If you’re only moving across town, you’re looking at a couple hundred bucks. But if you’re going across country, it can be as expensive as $12,000. The cost of hiring movers in Houston depends on how far you’re going, and how much you’re taking with you.
More stuff, more miles, more money. It’s a pretty simple formula. And while you may not be able to do much about the distance, you can cut down on moving expenses by cutting down on the excess. Downsize and get rid of all your unwanted, unused items, and you’ll make a huge dent in your costs when you’re shopping for quotes.
There may be other expenses added to your quote, too. Keep an eye out for the following factors when you’re shopping for movers:
Factors:
- Access fees
- Moving shuttles
- Packing and unpacking
- Junk removal
- Storage
Cost to Hire Local Movers in Houston
Local moving in Houston usually ranges from $150 to $400. Keep in mind, “local moves” are only within a 100 mile radius, and within the same state. These relocations are billed per mover, per hour – and it typically takes 2 movers per bedroom.
Moving local is all about efficiency. You don’t want your movers sitting in traffic and running up the price, and you don’t want them to waste time traipsing through your house to find all your boxes. Before your movers show up, put all your stuff in one easy-to-access corner or bedroom. And try to schedule smart. Avoid rush hour at all costs.
| Home Size | No. of Movers | # Hours | Ave Cost / Hr | Average Cost |
| Studio + 1 Bedroom | 2 movers | 2 hours | $160 | $320 |
| 2 Bedroom | 3 movers | 4 hours | $240 | $960 |
| 3 Bedroom | 4 movers | 6 hours | $320 | $1,920 |
| 4 Bedroom | 4 movers | 7 hours | $320 | $2,240 |
| 5 Bedroom+ | 5 movers | 9 hours | $400 | $3,600 |
Cost to Hire Long Distance Movers in Houston
Long distance moves are mathed out based on the miles you’re traveling, and the amount of stuff you’re taking with you. Moving a 1-bedroom apartment 1,000 miles ranges from $2,800 to $4,500. On the other hand, moving a 4-bedroom home 1,000 miles is about $5,000 to $8,300.
If you’re moving over 100 miles or across state lines, you’ll be working with long distance movers. Fortunately, long-distance moves from Houston can be way more affordable if you downsize before you shop for quotes. Every pound counts, so if you don’t want an item (whether it’s a sofa, an appliance, or just an ugly sweater) it’s cheaper to get rid of it before you request an estimate.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (1,000 miles): $2,800–$4,500
- 2-Bedroom Home (1,000 miles): $3,100–$6,900
- 3-Bedroom Home (1,000 miles): $4,500–$7,550
- 4-Bedroom Home (1,000 miles): $5,100–$8,350
Additional Long-Distance Moving Costs
- Storage: $150–$500 per month
- Full-value insurance: $100–$300
- Packing and unpacking services: $500–$1,000
Your Cross Country Moving Cost
Cross country moving can cost from $3,000 to $12,000 and beyond. Moving costs tend to spike when you’re dealing with coast-to-coast, border-to-border transport. This is thanks to fuel surcharges, and all the extra coordination and prep that nationwide moving requires. It takes a whole team to pull off one of these moves, but you’ll be grateful for the help.
- Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment: $3,000–$5,000
- 2-Bedroom Home: $5,500–$7,500
- 3-Bedroom Home: $7,000–$10,000
- 4-Bedroom Home: $9,000–$12,000
Key Cost Factors
- Distance: Moving more miles means paying more money. A cross country move is about as far as you can get.
- Fuel Surcharge: Expect to pay an additional $300–$800, depending on the truck size.
- Specialty Services: Storage, vehicle transport, packing… it all depends on the exact services you need, but these can add another couple hundred (or thousand) bucks.
Make Your Move Effortless – Get a Quote Today!
- 15% off seasonal discount
- 10% off for early reservations
- 10% off for flexible pickup windows
Call us now at 305-504-2383 or quickly get your free moving quote using our online cost calculator – it only takes seconds!
How Much Does it Cost to Move if it’s DIY?
Wanna DIY a move? You’ll still pay about $150 on a spectacularly good day – and that’s only if you’re moving local. DIY moving still requires a truck rental and gas. And if you’re going long distance, you’ll have to pay for food and lodging while you’re at it.
People like the idea of big savings. But they tend to forget about the missed work hours from DIYing their move. Between missed paychecks, all those other expenses, and the whole headache that comes with packing, loading, and hauling all by yourself, it may be worth the extra bucks to book professional movers.
Truck Rental Costs
- Small truck: $20–$30/day
- Medium truck: $40–$70/day
- Large truck: $80–$120/day
Gas Expenses
- Local move: $30–$60
- Long-distance move: $200–$500 (depending on the mileage)
Packing Supplies
- Boxes, tape, and other materials: $100–$250
Labor Costs (if hiring helpers)
$40–$60/hour per person
How Long Does Moving Take?
Moving usually takes 1 day at the shortest, and 21 days at the longest. Much like the price, it comes down to distance and dimensions. But movers also need to comply with the work-hour rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If a mover drives suspiciously far during one 11-hour shift, the FMCSA may investigate for potential safety violations.
Moving companies also practice bundling, which is the fine art of putting multiple moves for multiple customers in the same truck or trailer. Don’t worry – they’ll keep everything partitioned and separate.
Bundling is a way to boost efficiency. After all, if movers are sending a truck to point B and the truck’s half-empty, they’re burning a lot of gas for not much reward. By combining multiple moves, they can knock out multiple deliveries in one trip. It keeps costs down, but it does mean a delay or two.
Hire the Best with Pricing Van Lines
How much does it cost to hire movers in Houston? Between $150 and $12,000 – and it all depends on how far you’re going and how much you’re taking with you. Fortunately, Pricing Van Lines makes it easy to get a custom-tailored quote and an affordable, high-quality relocation. Tell us more about your move, and we’ll send you a free estimate!
