Updated: March 02, 2025
Planning a move within Houston or from Houston to another city or state? Want to find out how much it will cost and plan your budget? Moving costs can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size of the home, distance of the move, time of year, and extras, and if you don't plan ahead, you could end up with unexpected expenses.
Whether you're moving in Houston or out of state, understanding how movers price their services can help you avoid hidden fees and get the best deal. On average, local movers in Houston charge between $75 and $200 per hour, and long-distance moves can range from $1,500 to more than $10,000, depending on how far you intend to travel.
In this article, we will tell you how local and long-distance moving prices are formed. How house size, mileage, and included services in a move are affected. What additional costs there may be and how you can save money on your move.
Our experience in Houston allows us to tell you about the different pitfalls and give you some tips that will make your move much more comfortable!
Movers in Houston Cost
If you are moving within Houston, understanding the cost of local moves will allow you to budget and avoid surprises. On average, a move will cost you $75-$200 per hour. Prices are affected by the size of the house, the number of movers, and extras such as packing and disassembly.
Below are the average hourly rates of local movers based on the size of the house:
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Hourly Rate | # of Movers | Estimated Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $268 | $105 | 2 | 3 |
| 1-Bedroom | $373 | $105 | 2 | 4 |
| 2-Bedroom | $604 | $147 | 3 | 5 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,399 | $206 | 4 | 8 |
| 4-Bedroom | $1,605 | $206 | 4 | 9 |
| 5+ Bedroom | $2,467 | $288 | 5 | 10 |
From this table we see that the cost is affected by the size of the crew and the number of hours required. Here everything is simple: more movers = higher payment. However, it is worth remembering that the more movers, the faster your move will be. In the same way, the size of the house and the amount of your belongings will affect the cost. More stuff = higher cost. Your choice of day of the week and seasonality will also affect the cost. Moving Monday through Thursday is cheaper on average than Friday through Sunday. Weekdays tend to have lower demand. There is also a higher demand during the summer months, so moving will cost more in the summer. Learn more in our article on the cheapest day to move in Houston!
Many movers are trained in all possible types of packing. Packing services will cost an average of $50 to $80 per hour. Our movers can also help disassemble or reassemble furniture. On average, this will take 30-60 minutes per room. We can also additionally provide storage service for your belongings prior to delivery. You can learn more about pricing here.
Cost of Long Distance Moving from Houston
If you are moving from Houston to another city or state, your moving costs in Houston will be significantly higher than a local move. Unlike hourly rates for local moves, long-distance moving costs are calculated based on the distance of the move, seasonality, and the total weight of your belongings.
Below is an estimate of the cost of an intercity move from Houston based on distance and house size:
Estimated Long-Distance Moving Costs by Distance
| Distance | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 miles | $1,400 – $3,600 | $1,900 – $5,100 | $2,300 – $5,500 | $2,600 – $6,100 |
| 500 miles | $1,750 – $3,500 | $2,200 – $5,000 | $3,700 – $6,100 | $4,250 – $7,750 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,800 – $5,800 | $3,100 – $6,900 | $4,500 – $7,550 | $5,100 – $8,350 |
| 2,000 miles | $3,150 – $6,250 | $4,300 – $7,600 | $5,850 – $9,100 | $8,100 – $12,900 |
Also a table with approximate rates for moving to other major cities:
| Destination | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston → New York, NY | $2,950 – $5,700 | $3,700 – $6,900 | $4,900 – $8,000 | $6,500 – $10,300 |
| Houston → Los Angeles, CA | $2,900 – $5,600 | $3,500 – $6,800 | $4,800 – $7,900 | $6,300 – $10,200 |
| Houston → Chicago, IL | $2,800 – $5,600 | $3,500 – $6,650 | $4,350 – $7,400 | $5,100 – $8,450 |
| Houston → Denver, CO | $2,450 – $4,900 | $3,100 – $6,550 | $4,200 – $7,350 | $5,150 – $8,600 |
| Houston → Seattle, WA | $2,800 – $5,900 | $4,200 – $7,500 | $5,700 – $8,900 | $7,900 – $12,500 |
| Houston → Boston, MA | $2,900 – $5,800 | $4,000 – $7,100 | $5,400 – $8,600 | $7,600 – $12,200 |
What affects the cost of a long distance move?
Moving up to 500 miles will cost you less than very long distance moves (1500+ miles). The more stuff you take with you, the more expensive the move will cost. Movers charge per pound, so if you want to save money, it's best to get rid of unnecessary stuff beforehand.
Additional services cost money, too. For example, a full packing service will cost anywhere from $300 to $2000, depending on how big your home is. Disassembling and reassembling furniture will add another $100 to $500. If you need to leave things in storage before you move, you'll have to pay for that too - $50 to $400 per month.
