Best Long-Distance Movers in Texas (2026 Guide)

We found Safeway Moving and Flex Moving & Storage to be the best long-distance movers in Texas based on our research. moveBuddha reviewed 506 movers in the state that offer interstate moving services and narrowed our selection to 3 national movers and 5 Texas-based movers. We ranked them on quote quality, firsthand pricing data, and 263,234 customer reviews, 89% of them positive.

Most full-service long-distance moves out of Texas cost between $881 and $3,433 depending on home size and destination.

Texas ranks #3 nationally for net inbound moving volume, accounting for 13.1% of all net inbound moving searches in the country in early 2026. See our 2026 Moving Trends Report.

Who are the best long-distance movers in Texas?

Based on our analysis of 506 interstate movers, Safeway Moving leads our rankings for Texas followed by American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines:

Mover Rating Best for Est. cost
Safeway Moving 4.9 / 5 Moves 500+ miles from Texas $5,290
American Van Lines 4.9 / 5 Antiques & high-value items $5,400
Allied Van Lines 4.2 / 5 Best for contents coverage $4,500–$7,100

For moves exceeding 500 miles from the Lone Star State, these national long-distance movers are the clear choice. Their carrier networks reach all 48 contiguous states, and their tracking, dispatch, and scheduling infrastructure is purpose-built for multi-state routing that regional carriers cannot replicate. They are the best fit for larger households, cross-country relocations, and shipments that require packing services or specialty-item handling. For moves under 500 miles, the Texas-based companies below can also be a good fit.

Safeway Moving

Safeway Moving (USDOT#: 3166589) earns our best overall value designation in Texas by pairing reasonably priced full-service moving with higher-end features that can reduce stress and add predictability on a long-distance move.

  • Best overall value: Safeway Moving stands out with a barcode-scanned inventory and 24/7 customer support, giving you more control and visibility than many competing movers in this article.
  • Competitive advantage: Its value story gets even stronger with 30 days of free climate-controlled storage and optional full-value protection, 2 features that matter more on larger moves or shipments with expensive items.
  • Better Moves Data: One Better Moves participant got a $4,300 Safeway quote to move roughly 2,500 pounds about 1,300 miles.
Mover Certified by moveBuddha
Best overall value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
At A Glance
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
read our full Safeway Moving review

American Van Lines

American Van Lines (USDOT#: 614506) stands out as the most experienced full-service interstate mover in Texas because it combines carrier-level control with the specialized expertise required for long-distance moves involving antiques, pianos, oversized pieces, and other valuable items.

  • Most experienced handling: American Van Lines uses trained in-house crews to handle fragile, oversized, and high-value items, offering a higher level of consistency on moves where precision is essential.
  • Competitive advantage: The company also shines for its custom crating, climate-controlled storage, antique services, and last-minute long-distance availability, making it a strong fit for specialty-item and high-complexity moves.
  • Average cost: moveBuddha quote data suggests an average of about $3,948 for a 1,000-mile, 2-bedroom interstate move with American Van Lines.
  • Better Moves Data: A Better Moves participant moving a one-bedroom household about 831 miles was quoted $3,332 by American Van Lines and paid $4,074 after adding packing and extra items.
Mover Certified by moveBuddha
Most experienced mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
At A Glance
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
read our full American Van Lines review

Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines (USDOT#: 076235) is our top pick for the best contents coverage among full-service interstate movers for Texas because it combines broad protection options with storage, crating, and shipment tracking for valuable, fragile, and hard-to-replace belongings.

  • Best for contents coverage: Allied Van Lines offers flexible contents protection plans that make it a strong choice for long-distance moves where safeguarding your items is just as important as price.
  • Competitive advantage: Allied strengthens that position with flexible storage, vehicle shipping, Allied Express container moves, and 24/7 shipment tracking, making it a strong fit for households with more complex moving needs.
  • Average cost: Pricing typically falls in the mid- to premium range, with moveBuddha sample data at $4,300 for a 2- to 3-bedroom move of 1,000 miles and one Better Moves participant receiving a quote of $9,081.
Best for contents coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
At A Glance
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
read our full Allied Van Lines review

Which Texas-based movers are best for long-distance moves?

