Top-rated local movers that handle Detroit to Houston moves
When planning a move from Detroit to Houston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 36 local movers in Detroit who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Detroit to Houston.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Houston?
Movers in Michigan charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,249 – $5,045 | $958 – $2,212 | $833 – $1,454 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,775 – $6,299 | $1,664 – $3,353 | $840 – $1,857 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,935 – $9,557 | $2,258 – $4,322 | $1,122 – $2,154 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Houston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Houston, you can expect to spend between $1,249 and $5,045. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,775 to $6,299 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Detroit to Houston typically runs between $4,935 and $9,557.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Houston
When moving from Detroit to Houston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $958 and $2,212. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,664 to $3,353. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,258 up to $4,322. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Houston
Renting a moving truck in Detroit is usually your cheapest option to get to Houston. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $833 and $1,454. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $840 and $1,857. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,122 and $2,154.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Detroit to Houston
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,393, but larger homes can run up to $8,323.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Detroit.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($833–$2,050) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Houston runs about 11% higher for singles and 7% higher for families than Detroit.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Detroit versus $2,500 in Detroit; families pay $7,157 compared with $6,687.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Detroit | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Houston, note that rent can be roughly 24% more expensive than it is in Detroit; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 261% higher in Houston than in Detroit.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 85% higher in Houston compared to Detroit, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person is 11% more than in Detroit. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Houston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 7% more than it is in Detroit.
- Houston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 55% lower than that of Detroit. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 38% higher in Houston than in Detroit. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Detroit with Houston:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Detroit than in Houston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Houston.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Houston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Detroit than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Houston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Detroit than in Houston.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Houston
| Detroit | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 49 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 260% greater than Detroit.
- Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Houston is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 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 Detroit, which has a score of 52.
- Houston’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 63.5 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Houston is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 36.5 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Houston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Texas doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Houston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Houston
Now that you’ve chosen HOU as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Houston to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, it’s time to see what Houston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Houston offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Detroit to Houston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Detroit to Houston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Detroit are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Houston?
Because spring and fall moves from Detroit to Houston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Detroit to Houston take?
A move of 1,310 miles from Detroit, MI to Houston, generally takes three to eight days. Movers in Detroit sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Houston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Detroit?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Detroit offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 22 movers in Detroit have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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