Movers in Houston

TxDMV says every household goods mover operating in Texas, from van lines to local crews with a truck and trailer, needs an active certificate number. Moving goods for pay without one is a Class C misdemeanor that rises with repeat convictions. Movers also need a federal identification number such as a USDOT number.

The paperwork should match the truck. Print ads must show the registered name, a Texas street address and the number as 'TxDMV No.', and trucks must carry the company name and TxDMV number on both sides. TxDMV calls unmarked or rental trucks a warning sign, along with very low quotes that rise once goods are loaded, cell-phone-only contact and vague names like 'Movers'.

TxDMV's Enforcement Division can tell you a mover's complaint history at 1-888-368-4689. Call before you sign.

TxDMV doesn't regulate movers' fees, so prices vary and it suggests shopping around. HomeGuide's national figures from November 2025 put a local move of under 50 miles for a 2- to 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 size home run $1,300 to $9,500.

Houston moving proposals in writing

Before loading, a Texas 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 one sets a ceiling and lets the mover charge less. Be ready to pay that maximum at delivery.

Accuracy depends on you. TxDMV says to list every item and tell the mover about stairs, long carries or elevators, so mention a high-rise elevator or townhouse stairs before the Houston crew quotes. A mover can charge for a descriptive inventory only if you agreed to it.

The full Texas moving cost and rights guide is on the Texas movers guide.

You and the mover agree on its liability level. At 60 cents per pound per item, a lost 50-pound TV is reimbursed $30. Transit insurance can be bought from the mover or a separate insurer, and proof must be issued before loading. Texas household goods carriers must carry cargo coverage 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 offer a settlement. If its answer doesn't satisfy you, TxDMV offers free mediation, requested within 35 days of that answer. Since September 1, 2019, TxDMV can order a mover that breaks the rules to refund you.

Leaving Texas changes the regulator. Interstate moves fall under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, whose consumer site is protectyourmove.gov.

Power comes in two parts. CenterPoint Energy owns the wires, but in Houston's deregulated market you pick a retail electric provider on PowerToChoose, so choose a plan before move-in day. Houston Public Works supplies water to City of Houston customers, but some areas inside the city are served by utility districts, so check which one serves your new address.

For a purge before the move, city heavy trash comes every other month, up to 8 cubic yards per set-out, and isn't available to buildings of more than eight units. Buyers should also apply for a homestead exemption with the Harris Central Appraisal District, generally before May 1.

Book a Houston cleaning service for the move-out clean, and see realtors in Houston if you're buying. Moves to the southeast suburbs can start with movers in Clear Lake, and west with movers in Sugar Land. The Houston local guide covers permits and storm season.