The movers below are headquartered in Texas and hold active FMCSA interstate operating authority. They are the stronger option for interstate moves under 500 miles and 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom households that want direct contact with a locally accountable team. A local headquarters translates to a single point of contact, faster dispute resolution, and scheduling flexibility that national carrier networks cannot match on shorter corridors.

Here are our top picks among Texas-based movers, after reviewing 506 companies that handle interstate moves:

Mover Rating Recommendation
Flex Moving & Storage 4.62 / 5 Best for moves under 500 miles in Texas
Johnson Storage & Moving 4.52 / 5 Best for apartment moves
A Better Tripp Moving & Storage 4.7 / 5 Best for moves under 500 miles
AM Moving Company LLC 4.7 / 5 Best for midsize household moves
Square Cow 4.7 / 5 Best for flexible scheduling
Mover Certified by moveBuddha
checkmark Quick response times
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Helpful movers
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Professional and polite staff
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
81%
Years active
4
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moveBuddha logo
4.6
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Google logo
4.4
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Yelp logo
3.9
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BBB logo
Grade B
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Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Packing materials available
  • Small moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.4

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Flex Moving & Storage has been in business for 4 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and labor-only moving.

Review quality 5.0

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Flex Moving & Storage has about 81% positive reviews across roughly 458 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.

Quote accuracy 4.2

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Flex Moving & Storage.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Flex Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

The two Jeremiahs did our move, courteous, hard-working, and fast. They unloaded our U-Haul in Dallas in less than two hours in scorching heat and up stairs. Best price we found.

Tyrese, Jay, and Que did a great job: fast, professional, and easy to work with. I would use them again in a heartbeat.

DOT number
4260615
Address
1801 Royal Ln Ste 405 B, Dallas, TX, 75229
State license
009944825C
checkmark Organized packing
checkmark Consistency and follow-up
checkmark Good communication
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Respectful of property
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
77%
Years active
126
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.5
link icon
Google logo
4.1
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Yelp logo
2.8
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BBB logo
Grade F
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Packing
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Available discounts

  • Military discount

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Johnson Storage & Moving has been in business for 126 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Johnson Storage & Moving has about 77% positive reviews across roughly 116 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.

Quote accuracy 4.2

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Johnson Storage & Moving. Discounts may be available for groups like military.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Johnson Storage & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

The crew packed our high-value art and delicate breakables with extra care, protected the walls and floors, and delivered everything unscathed through winter weather.

The driver kept in contact with us, arrived when promised, and he and his son were extremely careful with our belongings. They put boxes in the rooms we requested.

DOT number
077949
Address
4646 Bronze Way, Dallas, TX, 75236
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
006615079C
checkmark Consistency and follow-up
checkmark Organized packing
checkmark Respectful of property
checkmark Affordable rates
checkmark Careful handling
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
92%
Years active
30
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.7
link icon
Google logo
4.8
link icon
Yelp logo
3.5
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Estate moves
  • Piano moves
  • Pool table moving
  • Small moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. A Better Tripp Moving & Storage has been in business for 30 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.

Review quality 4.6

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. A Better Tripp Moving & Storage has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 509 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.

Quote accuracy 4.2

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from A Better Tripp Moving & Storage.

Customer service 4.4

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. A Better Tripp Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

They kept us updated on arrivals and departures, handled our valuables with care, and provided great customer service and follow-up.

The packing of the truck was masterful. Everything arrived safely, and the price was fair.

DOT number
679167
Address
5400 Mitchelldale Suite B1, Houston, TX, 77092
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
005972633C
checkmark Affordable rates
checkmark Respectful of property
checkmark Flexibility
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Quick moving process
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
87%
Years active
11
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.7
link icon
Google logo
4.4
link icon
Yelp logo
4.2
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Antiques moving
  • Estate moves
  • Piano moves
  • Safe moving
  • Debris removal
  • Junk removal
  • Small moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full valuation coverage
  • International moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Available discounts

  • Military discount

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. AM Moving Company LLC has been in business for 11 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and intrastate moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. AM Moving Company LLC has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 1400 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.

Quote accuracy 4.3

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from AM Moving Company LLC. Discounts may be available for groups like military.

Customer service 4.7

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. AM Moving Company LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.

