10 best movers in Lake Jackson, Texas

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Texas. For a local move in the Lake Jackson area, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Lake Jackson

A long-distance move is when you move from one state to another or over 50 miles away. Hiring a mover with the necessary federal licensing is essential if you're moving across state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

The experienced and reputable long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Lake Jackson is greater than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Lake Jackson is above 78.2% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are various factors involved. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Professional labor
• Supplies
• Storage
• Junk removal
• Fuel
• Packing

These extra factors can cause your total cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move fragile, oversized or valuable items. The following items commonly are more expensive to move:

• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Pianos

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge additional fees.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. For long-distance moves, a typical tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as a lack of supplies, inclement weather, transportation emergencies and traffic. These can increase your moving costs and extend your timeline. You can't prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can lower your moving costs in Lake Jackson.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

For example, your movers can usually add small items to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed beforehand. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and budget-friendly movers are highly sought after, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to keep costs down while still getting your preferred relocation service.

The busiest moving period is between May and September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable mover that meets your needs.

Handling the move yourself is an option. Before going this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky or heavy items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system required for a self-move, hiring movers is valuable.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Lake Jackson

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your movers manage all aspects of the moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Texas are also required to have a license from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

How does moving insurance work?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting expensive goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best time to move is from May through September, creating lower availability and inflated rates countrywide for both big and small moves. Understandably, this might give you pause about making a move during the summertime.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

Load up your car with anything too important to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and electronics.

Moving businesses often restrict insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Bring irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Perishable foods and produce
• Fuel sources
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Plants
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fertilizers

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

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.