Local moving companies in Texas

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Square Cow: 5 out of 5 stars
  3. Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage: 5 out of 5 stars
  4. 3 Men Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  5. Greater Austin Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/bellhopmoving?lang=en
81% of all reviews were positive
16% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving impresses with speedy, attentive service and a team of polite professionals. Most customer feedback highlights their efficiency, prompt communication, and the attentive care movers show with belongings. Over 81% of the 32 reviews express satisfaction, noting a stress-free process and careful handling of property.
Many appreciate the staff’s professionalism and their ability to accommodate last-minute requests, setting Bellhop apart from typical moving companies. Nonetheless, about 16% of feedback mention frustration when crews arrive unprepared, lack proper equipment, or do not follow customer instructions, sometimes leading to damaged items. A few reviews also describe gaps in communication or unresolved complaints. In comparison to local competitors, Bellhop stands out for its consistently courteous staff but needs to address occasional lapses in preparedness and coordination to maintain a strong reputation.
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Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 009668291C

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.


Bellhop Moving, serving San Antonio, TX, since 2012, has established itself as a reputable local moving company. Known for their reliability and quality service, Bellhop Moving provides a range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options. Customer feedback speaks volumes, with an average rating of 4.4 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, distinguishing them from other local competitors. Accepting credit cards for convenience, Bellhop does require a deposit, ensuring commitment to their clients’ needs.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/SquareCowMovers, https://twitter.com/squarecowmoover
91% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Reliable customer care and efficient moves are standard with Square Cow, based on 283 inputs. With 91% positive feedback, customers cite courteous, professional staff and careful handling on nearly every move. Crews often finish quickly and communicate well throughout the process, making stressful relocations smoother for families.
Most report zero damage and highlight attention to detail, professionalism, and helpfulness. Rare complaints focus on moves that ran long or were rushed, leading to unexpected costs or occasional item damage. Some negative input reflects frustration with pricing practices or lack of urgency. Compared to competitors, Square Cow excels in consistent professionalism, efficiency, and client-focused service, but could improve by clarifying billing and ensuring attentive care on every job.
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Get a Quote (832) 437-8511

Company Info

State license #: 006362543C

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 1748594

Alternate Names: Square Cow Movers, Square Cow Moovers LLC


Square Cow, a trusted local moving company based in Katy, TX, has been providing exemplary residential moving services since 2009. With an impressive 4.8 average rating from 316 Google reviews and a stellar 4.6 from 63 Yelp reviews, Square Cow is highly regarded for its professionalism and reliability. Unlike many nearby competitors, they boast a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, without requiring a deposit upfront. For those seeking dependable and well-reviewed local movers, Square Cow stands out as a top choice.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
https://www.facebook.com/FirefightingsFinest, https://twitter.com/FireFinestMove
85% of all reviews were positive
14% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Firefighting's Finest means working with a team praised for efficiency, careful handling, and professionalism. An impressive 84.5% of 341 customer reviews were positive. People highlighted the movers’ speed, attention to detail, courteous manner, and strong communication.
Crews consistently completed jobs quickly, with property protected and clear information given from booking through delivery. Firefighting's Finest stood out for consistently polite and hard-working staff who kept moves organized and stress-free—even during complex jobs. Yet, some input reported damaged items, unanticipated costs, and difficulties reaching support after problems. A handful of customers felt communication could be improved when resolving claims or clarifying final costs. Compared to other moving services, Firefighting's Finest is noted for setting the bar higher with well-trained teams and reliable execution; drawbacks were rare, but when mentioned, they centered on property damage and pricing. Most feedback recommends the company for careful, efficient, and genuinely helpful movers who treat each move with professionalism.
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Get a Quote (817) 737-7800

Company Info

State license #: 006279747C

Years in Business: 23

DOT #: 2783472


Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around Fort Worth, TX since 2003. With an impressive Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and stellar feedback—averaging 4.8 stars from 639 Google reviews—the company stands out in the competitive moving market. While they also provide comprehensive office and packing services, their specialization in delicate items like pianos, antiques, and art sets them apart from other local movers. Though they require a deposit, Firefighting's Finest accepts various payment methods and offers full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a seamless and reliable moving experience.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/3MenMoversHouston/, https://twitter.com/orig3menmovers?lang=en
81% of all reviews were positive
16% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
When it's time to move, customers want a skilled crew that’s quick, cares for their belongings, and keeps them in the loop—3 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.
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Get a Quote (713) 333-6683

