Best overall value
Local moving companies in Houston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Student Movers Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Inaccurate estimates
Review Analysis
Standout movers with a personal touchโBellhop Moving wins praise for professional, polite staff, efficient service, careful handling, and quick, well-communicated moves. Customers appreciate clear coordination and competitive pricing, often noting a smooth experience from booking to completion. Many cite friendly movers who arrive on time, assemble or move items quickly, and treat belongings and homes with care, making Bellhop a strong value compared to competitors who often require longer minimums and charge higher rates. Despite this, significant concerns arise: nearly 40% of feedback reports damaged items, unprofessional conduct, and final charges much higher than initial estimates. Some mention crews lacking basic moving equipment, unresolved claims, or moves left incomplete, requiring hiring a second company. Bellhop delivers affordable, positive moving experiences for most, but the risk of property damage or frustrating service issues is notable and greater than with traditional, established moving companies. Among 68 reviews analyzed, 58.8% were positive and 38.2% negative, with just a handful reflecting a neutral outlook.
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Careful handling
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Customers highlight Flex Moving & Storage for its quick service, professional and approachable crews, and reliable handling of possessions. Out of 111 customer accounts, 86.5% deliver praise for staff efficiency, careful treatment of items, and helpful movers that made relocation less stressful and more organized than with other companies. Common compliments include rapid packing, friendly staff, and overall reliability. In contrast, 13.5% of submissions underscore serious setbacks such as property damage, unexplained or extra charges above quoted prices, and poor communicationโespecially during claims or after unexpected incidents. Some customers faced difficulty reaching support or disputing fees. Compared to others, Flex receives notably frequent accolades for speed and courtesy, but also sees more claims of mishandled belongings and billing surprises than industry leaders. The firm delivers strong personal attention during straightforward moves but needs to address recurring concerns about item protection and transparency for consistently positive experiences.
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
A Better Tripp Moving & Storage stands out for its reliable and professional staff, efficiency, and exceptional care with customer belongings. Out of 249 feedback entries, nearly 89% are positive, highlighting careful handling, fast service, courteous movers, and strong communication. Many repeat customers point to consistent experiences, where movers are efficient, detailed, and friendlyโthings not commonly found with other movers. While most input is glowing, about 10% references problems like damaged or missing items, late arrivals, and difficulty resolving claims. These issues tend to bring more stress to moves that are already demanding. Some customers also mention communication gaps when claims arise. Compared to typical moving companies, A Better Tripp receives far more consistent praise for care, organization, and staff professionalism, though the negative experiences tend to revolve around damage or loss that are sometimes unresolved. This moving company ranks well for reliability and quality, but customers should still ensure clear documentation and double-check specific needs for higher-value or irreplaceable items.
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
When it's time to move, customers want a skilled crew thatโs quick, cares for their belongings, and keeps them in the loopโ3 Men Movers delivers on these expectations according to 644 reviews, with more than 8 in 10 praising their service. The most common feedback highlights efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, a fast-moving process, and clear communication. Crews consistently arrive promptly, wrap items with care, and treat customers and homes with respect, setting them apart from many competitors. Customers also appreciate easy scheduling and straightforward pricing. The most frequent complaints involve damage to items, delays in arrival or delivery, and unexpected charges. Some reported damaged furniture, billing surprises, and missed timing commitments. While these issues occur less often, they can affect high-value or time-sensitive moves. Compared to other movers in the area, 3 Men Movers stands out for their professionalism, speed, and attention to detail, though customers should clarify cost estimates and insurance coverage up front. The majority of input points to reliable, fast-moving teams who make relocation much smoother than customers expect, but awareness of the rare but impactful issues ensures the best experience.
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Student Movers Inc. receives high praise for efficient, careful, and prompt moves. In 463 reviews analyzed, about 69% of feedback highlighted speedy service, professional crews, attention to detail, and rates below the competition. Customers often describe staff as courteous, friendly, and respectful of property, with affordable prices and efficient care setting them apart from other local movers. Downside feedback centers on items damaged during moves, late arrivals or long delays, and difficulty reaching the company or resolving problems. Some users report frustrating experiences with communication or unexpected delays, and claims about damaged belongings are not always resolved to customersโ satisfaction. Student Movers offers fast, friendly, cost-effective service, but reliability and handling concerns surface more than with top-tier moving companies.
Company Info
State license #: 000556730B
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 1888352
Alternate Names: Variety Movers, Inc. Commercial Division
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
Key factors that impact the cost of your Houston to Stockton move
What to know before moving from Houston to Stockton
Moving from Houston to Stockton comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Stockton is generally more expensive than Houston, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Houston | Stockton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,775 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $437,561 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $63,915 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $3,767 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Stockton are 15% higher than in Houston, which means you'll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
Home prices in Stockton are 65.8% higher than in Houston. - Income in Stockton is 8.5% lower than in Houston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Stockton include University of the Pacific, The Herrick, and San Joaquin County Office of Education.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Stockton, since the cost of living for a single person in Stockton is 36.0% higher than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Stockton is 4.8% lower than in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Stockton is 151.22% higher than in Houston.
- You'll spend more on retail and restaurants in Stockton, since the city's sales taxes in Stockton are 9.09% higher than in Houston.
- State income taxes in Stockton are 13.30% higher than in Houston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,079.78 in Stockton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Stockton
| Stockton | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,804 | 2,301,572 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 44 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 49 |
| Crime Index | 75.2 | 63.5 |
| Safety Index | 24.8 | 36.5 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Stockton might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 86% less than Houston.
- Getting around Stockton without a car might be more difficult than in Houston. Stockton has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Houston is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- You'll find Stockton to be about as walkable as Houston. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 44 and 47 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- Stockton and Houston are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 52 and 49 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- The crime rate in Stockton is higher than in Houston, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 75.2 in Stockton, it is 63.5 in Houston. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Stockton. With a crime index of 24.8, Stockton ranks lower in overall safety than Houston, whose index is Houston's 36.5. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Stockton and Houston is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Houston vs. Stockton move
- Weather: Stockton is characterized by hot to sweltering, arid summers and pleasant to warm winters.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Stockton without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection โ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Stockton
With your sights set on "Asparagus Capital of the World", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Stockton.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Stonewood
- Spanos Park
- Weston Ranch
- Lincoln Village Proper
- Lakeview
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brookside
- Spanos Park
- Stonewood
- Lincoln Village West
- Weston Ranch
Things to do in Stockton
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Stockton has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Stockton features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Haggin Museum and Children's Museum of Stockton.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's University Park World Peace Rose Garden โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Stockton Heat (AHL), Stockton Kings (NBA G League), or Stockton Ports (Low-A West) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Stockton?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Houston to Stockton are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Houston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Stockton?
With many people choosing to move from Houston to Stockton in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Houston to Stockton take?
Moving from Houston, TX to Stockton, CA covers 1,881 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some Houston movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Stockton.
