapolis; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 20% greater in Houston than in Indianapolis.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 18% higher in Houston than in Indianapolis, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Houston and Indianapolis, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- When relocating to Houston, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 7% greater than in Indianapolis.
- Houston enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 27% lower compared to Indianapolis, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 18% in Houston over Indianapolis, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Indianapolis and Houston:
| Living Expense | Indianapolis | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $231.67 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.58 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.33 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.00 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.50 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Indianapolis than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Indianapolis than in Houston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Indianapolis than in Houston.
- Bread costs less in Indianapolis than in Houston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Indianapolis than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Indianapolis than in Houston.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Indianapolis than in Houston.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Houston
| Indianapolis | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 49 |
| Crime index | 60.71 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 39.29 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 159% greater than Indianapolis.
- Houston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Indianapolis, making them very similar.
- Houston is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Houston is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Houston and Indianapolis have a similar crime rate with scores of 63.5 and 60.71, respectively.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Indianapolis with a score of 36.5 vs Indianapolis’s 39.29.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis to Houston 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: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas 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 Houston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Houston
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to HOU, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Houston.
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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Texas, it’s time to get out and discover what Houston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Houston, such as 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 — 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 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 Indianapolis to Houston?
The best time to move from Indianapolis to Houston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Indianapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Indianapolis to Houston, 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 Indianapolis to Houston take?
Moving from Indianapolis, IN to Houston, covers 1,014 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Indianapolis movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Houston.
Which movers in Indianapolis give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 3 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 Indianapolis?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 18 movers in Indianapolis advertise piano moving expertise. 10 movers in Indianapolis provide antique moving services. State totals show 43 piano movers and 21 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
Indianapolis moving services
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