Movers in McKinney

Moving household goods for pay without TxDMV registration is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas that rises with repeat convictions. TxDMV says every mover operating within the state, from major van lines to local operators with a truck and trailer, needs an active certificate number.

1. Look the company up on TxDMV's Truck Stop lookup. An "Active" status means it is licensed.
2. Call for complaint history. TxDMV's Enforcement Division answers at 1-888-368-4689.
3. Check the ads and the truck. Print ads must show the registered name, a Texas street address and the number as "TxDMV No.", and trucks must show the name and number on both sides. TxDMV calls unmarked or rental trucks a warning sign.
4. Ask for the federal number too. Texas-registered movers must also hold a federal identification number such as a USDOT number.

TxDMV warns that unlicensed movers often quote very low, then raise the price once your goods are on the truck, and may work from cell phones under vague names like "Movers".

TxDMV doesn't regulate movers' fees and suggests shopping around. HomeGuide's national figures (November 2025) are the benchmark:

• Local move under 50 miles, 2- to 3-bedroom home: $900 to $2,800.
• Hourly crews: $50 to $100 or more per mover per hour, with a 3- to 5-hour minimum.
• Long-distance move, 2- to 3-bedroom home: $1,300 to $9,500, depending on mileage and weight.

To get a quote you can hold the mover to, TxDMV says list every item and mention stairs, long carries or elevators. The full Texas moving guide is on our movers page.

The McKinney moving proposal

Before loading, a Texas mover must give you a written proposal with the services and the maximum you could be charged. It is either binding, with an exact price, or not-to-exceed, with a ceiling the mover can come in under. You also get the moving services contract and TxDMV's "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas" before loading, and charges can't be added after signing unless both sides agree in writing. Be ready to pay the maximum at delivery.

Liability is set by agreement. At 60 cents per pound per item, a lost 50-pound TV is reimbursed $30, so ask about the higher options or buy transit insurance, with proof issued before loading. Texas household goods carriers must carry cargo coverage of at least $5,000 per load and $10,000 per vehicle.

File any damage or overcharge claim in writing within 90 days of delivery. The mover has 23 days to acknowledge it, 30 to inspect and 90 to pay, deny or offer a settlement. If the answer is unsatisfactory, TxDMV offers free mediation if you ask within 35 days of the mover's response, or after 90 days with none, and since September 1, 2019 it can order a refund. A move out of Texas falls under FMCSA instead, at protectyourmove.gov.

• Power. Oncor lists McKinney among the cities it serves, and in Oncor's area you pick a retail provider at PowerToChoose.org. Some edge areas may be on CoServ, a co-op outside retail choice, so confirm by address before move-in day.
• Water and trash. The city runs the local water system, with NTMWD as its wholesale supplier. Call the city to start service before the truck arrives, and ask what the crew can leave at the curb.
• Homestead. If you bought, file the homestead exemption with the appraisal district, which for the Collin County part of McKinney is the Collin Central Appraisal District, generally before May 1; confirm the details with the district. A buyer who acquires a home after January 1 may get it for the applicable part of the year if the previous owner did not.

Book the move-out clean at the old place with our McKinney cleaning services list. If you are heading west, see movers in Frisco. Local tax and utility notes are on the McKinney page.