Recent reviews

The pricing was competitive, the staff was professional, and the entire move was well organized.

My belongings made it from Texas to Wisconsin in just THREE days! Everything arrived safely and in great condition.

DOT number
3753099
Address
5641 SMU BLVD, #128, Dallas, TX, 75206
Payment methods
Cash • Credit Card
checkmark Friendly and approachable staff
checkmark Respectful of property
checkmark Helpful movers
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
90%
Years active
18
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.7
link icon
Google logo
4.8
link icon
Yelp logo
3.6
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Square Cow has been in business for 18 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and labor-only moving.

Review quality 5.0

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Square Cow has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 1794 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.6.

Quote accuracy 3.7

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Square Cow.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Square Cow emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

They were very respectful and went out of their way to be courteous and helpful. They worked quickly, were careful with our belongings, and I would use them again without hesitation.

The workers are polite, friendly and professional, and so amazingly fast. They even moved our piano up the stairs. The final bill came in well under the quote.

DOT number
1748594
Address
4005 Warehouse Row, Austin, TX, 78704
Payment methods
Cash • Credit Card

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What specialty moving services are available for long-distance Texas relocations?

Texas long-distance movers offer piano transport, antique moving, art packing and transport, climate-controlled storage, and fragile-only packing. Availability varies by company and market. Use the tabs below to see which movers in Texas provide each specialty and get our top recommendation for each category.

Piano Icon
Piano
Antiques Icon
Antiques
Art Icon
Art
Storage Icon
Climate Storage
Fragile Icon
Fragile-Only

Which Texas long-distance movers offer piano transport?

AB Moving (4.7/5) is moveBuddha's top pick for piano moving services among Texas long-distance movers. Moving a piano long-distance typically adds $2.50 to $10 per mile, and most homeowners spend between $258 and $573 for the service. 336 long-distance movers in Texas provide piano moving services. Ask how the mover protects the instrument in transit and what level of coverage applies to the shipment.

What are the cheapest alternatives to full-service movers in Texas?

Full-service movers aren't the only option for a move from the Lone Star State. These alternatives can lower costs and provide a more hands-on long-distance moving experience.

  • Moving container companies: With this option, a mover drops off a portable container, gives you time to load it yourself, and then transports it to your destination. Long-distance container pricing from Texas starts around $2,054. Our top choice is PODS.
  • Rental trucks: Rental truck companies provide the truck and put you in charge of loading, driving, and unloading. Long-distance rental truck pricing from Texas ranges from $20 to $100 per day. Our top choice is Budget Truck Rental.
  • Labor-only movers: This service model provides professional loading and unloading help without supplying the truck or transportation. Labor-only pricing in Texas ranges from $59 to $79 per hour. Our top choice is Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage.

What a container move out of Texas actually cost

Sree used 1-800-PACK-RAT and reported the whole move to us through the Better Moves Project, moving from Houston, TX to MapleGrove, MN, a 1,200-mile trip.

  • Moved: April 2024
  • Quoted: $2,428
  • Final cost: $2,353
  • Rated: 5/5 overall, 4/5 on timeliness

How to hire a long-distance mover in Texas

A smarter move to or from Texas starts with comparing the details instead of the sales pitch. With 506 movers licensed for interstate moves, it's key to look closely at pricing, timing, protection, and delivery terms. On long-distance moves, the lowest quote doesn't always deliver the best overall value.

Start with a plan. Our moving checklist helps you organize dates, inventory, and priorities before quotes start coming in.

  1. Estimate your interstate move cost. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized long-distance estimate for your Texas move. Most interstate moves from Texas cost $881 for a 2-bedroom up to $3,433 for a 5+ bedroom home.
  2. Compare national vs in-state carriers. Compare national carriers (Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, Allied Van Lines) against Texas-based interstate movers for routes under 500 miles. National movers suit longer routes and larger households; in-state carriers offer closer local contact on shorter corridors.
  3. Verify USDOT registration and valuation coverage. Verify every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Confirm the mover offers full-value protection in addition to the free released-value coverage ($0.60/lb), which is rarely sufficient for a full household.
  4. Get 3+ written binding estimates. Request written binding or not-to-exceed estimates from at least 3 licensed interstate movers. Each quote should cover the same inventory, route, and services so you can compare real value, not just headline price.
  5. Review the quote checklist. Review every line item before booking: access fees, packing, storage-in-transit, shuttle service, stair carries, and long carries. Ask what conditions can change the final price and whether the mover is a carrier or a broker.
  6. Book early and prepare for the delivery window. Book as early as your dates allow — especially for summer moves. Confirm the full delivery window (not just the earliest date) and ask how the mover handles weather delays and rescheduling before move day.

