Houston to Garland Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Houston to Garland, TX is $289 - $6,048 for the ~252-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.
Local movers such as A Better Tripp Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 249 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $75/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Houston
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Houston to Garland?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Houston to Garland are regulated by Texas law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Texas companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (4.64/5) as the top local pick, followed by 3 Men Movers (4.58/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Houston to Garland moves complete in 1 - 4 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 288+ Texas movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Garland?
Expect to spend between $289 and $6,048* on a Houston to Garland move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $1,051 - $6,048
- Moving containers: $845 - $2,581
- Rental trucks: $289 - $750
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive the route yourself and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,051 - $3,861 | $845 - $1,519 | $289 - $555 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,617 - $4,824 | $1,170 - $2,192 | $320 - $663 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,226 - $6,048 | $1,438 - $2,581 | $424 - $750 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 288+ Texas moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Houston, TX movers.
How Houston to Garland moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $75 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $900.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 12% of Houston movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 10% of Houston movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Houston to Garland
Moving from Houston to Garland is a job for local and regional Texas movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. A Better Tripp Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 249 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Houston to Garland
Local movers operating within Texas know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (4.64/5 stars): 88.8% positive customer ratings.
- 3 Men Movers (4.58/5 stars): 81.1% positive customer ratings.
- Student Movers Inc. (4.52/5 stars): 68.5% positive customer ratings.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.52/5 stars): 45.4% positive customer ratings.
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage (4.44/5 stars): 92.7% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 50 movers in Houston, drawing on 17,258 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Houston to Garland
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Houston, TX
Houston residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Texas moving resources
How does Garland compare to Houston?
Cost of living: Houston vs. Garland
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Houston | Garland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,624 |
| Average home cost | $258,925 | $249,342 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,894 | $74,717 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $2,827 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $7,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.5% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Houston and Garland comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 288+ Texas moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Garland match Houston. Plan to allocate the same share of income toward housing after the move.
- Home prices in Garland match Houston. A like-for-like home will require a similar down payment and mortgage.
- Average income in Garland is 19% higher than Houston. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in Garland matches Houston. A Houston budget translates directly to Garland without revision.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Garland is 9% higher than Houston. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Garland runs 59% higher than Houston. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Garland and Houston match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,060 in Garland to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Garland
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Garland might look different from Houston in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Houston | Garland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 239,928 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 56-43 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 96ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 37.13 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Texas can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 35% of movers in Texas, vs 33% nationally).
- Garland is 90% smaller in size than Houston. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Houston and Garland voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Garland (96°F) match Houston (94°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Garland reach 35°F, colder than Houston's 43°F. Plan for higher heating costs and winterization needs.
- Annual rainfall in Houston is 53 inches, vs. 40 inches in Garland. The drier climate in Garland typically supports more outdoor lifestyle and less wet-weather gear.
- Annual snowfall in Houston is zero, while Garland averages 1 inch. Budget for winter tires, snow gear, and possible heating-system upgrades.
- Crime index in Garland (37.13) is lower than Houston (63.5). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Garland
Garland's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Garland
- Garland Landmark Museum
Parks in Garland
- Rowlett Creek Preserve
- Spring Creek Park
- Lake Ray Hubbard
Sports teams in Garland
- Garland Independent School District (IISD) high schools
Universities in Garland
- Richland College
- Amberton University
Final verdict: Houston to Garland movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Texas service. For smaller moves, A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (4.64/5) is the top local choice, with 88.8% positive reviews across 249 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $289 - $6,048, based on our analysis of 288+ Texas movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Houston to Garland
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Garland?
The cheapest time to move to Garland is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
Is moving from Houston to Garland considered a long-distance move?
A move from Houston to Garland is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Texas law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Texas intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
How long does a move from Houston to Garland take?
Most moves from Houston to Garland take 1 - 4 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
What percentage of Houston movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 54% of movers in Houston handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How many movers in Houston offer labor-only help?
66% of movers in Houston offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
