Movers in Corpus Christi

Texas law bars any motor carrier from moving household goods for pay, whatever the size of the vehicle, unless it registers with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Moving goods without registration is a Class C misdemeanor, rising to Class B and Class A for repeat convictions.

1. Search Truck Stop. TxDMV's motor carrier lookup should show an "Active" certificate. If the company isn't listed, ask for its certificate number and search that.
2. Ask about complaints. TxDMV's Enforcement Division gives a mover's complaint history at 1-888-368-4689.
3. Check the ads and the truck. Print ads must carry the registered name, a Texas street address and a "TxDMV No.", and trucks must show the name and number on both sides in letters at least two inches high. Registered movers also hold a federal number, such as a USDOT number.

TxDMV warns that unlicensed movers often quote very low prices, raise them once your things are on the truck, and use only cell phones and vague names like "Movers". TxDMV adds that unlicensed movers typically run unmarked or rental trucks.

TxDMV doesn't regulate what movers charge, so shop around. HomeGuide's national figures put a local move of under 50 miles for a 2- or 3-bedroom home at $900 to $2,800, with movers charging $50 to $100 or more per mover per hour and a 3- to 5-hour minimum. Long-distance moves for the same home run $1,300 to $9,500 by mileage and weight. Our Texas movers guide has the full table.

Before loading, the mover must give you a written proposal with the services and the maximum you could be required to pay. A binding proposal states the exact price; a not-to-exceed proposal sets a ceiling and lets the mover charge less. For it to be accurate, list every item and mention stairs, long carries or elevators.

Corpus Christi move-day paperwork

A licensed mover gives you TxDMV's "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas" and a moving services contract before loading, and won't add charges after you sign unless you both agree in writing. At delivery, be ready to pay the maximum on the last amended proposal. A mover may charge for a descriptive inventory only if you agreed to one.

Liability is negotiable, and some movers limit it to a thin level. At 60 cents per pound per item, a lost 50-pound TV is worth $30 (50 pounds times $0.60). You can buy transit insurance from the mover or a separate insurer, and the proof must be issued before loading. Texas household goods carriers must carry cargo cover of at least $5,000 per shipper's load and $10,000 per vehicle.

File any damage or overcharge claim in writing within 90 days of delivery. The mover then has 23 days to acknowledge it, 30 days to inspect and 90 days to pay, deny or make a written offer. If the answer is unsatisfactory, TxDMV mediates for free if the request arrives within 35 days, and since September 1, 2019 it can order a mover to refund you. A move that crosses state lines falls to the federal FMCSA instead.

• Water. Corpus Christi Water is a city department, so water and wastewater service starts with the city. Stage 1 restrictions were in effect on October 22, 2026.
• Power. AEP Texas, headquartered regionally in the city, delivers power in south Texas for whichever retail provider you pick; confirm with the provider that it serves your new address.
• Trash. The brown or green cart goes every week and the blue recycling cart every other week. For a big pile of boxes and junk, the city services 40-yard containers through Litter Critter.
• Property tax. If you bought, the homestead exemption application goes to Nueces Central Appraisal District, generally before May 1.

Pair the move with cleaning services in Corpus Christi for the move-out clean, and see our Corpus Christi hub for other city rules. If you're moving inland, compare movers in San Antonio.