($953+) Garland, TX to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Garland, TX, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $953 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,121 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,657 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,138, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,121 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,484 - $5,236, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $953 - $2,609.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Garland, TX, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,934 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Garland, TX to Modesto, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Garland to Modesto: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,934 - $6,569. Containers cost roughly 40% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 64% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,657 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,657-mile route from Garland to Modesto, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,138 - $5,188 | $1,484 - $2,552 | $953 - $1,811 | $1,323 - $2,394 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,934 - $6,569 | $1,751 - $3,795 | $1,052 - $2,333 | $1,518 - $3,127 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,632 - $10,121 | $2,464 - $5,236 | $1,272 - $2,609 | $2,051 - $4,149 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Garland, TX to Modesto, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,657-mile move from Garland, Texas, to Modesto, California, with costs ranging from $2,138 - $10,121. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $319 - $2,128. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Garland and Modesto. Local movers in Garland typically start around $181 as a base rate plus $92/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Garland to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,138 - $5,188
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,934 - $6,569
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,632 - $10,121
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Garland to Modesto.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Garland, TX to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Garland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Modesto, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $532 - $5,320 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $213 - $1,277/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $319 - $2,554 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,064 - $3,192 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,660 - $10,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $797 - $1,514 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: AM Moving Company LLC | $1,064 - $2,660 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Fantastic Moves | $851 - $3,724 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $319 - $1,596 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $692 - $2,128 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $319 - $15,960+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $319 - $3,724+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Garland to Modesto?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Garland, TX. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Garland, TX to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Garland, Texas, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,484 and $5,236. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Garland costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Garland to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,484 - $2,552
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,751 - $3,795
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,464 - $5,236
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $80 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $160 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Modesto, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $745 in Garland, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,484. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,751 - $3,795.
What are the best moving containers Garland to Modesto?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Garland to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Garland:
- Fantastic Moves (4.6/5), 31 years in business
- AB Moving (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- Evolution Moving Company (4.9/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Garland, TX to Modesto, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,657-mile move from Garland, Texas, to Modesto, California, costs between $953 and $2,609, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $561 - $641
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Garland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Garland to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $953 - $1,811
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,052 - $2,333
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,609
Pro tip: The base rate of $953 - $2,609 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Garland to Modesto. Fuel ($561 - $641), lodging at around $160/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $80 and $372.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $160.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $561 and $641 for the 1,657-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $745 for 2 movers in Garland, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Garland to Modesto?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Garland, TX to Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Garland, Texas, to Modesto, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $958 and $3,127.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Garland to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,323 - $2,394
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,518 - $3,127
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,051 - $4,149
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Garland, Texas, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $745.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $80 and $160 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Garland to Modesto?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Garland, TX vs Modesto, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Modesto, side by side with Garland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Garland, TX | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 100 | 116 |
| Average rent | $1,624/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $249,342 | $415,024 |
| Average income | $74,717/yr | $77,899/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 40/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 62.87/100 | 34.24/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Garland, TX guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 843 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 1,657-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,657-mile route from Garland, TX, to Modesto, CA, run $2,138 - $10,121 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,484 - $5,236, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $953 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,934, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Garland, TX, to Modesto, CA
What are the best neighborhoods in Modesto?
For families, Del Rio, Dutch Hollow, and La Loma are worth a look in Modesto. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Modesto, College Area, and McHenry Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Garland, TX to Modesto, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Garland?
Local movers based in Garland typically start around $181 as a base rate, plus $92/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Modesto run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Garland, TX to Modesto, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Garland, TX to Modesto, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $953 to $10,121, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,138 and $10,121, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Garland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Garland handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.