How to compare long-distance moving quotes

Review the checklist below to evaluate moving quotes side by side and spot any hidden fees before committing.

  • Collect at least 3 written quotes: Each mover should be bidding on the same inventory and the same scope of service for a fair comparison.
  • Identify what can trigger added charges: You should know in advance what conditions or services can increase the final bill.
  • Review what is built into the quote: Ask each mover to spell out exactly which services and charges are already included.
  • Use low quotes as a prompt to investigate: Competitive pricing matters, but missing costs are often what make a quote look cheaper.
  • Verify common add-ons: Confirm whether the estimate includes long carries, oversized furniture, specialty items, stairs, and storage.

Verify licensing, valuation, and coverage

A legitimate interstate mover should be easy to verify. Before you book, use the checklist below to confirm you're dealing with a properly authorized company.

  • Start with Texas's licensing authority. Check that the company is properly registered, confirm the business name matches the quote and paperwork, and make sure the mover is actually authorized to operate where your move begins.
  • The Southwest Movers Association can be a useful secondary checkpoint when you are screening movers in Texas. Use it to research whether a company appears active in the local industry, but don't treat trade-group involvement as a substitute for licensing or operating authority.
  • Before you sign, review what level of valuation protection is included and ask what additional moving insurance or upgraded coverage options are available for higher-value items. For interstate moves, it's also smart to review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA's) Protect Your Move resources so you understand your rights and the records you should verify before booking.

PCS moves from Texas: what military families should know

6 long-distance movers in Texas hold DOD certification, meaning they are approved to handle Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves for military families. If you are relocating on military orders, a DOD-certified mover is required for government-funded moves and is strongly recommended for privately funded PCS moves to ensure proper liability coverage and scheduling priority. Use your pre-booking checklist to confirm the mover's DOD certification status and ask about peak-season booking lead times, which can be tight at major installations. See our full guide to the best military movers for a deeper breakdown of PCS-specific options and what to look for in a DOD-certified carrier.

Best time to move from Texas

When you move matters almost as much as who you hire. Timing affects both price and availability — peak demand in Texas runs from late May through early September, when rates are highest and booking windows are tightest. Moving outside that window can save 10%–20% on your quote and give you more scheduling flexibility.

Time of year Cost level Availability Weather risk Recommendation
January–February Low High Low Best value; confirm mover's winter delay policy
March–April Low–moderate Good Low–moderate Strong shoulder season; good balance of price and conditions
May–August High Limited High (heat) Peak season; book 6–8 weeks ahead minimum
September–October Moderate Good Low Excellent timing; cooler temps and more mover availability
November–December Low High Low Low prices; avoid holiday weeks for best scheduling

Regardless of when you move, book as early as your dates allow. The most in-demand movers fill their peak-season calendars 4–8 weeks out, and mid-month weekday moves tend to offer better pricing and crew availability than weekend moves at the end of the month.

How much does a long-distance move from Texas cost?

Most long-distance move costs from Texas fall between $881 and $3,433. Use that range to set expectations — final costs are shaped by home size, mileage, timing, and what services you add.

Based on moveBuddha data, here's the price to move from Texas to popular destinations:

Route Distance Studio to 3-bedroom cost
Texas to California 1,406 mi $1,250–$6,640
Texas to Florida 1,364 mi $1,160–$6,770
Texas to New York 1,767 mi $1,250–$7,050
Texas to Pennsylvania 1,625 mi $1,270–$7,080

Full-service (professional mover) pricing for a studio through 3-bedroom household, from moveBuddha quote data as of November 2026. Moving containers and rental trucks typically run 30% or more below these figures.

Estimated cost by mover

Here's how our top recommended long-distance movers compare on estimated cost and deposit requirements for a typical Texas move.

