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Sean DonnellyHome Improvement Reporter
Sean informs readers of all the issues that moving clients may encounter during any relocation....
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 moving companies that operate within 50 miles of Baytown. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Texas. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Baytown area.
Below are additional moving companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
A long-distance move is when you move to another state or more than 50 miles away. When crossing state boundaries, ensure your mover has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To look up a carrier's licensing status, you can input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.
The long-distance moving companies below are reliable and have an active license. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.
Texas moving companies that operate across state lines are required to have state and federal licensing. Texas movers are regulated by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The DPU maintains an alphabetical list of licensed movers in the state on their website.
Relocating within or out of Baytown is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Baytown is higher than 74.4% of the country.
Numerous factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up quickly. The following are typical moving expenses:
These additional factors can cause your final moving bill to rise even more:
When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving breakable, valuable or very bulky items. These common items can cost more to move:
Ask movers whether they move these items and charge additional fees for them.
Tipping your movers is optional but common if they provide quality service. For long-distance moves, a typical tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.
It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as a lack of supplies, traffic, transportation emergencies and inclement weather. These can inflate your moving costs and prolong your timeline. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.
Experts Ready to Help
Consider these ways to reduce moving expenses in Baytown.
Avoid unexpected charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory you gave the movers.
Small items may not be an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these item, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before starting the move.
Since dependable and affordable movers are in high demand, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to lower the cost while still getting your preferred moving team.
Movers are busiest between May and September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move during slower periods.
There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cost - effective moving company that meets your needs.
One alternative is moving on your own. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving by yourself:
Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Hiring movers is beneficial if you don't have the time or anyone who can help you move.
You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.
Full-service moving is when your movers tackle all aspects of the moving process for you. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.
Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you consider the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can provide better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are generally only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.
Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration completely before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Texas are also required to have a license from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Estimate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.
The hotter months, May through September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to limited availability and inflated costs countrywide for big and small moves alike. This might dissuade you from a summer relocation given the price hikes. You also may want to steer clear of moving amid Baytown's extreme summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating even more difficult.
We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.
On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.
Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're worried about possible loss or damage.
Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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