Earlier we also told you about seasonality. For long-distance moves, it will also be relevant. In summer, moving will cost 20-30% more expensive.
Tip: to save money, we advise you to move at off-peak times, pack your belongings in advance and sell or donate unnecessary things to reduce the total weight of the cargo.
Distance and Weight: How movers calculate cost
One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of moving in Houston is distance. Many moving companies use two different pricing models depending on whether your move is local (within the same city) or long distance (out of state or over 100 miles).
The total cost for local moves calculated by the hour will depend on the number of movers, usually 2-5. How long the move will take, which depends on the size of the house. Usually 3-10 hours is enough. Also will affect the cost of additional services, such as packing or assembly/disassembly of furniture. For example, moving a 2-bedroom house within Houston will take about 5 hours if there are 3 people in the crew. It would cost about $150 per hour and end up costing $750 for the entire job.
Longer distances usually use pricing based on weight and distance. The cost will be affected by the weight of your belongings in pounds, the distance to your destination and the cost of fuel, labor and necessary stops. As an example we can calculate a move from Houston to Los Angeles: a move with 4,000 pounds of furniture can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000, depending on the services included.
How movers do estimate moving costs based on weight?
| Home Size | Estimated Weight | Avg. Cost (1,000 miles) | Avg. Cost (2,000 miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1-Bedroom | 2,000 – 3,000 lbs | $1,500 – $3,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | 4,000 – 6,000 lbs | $3,500 – $6,000 | $5,500 – $9,500 |
| 3-Bedroom | 7,000 – 9,000 lbs | $5,500 – $9,000 | $8,500 – $14,000 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 10,000 – 15,000 lbs | $8,000 – $14,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 |
It is worth remembering that there may be additional costs. For example, if the route turns out to be longer than planned, you may be charged extra for mileage. High fuel prices can also affect the final cost. And if your belongings include heavy items like a safe or a piano, they are likely to be more expensive to transport.
If the move is a long distance, it is important to get rid of unnecessary things in advance - the less weight, the less you will have to pay. If possible, it is better to move in the fall or winter, when demand is lower and prices are falling. Learn more about decluttering before moving in our article!
Complexity of the move: how special circumstances affect the cost
Additional charges primarily include particularly heavy or fragile items that require special handling, such as large musical instruments or fine art. Basic insurance with us is also included in the price.
| Specialty Item | Additional Cost | Why the Extra Charge? |
|---|---|---|
| Piano (upright) | $150 – $300 | Requires special lifting techniques & extra movers. |
| Grand Piano | $400 – $1,000 | Extra labor, special padding, and dolly equipment. |
| Gun Safe | $100 – $600 | Heavy item fees due to weight & need for special equipment. |
| Pool Table | $300 – $600 | Requires disassembly, transport, and reassembly. |
| Fine Art & Antiques | $200 – $1,000+ | Custom crating, special handling, and extra insurance. |
| Appliances (Fridge, Washer, Dryer) | $50 – $200 each | Special equipment and secure transport needed. |
Also, many companies charge extra for ladders, for carrying things long distances (for example, if the truck is parked far from the location), or for using tools. This usually ranges from $50 to $200.
Additional services
In addition to the basic moving cost, additional services such as packing, insurance and storage can significantly affect the final price.
Below we outline the additional services and the costs associated with them, as well as ways to save money.
Packing and unpacking fees
| Packing Service | Average Cost | What’s Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Packing | $300 – $2,000 | Movers pack everything, provide boxes, and label items. |
| Partial Packing | $100 – $500 | Movers pack only fragile or large items. |
| Unpacking Services | $150 – $500 | Movers unpack and dispose of packing materials. |
| Specialty Packing (Glassware, Art, TV) | $50 – $300 per item | Custom wrapping, crating, and handling for fragile items. |
Moving insurance: How much does it cost and what does it include?
Basic insurance is free of charge from all the licensed moving companies. You can also find prices for additional types of insurance. They usually look like this:
| Insurance Type | Coverage | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Protection (Released Value) | $0.60 per pound per item | Free (included) |
| Full-Value Protection | Full repair/replacement | 1% – 2% of item value ($1000 coverage = $10 – $20) |
| Third-Party Moving Insurance | Covers high-value items | $100 – $500 per policy |
When should I use full protection?
- If you're moving expensive furniture, electronics or fragile items.
- If your homeowner's insurance doesn't cover damage from moving.
Storage fees: How much does it cost to store my belongings?
