Yahoo Local
Why you can trust us

We independently evaluate the products and services we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet what we recommend, here.

Best moving companies and movers in Houston, TX 2024

Whether you're moving locally or long-distance to or from Houston, we have the best moving company for your specific situation.

City skyline on a sunny, autumn day in Houston, Texas
City skyline on a sunny, autumn day in Houston, Texas (Dmitry Vinogradov via Getty Images) (Dmitry Vinogradov via Getty Images)

Whether you're moving locally in Houston or gearing up to head across the country, the city has no shortage of moving companies. You shouldn't trust just anyone to take care of your belongings, however, and it's important to go with a mover that handles your stuff with care. Finding a reliable moving company at the right price can be daunting. Thankfully, we've done most of the work for you.

We sifted through tens of thousands of reviews for dozens of moving companies in the Houston area, applying a custom algorithm to rank them objectively. We then reduced our list to the 10 best movers using 14 weighted scoring criteria covering customer reviews, licensing, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation, and more. We then spoke with every company on the list to obtain up-to-date information on hourly rates, travel fees, hourly minimums, and everything else you need to make an informed decision.

We have decades of experience providing trustworthy information on local businesses at Yahoo. And we put in the work to show you why you should trust us instead of just telling you. Our proprietary rankings system, for example, incorporates reviews from multiple established sources of user ratings and weights them to deliver what we believe is the most authoritative local business ranking system. We provide details on what goes into our rankings so you can decide on trustworthiness, which are listed below. Unlike some competitors, Yahoo Local never takes payment for inclusion or placement, and our independent picks aren't "sponsored" or otherwise influenced by external parties. Want more details? Visit our full methodology page.

  • 39 movers evaluated

  • 17,914 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

  • 14 ranking criteria incorporated

  • Interviewed or connected with all 10 featured movers

  • Independent price quotes sourced from all 10 featured moving companies

  • Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

  • Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

The Einstein Moving Co. team in front of a company truck.
The Einstein Moving Co. team in front of a company truck ((Einstein Moving Co.))

Einstein Moving Co. started in 2012 as the brainchild of childhood friends Paul Morin and Cameron Brown. After graduating from Texas A&M University, the two launched two other companies before realizing they had ideas on how to improve the moving industry. Before long, they started Einstein Moving Co., eventually growing it to cover four major metro areas in Texas and one in Florida.

Einstein Moving Co. says it aims to disrupt the industry with improvements over other companies. The company has a simple online tool that gives you a cost estimate you can secure in minutes instead of going back and forth over the phone. It also includes all costs in its hourly rate, avoiding any of the surprise fees you might encounter from other movers.

Einstein quoted us $240 per hour for a team of three movers for a three-bedroom house move, which is the highest quote on this list. The company charges $80 per hour per mover, meaning you can expect a rate of $160 per hour if you need a smaller team of two. There is a 2.5-hour minimum for each move, so you'll spend at least $520 with a team of three and $400 for a team of two.

This is my second time using Einstein Moving Company, and yet again they took great care of my move and my things! Paul and Nate were my movers, and they were friendly, efficient, and handled my things with care. I couldn't have asked for a better move. If you haven't used Einstein before do it! You wont be disappointed. - Lisa R., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

For time beyond the minimum, Einstein Moving Co. charges in 15-minute increments. While it promises no travel fees for moves within a 10- to 15-mile radius of its locations, it charges an additional fee for moves outside of that to cover gas and truck costs. If you require packing supplies, those are charged separately.

You can book Einstein Moving Co. for residential, apartment, and office moves. The company also offers labor-only packing services and storage unit moves. Unfortunately, Einstein can't do interstate moves, but you can use them for a long-distance move to anywhere within Texas.

All of Einstein Moving Co.'s movers are employees who receive background checks and undergo thorough training. Before your move, Einstein emails you with information on the exact movers who will be part of your team. If your team is late on moving day, the company offers a discount that gets larger the later they are. For all the reasons stated, Einstein Moving earned the top spot in our list as the best moving company overall.

You can contact Einstein Moving Co. at 281-962-3973 or on its website to request a quote. The company recommends that you try to book at least two weeks in advance to secure your move date.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Einstein has a great reputation, and it has won awards from Angi and Nextdoor. The company is transparent with pricing, quoting us $240 per hour for a team of three movers with a 2.5-hour minimum. They only move within Texas, but there's no deposit required.

Pros
  • Simple online quote and booking
  • Transparent, thorough explanation of costs
  • Covers moves to anywhere in Texas
  • Locally owned and operated
  • No deposit
Cons
  • No interstate moves
  • Additional travel fee if you're outside of its "free-service" zone
  • Highest hourly rate for three-person crew
Request a quote at Einstein Moving Co.
Members of the Jonah's Movers team working inside a truck
Members of the Jonah's Movers team working inside a truck ((Jonah's Movers))

Jonah's Movers started in 2014 after owner Jonah Hoffmaister moved furniture while attending LoneStar College. Hoffmaister purchased his first moving truck that year intending to bring more professionalism to the moving industry. Since those humble beginnings, Jonah's Movers gradually expanded its reach to handle moves around the Houston area and elsewhere in Texas.

Jonah's Movers offers many services, including local and long-distance moves within Texas. It also offers a labor-only packing service and specialized senior moving. The company recently opened its own storage facility, dubbed My Storage Ark, in North Houston, as well.

