Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage review 2026 (Houston, TX)
In business since 1969 · Updated
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage is a Houston, TX mover ranked #7 of 22 Houston movers and #69 of 843 in Texas with a 4.44/5 rating.
95% of Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage's 278 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 1969, Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #436264) and operates 8 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage measures up
Across 278 reviews, Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage in Houston, TX is rated 4.8/5 on Google (238 reviews) and 3.8/5 on Yelp (10 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage ranks #69 out of 843 movers in Texas with a moveBuddha Score of 4.44 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.44.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Brand
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.4
- Review quality
- 4.2
Google rating
Based on 238 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 10 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage moveBuddha Certified?
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage?
Out of 278 verified reviews, 95% of customers left a positive review about Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage in Houston, TX. 5% of reviews are negative. Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage has a 6% higher positive review percentage than the average Texas moving company (95% vs the Texas state average of 89%).
- Positive95%(264)
- Negative5%(14)
Based on 278 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage's attention to detail.
Efficient service
Many customers praise Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
Professional and polite staff
Customers say the Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.
What positive reviewers say
“The crew was right on time, fast, efficient, and very careful with our belongings and both homes. They were friendly and respectful, which helped reduce our stress.”
Mia S WagstaffVerified ReviewerGoogle“The team did a great job moving all furniture and boxes. Very careful with all items. Very careful not to scuff or scratch walls and floors. Great price.”
Jared SimpsonVerified ReviewerGoogle“All the movers were just terrific! Worked hard and we’re very courteous and careful in moving even our most precious pieces. Their price was the most reasonable.”
Lisa Reid ColeVerified ReviewerGoogle“Isaac, Jack, Tony, and Frank were courteous, kind, helpful, and communicative. They made a stressful situation feel calm and organized and managed the move very efficiently.”
Laura StanleyVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
Higher-than-expected costs
Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.
What negative reviewers say
“The crew rushed through the move, charged extra to wrap my furniture, and didn't wrap it appropriately. My furniture was damaged, scratched, and broken.”
Darlene McKinneyVerified ReviewerGoogle“Once the move was done, I discovered that many of my possessions weren't packed or moved. I packed and moved them myself. The final invoice was higher than proposed.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “We were charged 1.5hrs to and from our location. At $140/hr, this cost quickly got out of hand. Several of our expensive wood furniture pieces were damaged due to inadequate protection.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Upon delivery, we discovered much damage to our china cabinet base. They broke two men's valets, the spines of hundreds of books, and over 50 picture frames.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage
4.44Houston, TXSince 1969
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage
4.44
Houston, TX · Since 1969
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Houston.
Compare prices side by side
See where Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage offer?
Licensed under US DOT number 436264, Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage offers local moves, long-distance moves, international moves, and packing.
Services offered
Is Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 436264 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 436264, as JOHNNIE T MELIA CO INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Texas intrastate license, number 0000005457.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 0000005457Issued by Texas. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- JOHNNIE T MELIA CO INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- SatisfactoryAssigned after a compliance review
- Trucks registered
- 8Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 60,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2025
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- June 2026
How much does Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage cost?
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Texas, you can expect to pay approximately $130/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Texas moving companies similar to Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage typically bill the amounts below using a $130/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Texas moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage compares with the top 10 Houston movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.44 out of 5, Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage ranks seventh among the top 10 Houston movers, 0.06 points behind Student Movers Inc. and just ahead of Bellhop Moving. Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage's score rests on 278 reviews, fewer than any of the ten. Where Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage falls behind is customer service, with a customer service score that trails seven of the ten.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Houston, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 Men MoversHouston | 4.76 | 4,913 | 4.8 | 3.8 | A+ |
| 2 | Square CowKaty | 4.72 | 421 | 4.8 | 4.3 | A+ |
| 3 | A Better Tripp Moving & StorageHouston | 4.62 | 509 | 4.8 | 3.5 | A+ |
| 4 | Firefighting's Finest Moving & StorageSpring | 4.58 | 1,229 | 4.8 | 4.3 | A+ |
| 5 | All My Sons Moving & StorageHouston | 4.52 | 4,791 | 4.6 | 1.5 | A |
| 6 | Student Movers Inc.Houston | 4.50 | 1,548 | 4.6 | 2.6 | A+ |
| 7 | Johnnie T. Melia Moving & StorageThis mover · ranks #7 | 4.44 | 278 | 4.8 | 3.8 | A+ |
| 8 | Bellhop MovingHouston | 4.42 | 445 | 4.6 | 3.1 | F |
| 9 | Optimus Moving ServicesKaty | 4.38 | 630 | 4.9 | 4.7 | B- |
| 10 | Ameritex MoversHouston | 4.38 | 284 | 4.7 | 3.0 | D- |
| 11 | Summit Moving And Storage HoustonHouston | 4.36 | 615 | 4.6 | 1.8 | — |
How does Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage compare to other Texas movers?
- moveBuddha score#69 of 843(better than average)
4.44vs 3.68 avg
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage scores 4.44, above the Texas average of 3.68, and ranks #69 of 843 Texas movers.
- Positive reviews#361 of 843(better than average)
95%vs 89% avg
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage has 95% positive reviews, above the Texas average of 89%, and ranks #361 of 843 Texas movers.
- Negative reviews#389 of 843(better than average)
5%vs 10% avg
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage has 5% negative reviews, below the Texas average of 10%, and ranks #389 of 843 Texas movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#226 of 843(worse than average)
278vs 337 avg
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage has 278 reviews analyzed, below the Texas average of 337, and ranks #226 of 843 Texas movers.
- Yelp rating#112 of 843(better than average)
3.8vs 3.4 avg
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage has a Yelp rating of 3.8, above the Texas average of 3.4, and ranks #112 of 843 Texas movers.
- BBB rating#47 of 843(better than average)
A+vs A- avg
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage has a BBB rating of A+, above the Texas average of A-, and ranks #47 of 843 Texas movers.
- Years in business#20 of 843(better than average)
57 yearsvs 23 years avg
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage has been in business for 57 years, above the Texas average of 23 years, and ranks #20 of 843 Texas movers.
| Metric | This moverJohnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage | Texas avg | Texas rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#69 of 843 in Texas | 4.44 | 3.68 | #69 of 843 | +0.76(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#361 of 843 in Texas | 95% | 89% | #361 of 843 | +6 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#389 of 843 in Texas | 5% | 10% | #389 of 843 | −5 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#226 of 843 in Texas | 278 | 337 | #226 of 843 | −59(worse than average) |
| Yelp ratingBased on only 10 reviews#112 of 843 in Texas | 3.8 | 3.4 | #112 of 843 | +0.4(better than average) |
| BBB rating#47 of 843 in Texas | A+ | A- | #47 of 843 | +2 steps(better than average) |
| Years in business#20 of 843 in Texas | 57 years | 23 years | #20 of 843 | +34(better than average) |
Compared with 843 Texas movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Texas.
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage
4.44Houston, TXSince 1969
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Houston.
Compare prices side by side
See where Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage
4.44
Houston, TX · Since 1969
Final verdict: Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage
Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage earns a 4.44/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #7 among Houston movers, with 95% positive feedback across 278 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and respect for property. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.
With 8 trucks and a track record dating to 1969, it has more history than the average Texas mover, and the most common complaint is damage to items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Texas moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage
- Phone
- (713) 683-8585
- Website
- jtmeliamoving.com
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.