10 best movers in San Antonio, Texas

International Van Lines is the best mover for interstate moves. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move around San Antonio.

Long-distance movers in San Antonio

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or to another state. Make sure the mover you hire has the necessary federal licensing when moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

We've verified that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

Featured

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?

Moving within or out of San Antonio is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in San Antonio is above 80.8% of the country.

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

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

These additional factors can add even more cost to your final moving bill:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. These items can cost more to move:

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

When deciding between movers, ask whether they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's customary to tip if they provide good 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.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Bad weather, limited supplies, traffic and transportation emergencies can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can lower your moving expenses in San Antonio.

Be communicative

To avoid surprise charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, especially 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 charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can reduce costs and ensure you get your preferred moving company.

Peak moving season is between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, moving during less hectic months may result in lower rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you have difficulty finding an economical that meets your needs.

While you can move on your own, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

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

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these independent contractors may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in San Antonio

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will tackle every part of the moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than standard moving services, which typically only cover the loading up and transport of your belongings. The price can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers save you, as well as the packing supplies costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer more comprehensive 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 goods can also be tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify 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?

Approximate the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months — May through September — are the ideal time to move in the U.S., which results in considerably increased demand and significantly higher rates across the country for moves of all types. Rightfully so, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

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

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 high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving businesses put limits on insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about possible loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

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

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.