I Compared 5 Moving Quotes for My California to Texas Move
As told to moveBuddha
- Batool moved from Woodland, California to Austin, Texas, in late February 2022 for a new job opportunity, a 1,788-mile move covering a one-bedroom apartment.
- After comparing five quotes, she hired 1-800-Pack-Rat, and her California to Texas move cost $4,398.48 total, including movers at both ends.
- This is Batool’s story, shared as part of moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project.
This account is based on our conversation with Batool about his move from Woodland, California, to Austin, Texas, in late February 2022 using 1-800-Pack-Rat. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
In late February 2022, I packed up my one-bedroom apartment in Woodland, California, and moved to Austin, Texas, for a new job. With 1,788 miles between my old home and my new one, I knew I needed to research my options carefully.
I started about a month before my move date, calling local movers and searching online. moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator helped me compare moving container companies and find resources like how to pack fragile items for a long-distance move.
My 1-800-Pack-Rat experience at a glance
Here’s a quick summary of how my move went:
- Communication: 1-800-Pack-Rat didn’t communicate effectively while my container was in transit. I had no idea whether it would arrive on time.
- Pricing accuracy and transparency: Pack Rat’s quote was accurate, and I wasn’t hit with unexpected charges at the end.
- Timeliness: My container was delivered on time but arrived very late in the day, which forced me to reschedule my destination movers for the following morning.
- Loss and damage: Some of my son’s furniture was damaged during the move, likely from inadequate padding at the origin and rough handling on delivery.
- Would I use 1-800-Pack-Rat again? Maybe, but only if I couldn’t find a less expensive option.
My move at a glance
| Moving from | Woodland, California |
|---|---|
| Moving to | Austin, Texas |
| Distance | 1,788 miles |
| Moving company | 1-800-Pack-Rat |
| Moving quote | $3,400 (for the container only) |
| Actual cost | $4,398.48 (including movers in California and Texas) |
rating
4.45 / 5
How I researched my California to Texas move
I wasn’t moving any specialty items, but I was eager to avoid unnecessary damage. I also worried that the contents of my one-bedroom apartment wouldn’t fit into an 8-foot moving container. Fortunately, space wasn’t an issue.
After considering full-service movers and moving containers, I decided that 1-800-Pack-Rat offered the best mix of price and services. Pack Rat’s 8, 12, and 16-foot containers appealed to me because I didn’t want to shell out big bucks for professional movers or deal with the added hassle and risk of driving a moving truck.
Why I chose 1-800-Pack-Rat
I originally got five quotes and initially booked a container with U-Pack. I canceled that order when Pack Rat came through with a better price. Based on the size of my apartment, Pack Rat provided a $3,400 quote for an 8-foot container.
Pack Rat representatives answered my questions and walked me through how the process would work. After booking, I prepared by staying organized, packing carefully, and trying not to let the stress get to me. I also booked movers at both the origin and destination because I didn’t want to load and unload the container myself.
rating
4.45 / 5
Pickup day
Pack Rat delivered my empty container on time, and the movers arrived 10 minutes early at 8:50 AM. The crew came prepared with all the materials and equipment they needed to complete the job quickly. I packed last-minute items while they worked.
The crew loaded the container in just two hours. I wasn’t entirely sure everything was adequately padded, but the loading went smoothly overall. I paid for the container with my credit card and the movers with cash.
Delivery day
Communication with Pack Rat stopped after my container was picked up in California. While it was in transit, I had no way of knowing whether it would arrive on time. It did arrive on schedule, but the driver damaged the container while unloading it from the truck.
The container also arrived so late in the day that I had to reschedule my Texas movers for the following morning. When they finally unloaded my household goods, they worked quickly, but some of my son’s furniture came out damaged. Pack Rat didn’t follow up after the move, and I’m still not sure whether I’ll file a damage claim.
Final thoughts
I felt like I paid too much for what I got. The inconvenience of rescheduling my Texas movers, combined with the damage to my son’s furniture, left me with a mixed impression. I attribute the furniture damage to poor wrapping by the California movers and rough handling by the Texas driver.
That was frustrating, but I’ll admit the move was mostly a positive experience. I might consider using 1-800-Pack-Rat on a future move, but only if I couldn’t find a better, more affordable alternative. For more information, check out our in-depth review of 1-800-Pack-Rat.
Ready to compare quotes for your own move? Use moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator to see prices from top moving companies side by side.
Tips for future movers
These are the practical steps we recommend based on Batool’s experience:
- Get at least three quotes before booking: Batool originally booked with U-Pack before switching to Pack Rat after getting a better price. Taking extra time to compare quotes can make a meaningful difference in what you pay.
- Ask about the delivery window before you commit: Batool’s container arrived on schedule but very late in the day, forcing her to reschedule her movers and pay for an extra day. Ask specifically what time of day delivery typically happens and what recourse you have if the window is tight.
- Watch how your movers load the container: Some of Batool’s son’s furniture was damaged, likely from inadequate padding at the origin. Stay present during loading and speak up if anything isn’t being wrapped properly before it goes into the container.
- Know your damage claim options before move day: Batool wasn’t sure whether to file a claim after her move. Review the carrier’s coverage terms in advance so you know exactly what’s covered and how to report damage if it happens.
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