Movers in Galveston

Moving household goods for pay without TxDMV registration is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas. Look the company up on TxDMV's Truck Stop search; an Active status means it's licensed. TxDMV's Enforcement Division will tell you its complaint history at 1-888-368-4689.

Registered movers show their name and TxDMV number on both sides of the truck, and print ads carry the number as "TxDMV No." TxDMV says unmarked or rental trucks, cell-phone-only contact and vague names are warning signs, along with a low quote that rises once your things are loaded.

Galveston moves off the island

A move to Houston or League City stays under TxDMV. A move out of state is regulated by FMCSA instead; its consumer site is protectyourmove.gov.

Before loading, the mover must hand you TxDMV's rights document and a written proposal. A binding proposal states the exact price; a not-to-exceed proposal states the most you can be charged. Either way, be ready to pay the maximum at delivery.

For an accurate estimate, list every item and tell the mover about stairs and long carries. Liability is set by agreement, and at 60 cents per pound a lost 50-pound TV pays $30, so ask about transit insurance before move day.

You also get a moving services contract before loading, and a licensed mover won't add charges after you sign unless you both agree in writing. If the crew offers a descriptive inventory, you pay for it only if you agreed to one; an inventory the mover makes for its own records is free. Registered movers keep proof of liability insurance in the cab and carry at least $5,000 of cargo cover per load.

Galveston damage claims

File any claim in writing within 90 days of delivery. The mover then has 23 days to acknowledge a claim and 90 days to pay, deny or offer a settlement in writing. If the answer is unsatisfactory, TxDMV offers free mediation if you ask within 35 days, and since September 1, 2019 it can order a mover that broke the rules to refund you.

TxDMV doesn't set moving prices. HomeGuide's November 2025 national figures put a local move of a 2- to 3-bedroom home at $900 to $2,800, with movers charging $50 to $100+ per mover per hour and a 3- to 5-hour minimum. A long-distance move runs $1,300 to $9,500. The Texas movers guide has the full breakdown.

Book a Galveston move-out clean for after the truck leaves. The Galveston hub covers utilities to switch, and you can compare movers in Texas City on the mainland.