10 best movers in Watauga, Texas

The best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Texas is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move around Watauga.

Long-distance movers in Watauga

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or to another state. Hiring a moving company with the necessary federal licensing is crucial if you're crossing state lines. Interstate movers must 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 experienced and reputable long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

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?

Relocating within or out of Watauga is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Watauga is above 89.6% of the country.

Numerous factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up quickly. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

These additional considerations can cause your total cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. Some common items that can be more expensive to move include these:

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

When vetting movers, ask if they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they take good care of your belongings or make your move easier. 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 are common due to issues such as a lack of supplies, transportation emergencies, traffic and inclement weather. These can raise your moving costs and prolong your timeline. There’s no way to prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can reduce your moving costs in Watauga.

Be communicative

Prevent unexpected charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

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

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or during the week to save money and book your movers of choice.

Most people book moving companies between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, consider moving outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find an economical moving service that meets your needs.

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

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky or heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers are worth it if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can be cheaper, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Watauga

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers 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 justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, as well as covering the cost of packing materials. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate 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?

Determine the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, request information on your mover's full-value protection policies. However, you may want to ask 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 peak moving time is May to September, creating limited availability and inflated rates countrywide for both large and small moves. Understandably, this might cause you to think twice about making a move during the summertime.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

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

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses limit insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about potential loss or damage, take those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

There are certain goods and materials prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

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

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.