Company Info

State license #: 000534796B

Years in Business: 39

DOT #: 1914113

Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD


3 Men Movers, a local expert in residential moving, has been serving Houston, TX, and its surrounding areas since 1986. Known for their comprehensive range of services, they offer not only local and long-distance moving but also office relocation, and meticulous packing and unpacking services, even catering to specialized needs like moving pianos and safes. With an impressive reputation, 3 Men Movers boasts a high average rating of 4.8 on Google from 3962 reviews, a commendable 3.9 on Yelp from 499 reviews, and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, they require no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
https://www.facebook.com/greateraustinmoving/,
95% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Standout service and reliability define Greater Austin Moving, with an exceptionally high 94.5% of the 110 feedback entries praising their professionalism, careful handling, communication, efficiency, and prompt work. Most customer input highlights crews who are courteous and pay close attention to protecting items and property, often outperforming competing movers on organization and responsiveness. Booking is easy, with prompt communication before and after moves—a rarity among moving companies.
Some unique cases detail above-and-beyond flexibility, real-time coordination, and transparent rates. A small number (5.5%) of negative reviews focus on mishandling of furniture, steep pricing discrepancies, and difficult communication, with most serious grievances relating to damages and follow-up. While negative feedback is rare compared to the volume reviewed, it flags important areas for improvement in claim response and cost clarity. Compared to other movers, Greater Austin consistently receives higher marks for staff conduct, speed, and the degree of care shown for customers' belongings.
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Get a Quote (512) 766-6683

Company Info

State license #: 006252715C

Years in Business: 24


Greater Austin Moving has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Austin, TX since 2002. With an impressive average rating of 4.3 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, customers consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and even piano moving, without requiring a deposit. For those seeking a reputable and highly-rated local mover in Austin, Greater Austin Moving stands out as a top choice.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Things to know before moving from Texas to Chicago, IL

Cost of living: Texas vs Chicago, IL

Texas Chicago
Average rent cost $1,251 $2,045
Average home value $300,267 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $73,035 $71,566
Unemployment rate 4% 9%
State income tax 0% 5%
  • Rent is about 63% more expensive in Chicago than in Texas.
  • Home prices are about 2% lower in Chicago than in Texas.
  • The average income is about 2% lower in Chicago than in Texas.
  • Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Texas by about 120%.
  • Income taxes are 5% higher in Chicago than in Texas.

How life is different in Chicago from Texas

Chicago Texas
Population 2,746,388 30,503,301
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 56-44
Summer high 84ºF 94ºF
Winter low 19ºF 36ºF
Annual rain 38" 36"
Annual snow 35" 2"
Crime index 35.19 27.32
  • The population of Chicago is approximately 91% lower than the population of Texas.
  • In the last presidential election, Chicago voted Democrat and Texas voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Chicago is 84ºF and in Texas, it’s 94ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Chicago reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Texas gets down to 36ºF.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Chicago vs 36 inches of rainfall in Texas.
  • In Chicago, it snows about 35 inches annually vs 2 inches of snow in Texas.
  • Chicago has a higher crime rate than Texas with a crime index of 35.19 vs 27.32.

Things to do in Chicago

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Chicago.

Museums in Chicagotoggle

  • The Field Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Museum of Contemporary Photography
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Smart Museum of Art
  • The Oriental Institute Museum
  • Adler Planetarium
  • DuSable Museum of African American History
  • The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
  • National Museum of Mexican Art

Parks in Chicagotoggle

  • Millennium Park
  • Grant Park
  • The 606
  • Lincoln Park
  • Garfield Park
  • Jackson Park
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • South Shore Cultural Center Park
  • Humboldt Park
  • Douglass Park

Sports Teams in Chicagotoggle

  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Chicago White Sox (MLB)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Chicago Fire (MLS)
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Universities in Chicagotoggle

  • Chicago State University
  • Governors State University
  • Northeastern Illinois University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Aurora University
  • Benedictine University
  • Concordia University Chicago
  • DePaul University
  • Dominican University
  • East–West University
  • Elmhurst University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Judson University
  • Kendall College
  • Lewis University
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • Midwestern University
  • National Louis University
  • National University of Health Sciences
  • North Park University
  • Northwestern University
  • Resurrection University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Saint Xavier University
  • Trinity International University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of St. Francis
  • University of Saint Mary of the Lake

Other considerations when moving to Chicago, IL

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of Texas vs. Chicago, IL

Comparing the pros of Texas vs. Chicago, IL:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Texas vs Chicago side-by-side.

Pros of living in Texas Pros of living in Chicago, IL
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Favorable climate Delicious food
Delicious barbecue Abundant entertainment
Low taxes Intense sports culture
Privacy and freedom Ample economic opportunity

Comparing the cons of living in Texas vs. Chicago, IL:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Texas for Chicago.

Cons of living in Texas Cons of living in Chicago, IL
Severe weather High crime rate
Limited healthcare access Temperamental weather
High crime rate Terrible traffic
Traffic issues High taxes
Politics Pollution

FAQ

How long does a move from Texas to Chicago take?

The time frame for a move from Texas to Chicago, IL, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Texas, the longer the drive time to Chicago will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Chicago from Texas can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Texas to Chicago?

Because of the 1117-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Texas to Chicago as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF, most people move to Chicago from Texas during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Chicago during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources