The best local movers for Irvine to Houston moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Irvine that also handles long-distance moves to Houston. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 86 local movers in Irvine 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 Irvine to Houston.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage , An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Irvine to Houston?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. 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 | $1,222 – $4,629 | $943 – $2,566 | $875 – $1,660 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,095 – $6,611 | $1,862 – $3,565 | $1,016 – $2,162 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,088 – $9,729 | $2,439 – $4,715 | $1,304 – $2,566 |
Cost to hire movers from Irvine to Houston
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Irvine to Houston will cost between $1,222 and $4,629. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Irvine to Irvine will range from $3,095 to $6,611, and a large move from Irvine to Houston will cost from $5,088 to $9,729.
Cost of moving containers from Irvine to Houston
If you’re moving from Irvine to Houston, expect to pay between $943 and $2,566 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,862 up to $3,565. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,439 and $4,715. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Irvine to Houston
Renting a moving truck from Irvine 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 $875 and $1,660. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,016 and $2,162. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,304 up to $2,566 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Irvine to Houston
The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,395, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,593.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Irvine, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($875–$2,321) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Irvine to Houston
Many movers find Houston easier on the wallet than Irvine – roughly 70% less for singles and 60% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,770 for one person in Houston versus $9,167 in Irvine. For a family of four, it’s $7,157 compared with $18,000.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Irvine | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,719 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,575 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $1,561,760 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $9,167 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $18,000 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you’re heading to Houston from Irvine, you’ll find that rent is roughly 61% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 83% less in Houston than in Irvine.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 39% lower in Houston compared to Irvine.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Houston. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 70% lower than in Irvine.
- Choosing to move to Houston can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 60% less than in Irvine.
- Houston enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 24% lower compared to Irvine, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 6% in Houston over Irvine, 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 Irvine and Houston:
| Living Expense | Irvine | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $54.17 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Irvine than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Irvine than in Houston.
- Eggs cost more in Irvine than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Irvine than in Houston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Irvine than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Irvine than in Houston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Irvine than in Houston.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Houston
| Irvine | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 49 |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 68.99 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 648% greater than Irvine.
- Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Irvine’s score of 4.
- Houston is more walkable than Irvine with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Irvine’s 43 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69.
- Houston’s crime rate is higher than Irvine with a score of 63.5 compared to Irvine’s 31.01. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 36.5 vs Irvine’s 68.99.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Irvine it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine 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 Irvine to Houston?
The best time to move from Irvine to Houston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Irvine.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Irvine 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 Irvine to Houston take?
Moving from Irvine, CA to Houston, covers 1,529 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Irvine movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Houston.
Which movers in Irvine give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 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 Irvine?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 66 movers in Irvine advertise piano moving expertise. 55 movers in Irvine provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 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
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