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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 Dallas. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
The best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Texas is International Van Lines. If you're planning a local move around Dallas, use the filters below to find other movers in your 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 over 50 miles away or relocate to another state. Make sure the moving company you hire has the right federal licensing when moving across state boundaries. 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 MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.
We’ve confirmed that the long-distance moving companies below are actively licensed. These experienced and reliable movers can help get your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.
Texas moving companies that operate across state lines must have state and federal licensing. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates Texas movers. The DPU maintains an alphabetical list of licensed movers in the state on their website.
The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Dallas is greater than the national average, making itfairly costly. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Dallas is above 82.2% of the country.
Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. Here are some typical moving costs:
Your final moving bill may also be impacted by these extra considerations:
Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are fragile, valuable or particularly bulky. The following items can be more expensive to move:
When vetting movers, ask if they move these items and how much it'll cost.
While tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move less stressful. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.
Delays happen. Traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all add time and money to your move. You can't avoid delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.
Experts Ready to Help
Consider these ways to reduce moving costs in Dallas.
To avoid unexpected charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after getting a quote from the movers.
Small items may not be a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these item, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.
Move in the off-season or during the week to save money and reserve the movers you want.
Most people schedule moves from May through September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.
There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving provider.
Move by yourself is an option. Before going this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:
Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system required for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.
Another alternative is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can be cheaper, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.
Hiring full-service movers means they will tackle the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking 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 the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be tough.
Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration thoroughly 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.
Approximate the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving expensive goods — just understand that these plans cost extra.
The best time to move spans from May to September, leading to much higher demand and elevated pricing for moves both large and small. The high summer rates could understandably deter you from moving at that time of year.
We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.
For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.
Moving businesses often limit insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're worried about 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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