If your new home isn't ready yet, you may need temporary storage. Movers offer two basic options
Storage Options & Pricing
| Storage Type | Avg. Cost Per Month | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PODS or Moving Containers | $150 – $500 | Flexible storage at your home or facility. |
| Mover-Provided Storage | $50 – $300 | Temporary warehouse storage before delivery. |
| Self-Storage Unit | $50 – $250 | DIY option for long-term storage. |
If you need a place to store your belongings, there are a few things to think about. For example, if your new home isn't ready yet and you need to put things away. Or when you're downsizing and need time to figure out what to leave behind. And when you're moving long distances, flexible storage periods mean you don't have to worry about the exact delivery date.
Seasonality and the best time to move in Houston
Did you know that moving in Houston can cost 10-30% more during peak seasons compared to off-peak times? Movers adjust their rates based on demand, weather conditions, and availability, which means that the timing of the move has a significant impact on the overall cost.
The most expensive time to move is usually summer, and the cheapest time to move is usually fall and winter. Below, we take a look at the seasonal variations in moving prices and the best time to plan a move to get the lowest prices.
Moving Costs by Season in Houston
| Season | Price Trend | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (May – September) | 🚨 Most Expensive (20-30% Higher) | More daylight, ideal weather for packing | High demand, harder to book, premium pricing |
| Fall (October – November) | ✅ Moderate Pricing | Milder weather, lower rates than summer | School schedules may make moving difficult |
| Winter (December – February) | 💰 Cheapest Time to Move | Lowest moving rates, flexible scheduling | Holidays can complicate timing, occasional bad weather |
| Spring (March – April) | âš Prices Start to Rise | More availability than summer | Prices increase as demand grows |
For example, a local move in Houston that costs $1,500 in July might cost $1,200 in January. You can save quite a bit of money by choosing an off-peak season if you're not in a hurry to move.
Best Days of the Week for Moving
If you can't control the moving season, choosing the right day of the week can still help you save money.
| Day of the Week | Price Trend | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 💰 Cheapest Days to Move | Less demand, lower hourly rates |
| Friday – Sunday | 🚨 Most Expensive Days | Higher demand, weekend surcharges |
We also advise you to pay attention to choosing a day during the month, because moving will be cheaper in the middle of the month.
| Time of Month | Price Trend | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| 1st – 7th (Beginning of Month) | 🚨 Most Expensive | High demand due to lease turnovers |
| 8th – 20th (Mid-Month) | 💰 Best Time to Move | Movers offer discounts during this slower period |
| 21st – End of Month | âš Expensive | Many leases end, increasing demand |
To summarize, if you want to save money on your move, it's important to get the timing right. In the winter, demand is lower and many movers will discount to fill the schedule. Weekdays will also be cheaper, as more people tend to move on weekends.
Try to avoid the first and last week of the month - this is a popular time to move due to the end of leases, which means prices can be higher. Plan ahead and book services at least 4-6 weeks in advance to get the best rates.
Don't hesitate to ask about discounts during off-peak seasons yourself.
Tips for saving money when moving
Moving within or out of Houston can be expensive, but if you plan well, you can cut costs significantly without sacrificing quality of service. We've already summarized some tips in the previous sections of this article, let's go into more detail.
How to reduce moving costs
Disassemble your belongings before you move
The less stuff you move, the cheaper it will cost to move it. If you're moving a long distance, you'll be charged by weight, and if you're moving within the city, you'll be charged for the movers' time. By getting rid of unnecessary things, you can cut costs.
You can sell unwanted items through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or by having a garage sale, and clothes and furniture can be donated to charities like Goodwill. If you have old or broken items, it's best to recycle them so you don't have to pay movers for trash removal.
For example, a one-bedroom move (about 3,000 pounds of stuff) costs about $2,500 per 1,000 miles. If you get rid of at least 500 pounds, you can save $250 to $500.
Choose a more favorable date
The time of the move plays an important role in shaping the price. In winter, demand is lower, so companies offer more favorable terms. The cheapest time to move is Monday through Thursday, and within a month, from the 8th to the 20th of the month.
For example, if moving a three-bedroom house in July costs $3500, you can pay $2800 in January, saving $700.
Pack on your own
Packing services can add anywhere from $300 to $2000 to the cost of moving, depending on the size of the house. To avoid this expense, you can prepare everything yourself. DIY packing is not too difficult, but it requires attention and time.
Free boxes are easy to find at supermarkets, liquor stores, or on Facebook Marketplace. You can use blankets and towels instead of bubble wrap. The key is to pack correctly so that movers don't charge extra for repacking.
Bottom line: how to save money on moving
- 📌 Get rid of unnecessary things to reduce the weight of the cargo.
- 📌 Move in winter or in the middle of the month - it's cheaper.
- 📌 Compare rates, negotiate and ask for discounts.
- 📌 Pack your belongings yourself so you don't have to pay for services.
Happy moving!