10 best movers in The Woodlands, Texas

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of Texas. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the The Woodlands area.

Long-distance movers in The Woodlands

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or to a different state. If you're crossing state lines, you need to be especially careful that the moving company you use has the right federal licensing. 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.

The long-distance movers below are reliable and have an active license. 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 The Woodlands is higher than the national average, making itfairly expensive. This makes sense given that the cost of living in The Woodlands is above 92.0% of the country.

Numerous factors are involved when moving, so expenses add up fast. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

These additional considerations can bring up the cost of your final moving bill:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. Some items that can incur higher fees include these:

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

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

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

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons, including bad weather, traffic, transportation emergencies and limited supplies. These issues may add to the duration and cost of your move. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in The Woodlands.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

Small items may not pose an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and affordable movers are highly sought after, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to save some money while still getting your preferred moving team.

Most people schedule moves 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

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

One alternative is handling the move by yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional moving team and moving on your own:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help loading and unloading bulky items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone to help you move.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in The Woodlands

What’s full-service moving?

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

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are usually only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an interstate move, you should screen companies for compliant USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting 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. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The peak time to move stretches from May through September, resulting in limited supply and inflated pricing nationwide for relocations of all scopes. The steep rates may dissuade you from a summer move. Additionally, you may wish to avoid relocating in the summer given The Woodlands' extreme heat, which could further complicate a move.

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?

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.

Many moving businesses place limits on insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, bring those possessions with you.

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

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

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.