Company Estimated cost* Requires deposit
Safeway Moving $5,290 Varies (10%—40%)
American Van Lines $5,400 Up to 50%
Allied Van Lines $4,500–$7,100 None

*Estimated costs are based on a 3-bedroom move of about 1,500 miles. Final pricing depends on inventory, distance, timing, and service level.

What drives long-distance moving costs from Texas

Shipment size and mileage are the 2 biggest cost drivers — but packing services ($0.15–$0.21/lb), storage-in-transit ($0.50/cu ft), access fees ($75–$500+), and shuttle service can all add significantly to your final bill. DIY options like moving containers or rental trucks typically cost 30% less than full-service movers. For a full cost breakdown by home size, route, and service type, see our Texas moving cost guide. Understanding binding vs. non-binding estimates before you book will also help you avoid surprises on delivery day.

Key takeaways

TopicKey Finding
Best long-distance movers in Texas We consider Safeway Moving (best overall value), American Van Lines (most experienced), and Allied Van Lines (best for contents coverage) the best long-distance movers in Texas.
Average move cost Long-distance moves out of Texas cost between $881 and $3,433, based on moveBuddha's Texas pricing data. Shipment size and move distance are the leading long-distance moving cost factors.
How to save on your move The moveBuddha moving cost calculator lets you compare quotes side by side and get quick estimates from reputable movers. moveBuddha users pay 30% less on average than someone who hires the first mover they contact.

Popular long-distance routes from Texas

moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes. The most common long-distance moves from Texas run to California, Texas, Florida, New York, and the Carolinas. Use the links below to find route-specific cost data and recommended movers for your destination.

Route Route details
Texas to CaliforniaCross-country route; strong demand year-round
Texas to FloridaHigh-volume retirement and lifestyle move
Texas to New YorkNortheast corridor; dense urban delivery complexity
Texas to North CarolinaGrowing Southeast destination; strong inbound demand
Texas to GeorgiaSoutheast hub; major corporate relocation market
Texas to ArizonaSun Belt destination; seasonal pricing variation
Texas to WashingtonPacific Northwest corridor; tech-sector demand
Texas to ColoradoMountain West route; strong year-round volume
Texas to IllinoisMidwest hub; major urban access considerations

FAQs about long-distance movers in Texas

Who are the best long-distance movers in Texas?

Based on moveBuddha's review of 506 movers licensed for interstate service in Texas, Safeway Moving is our top national pick for overall value. Flex Moving & Storage is the leading in-state option among the Texas-based long-distance movers featured on this page.

National movers are a stronger fit for longer interstate routes, larger homes, and moves that include packing, storage, or specialty-item handling. Local companies based in Texas can be a better fit for shorter long-distance moves and customers who want closer local contact.

How much does a long-distance move from Texas cost?

Most long-distance moves from Texas cost between $881 and $3,433. That range is broad because price changes with shipment size, mileage, access, timing, and service level.

Costs climb fastest when a move includes packing, storage, shuttle service, stair carries, long carries, or bulky items. The best way to judge real value is to compare written estimates for the same inventory, route, and services.

How much does it cost to move from Texas to California?

The cost to move from Texas to California ranges from $1,250 to $6,640 with full-service movers. The low end reflects a small studio-sized shipment and the high end a 3-bedroom household.

Moving containers and rental trucks run about 30% less on this route, though you handle more of the packing and loading yourself.

Is it better to hire a national mover or a Texas-based mover for an interstate move?

For interstate moves over 500 miles, national movers are often the better choice because their route networks, dispatch systems, and support teams are built to coordinate long-distance moves. They also make more sense for larger households and moves with added services.

Texas-based movers can be the better choice for shorter interstate routes, smaller homes, and shoppers who prefer a company rooted in the state. In Texas, 63% of movers advertise interstate service, so hiring a local long-distance mover is an option, but it still needs to be verified company by company.

When should I book long-distance movers in Texas for the best availability and pricing?

Book as soon as your dates are finalized. The best combination of availability and smoother scheduling often comes from flexible weekday moves and shoulder-season timing.

In Texas, peak summer weeks can be harder on crews, schedules, and heat-sensitive belongings. If you have flexibility, target early spring or late fall and ask how the mover handles weather-related delays and delivery windows.

Can I save money on a long-distance move from Texas with labor-only movers, a moving container, or a rental truck?

Yes. DIY options such as moving containers or rental trucks cut moving costs by about 30% on average compared with full-service moving. That tradeoff works best when you can handle more of the packing, loading, coordination, or driving yourself.

Labor-only movers can also lower costs when you already have transportation in place. In Texas, 36% of movers advertise labor-only service, compared with 29% nationwide. For a true interstate move, though, transportation still has to be handled by the right long-distance provider.

How long does a long-distance move from Texas take?

Most long-distance moves take 2 to 14 days from pickup to delivery. Shorter routes under 500 miles can sometimes deliver in 2 to 5 days. Cross-country moves of 2,000+ miles typically take 7 to 14 days, depending on carrier schedules, shipment consolidation, and any required storage stops.

National carriers operate on delivery windows rather than guaranteed dates, so ask for the full spread — not just the earliest possible date — before you book. If your timeline is tight, ask whether expedited delivery is available and what it costs.

Do I need moving insurance for a long-distance move from Texas?

All interstate movers are required by federal law to offer 2 valuation options: released value protection (free but limited to $0.60 per pound per item) and full-value protection (covers repair or replacement at current market value, but costs extra). Neither is technically "insurance," though third-party moving insurance policies are also available.

Released value is rarely sufficient for a full household. If you have items worth more than a few hundred dollars, ask your mover about full-value protection pricing and review the coverage terms carefully. Review the FMCSA's Protect Your Move guide for a full breakdown of your rights.

What questions should I ask a long-distance mover before booking?

Before signing with any mover, ask: Is this a binding or non-binding estimate? What can change the final price? Is the mover a carrier or a broker? What is the delivery window — not just the earliest date? What valuation options are included and what do upgrades cost? What is the deposit policy and cancellation terms?

For a complete list, see our guide to questions to ask your movers before booking.

How do I avoid moving scams when hiring a long-distance mover in Texas?

Verify the mover's USDOT number at the FMCSA's website before signing anything. Rogue movers often quote low to win the job, then demand more money on delivery day — a practice called hostage freight. Red flags include vague paperwork, large upfront deposits, no physical address, and pressure to sign quickly.

Always get a written estimate, confirm the mover's operating authority independently, and read our full guide to common moving scams before you hire.

What is the best time of year to move from Texas?

September through April generally offers the best combination of lower prices and better mover availability. Summer (May–August) is peak moving season — demand is highest, calendars fill up fastest, and rates are at their peak across most carriers.

In Texas, summer heat adds an extra consideration: extreme temperatures can be tough on crews and on heat-sensitive belongings. If you can move in early spring or late fall, you'll get better rates and less weather risk.

What items can't be moved by long-distance movers from Texas?

Interstate movers are prohibited from transporting hazardous materials including propane tanks, flammable liquids, ammunition, and certain chemicals. Most movers will also decline perishable food, plants, and pets. Policies on cleaning supplies, aerosol cans, and pool chemicals vary by carrier — confirm what is on your mover's restricted list before moving day.

Plan to personally transport valuables like jewelry, important documents, and irreplaceable items, as these are typically excluded from standard liability coverage.

How we chose the best long-distance moving companies in Texas

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed 506 interstate movers in Texas and ranked the top companies using a methodology focused on services, customer feedback, online reputation, support, pricing practices, and state availability. Our national picks are Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, and Allied Van Lines.

  • Quotes/Payment options (30%): We give the most weight to estimate quality, deposit and cancellation disclosures, payment methods, discounts, and pricing protections like binding or not-to-exceed estimates.
  • HQ online reputation (21%): We assess a mover's reputation across sources like Google, Trustpilot, the BBB, and other review platforms to identify consistent strengths and complaints.
  • Services (20%): We evaluate the range and quality of services offered, including packing, loading, storage, custom crating, car shipping, and specialty-item handling.
  • Customer support (15%): We look for clear support channels, published hours, dedicated coordinators, delivery-time communication, and proactive customer updates.
  • Review percentages feedback (10%): We use verified customer feedback to measure communication, pricing transparency, punctuality, overall satisfaction, and service quality.
  • State availability (4%): We verify how broadly a company operates and whether it actually serves the states it claims to cover.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

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