From start to finish Jonah’s Movers were amazing. Matt and Jonah making it easy on the front end with a quote, details and virtual walk thru. To Chris, Juan and JP packing, loading and unloading our stuff. They were very professional and extremely careful with everything. I have moved cross country 8 times and this is far and away my best experience. Anytime I’m moving in Texas I will be calling Jonah’s Movers. Thank you! - John McAuliffe, Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

The company quoted us a rate of $209 per hour for a three-person crew. It requires a four-hour minimum per job, so you'll spend at least $836 for labor. That's a higher hourly minimum than many other companies on this list.

Beyond the hourly rate, Jonah's Movers doesn't charge many additional fees. The company requires a $100 deposit to secure your moving date, and you'll get a refund if you cancel more than seven days in advance. Finally, there's a travel fee that the company charges based on mileage and truck contents during your move.

The customer service representative we spoke with suggested booking your move at least three weeks in advance to secure your desired date. The summer season, especially at the start of the month, is a busy one for moving companies, so ample notice is always helpful.

All of Jonah's Movers' workers are full employees of the company and undergo a background check. The also told us each employee undergoes a week of training on how to properly pack and protect the belongings they move, with more training added if necessary.

You can reach Jonah's Movers at 832-728-6675 or visit its website for a quote.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Jonah's Movers is locally owned and operated and charges about $209 per hour for a three-person crew. Its four-hour minimum is higher than many other companies on this list, but a house move will likely take at least that long.

Pros
  • Locally owned and operated
  • Excellent ratings on Google, Yelp, and Angi
  • Specialized senior moving service
  • Company-run storage facility
Cons
  • High four-hour minimum
  • $209 per hour for a three-person crew is on the high end
Request a quote at Jonah's Movers
A Love's Pro Moving team members packs for a move
A Love's Pro Moving team members packs for a move ((Love's Pro Moving))

Though it's based just north of Houston in Conroe, Texas, Love's Pro Moving operates a location within Houston that services the surrounding area. Over the five years it has been in business, Love's Pro Moving has racked up dozens of positive reviews across Google and Yelp, with many noting how friendly and accommodating its movers are.

Love's Pro Moving specializes in local and long-distance moves. The company is licensed for interstate moves to the lower 48 U.S. states, so you're not restricted to just Texas. Love's Pro takes extra care to protect your home throughout the move, rolling out a literal red carpet to protect your floors from damage from its equipment.

I was feeling so overwhelmed and stressed about moving from Houston to Conroe. I have so much clothes and shoes for my re selling business. Josh, Malcolm and Ethan made everything so easy for me. They got on time, they were friendly, respectful and professional. I am so happy with this moving company I highly recommend them. Very reasonable price too. If I move again I will use this moving company. They also took really good care of my furniture. Thank you so much :) - A. Rivera, Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Love's Pro Moving quoted us a rate of $200 per hour for a crew of three movers. The company also charges a $50 travel fee for moves around the Houston area and a deposit of $250 to secure your move date. There's a two-hour minimum required, which is an average price.

In addition to local and long-distance moving, Love's Pro Moving can pack and unpack your belongings. There's also an auto-hauling service to transport your truck or car to your destination. The company can also handle junk removal and furniture donations.

One aspect of Love's Pro Moving's packing service that stands out is custom crating. If you have a particularly fragile or delicate item that needs extra protection, such as artwork or antiques, the company will pack it in a custom crate.

Beyond packing and moving, Love's Pro Moving offers both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled storage options that start at $70 per month.

Love's Pro Moving is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and no registered complaints in the last three years. All of its employees receive a background check. You can reach Love's Pro Moving by calling 832-356-9901 or visiting its website for a quote.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Love's Pro Moving is a relative newcomer in Houston, but it already has a sterling reputation based on hundreds of reviews. The company quoted us $200 per hour for a team of three movers, which is high. Its $249 deposit is also higher than many others on this list. Still, the company is a trusted, reliable option for local jobs and our selection for best moving company for long-distance moves in the lower 48 states.

Pros
  • Locally owned and operated
  • Long-distance services cover lower 48 states
  • Debris removal and storage services
  • BBB accredited with an A+ rating
Cons
  • Relatively young company
  • Hourly rate is high
  • Large deposit
Request a quote at Love's Pro Moving
Firefighting's Finest team stands in front of the company's trucks
Firefighting's Finest team stands in front of the company's trucks ((Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage Inc.))

With hundreds of positive reviews across Google, Yelp, and Angi, Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage has earned an impressive reputation since its start in 2001. True to the name, the company was founded by two off-duty firefighters in Fort Worth, Texas. Over the past 23 years, it grew to service the Houston and Dallas areas with a fleet of almost 30 trucks.

Firefighting's Finest provides a range of services in the Houston area. The company's focus is on local and long-distance residential moves, but it offers corporate and commercial moves and specialized military moving services for active-duty personnel and veterans. It also does packing and unpacking and moves for specialty items like pianos and pool tables.

I have been moving every two years for the last 26 years for my career and this has been the most professional moving team I have ever seen. They were quick but careful, efficient and nice. They worked well together as team to get it done. Thank you guys! - Shay Jamison, Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage quoted us $178 per hour for a team of three movers, which sits near the middle of all of the quotes we received from our featured movers. The company charges a $125 non-refundable deposit to lock in your move date, but that's subtracted from the final total once the move is complete. Firefighting's Finest recommends booking your move four to six weeks in advance, longer than some of the lead times mentioned by other companies on this list.

The company requires a four-hour minimum, tied for the highest minimum number of hours on this list. You can expect to pay at least $712 for labor with a three-person crew. It's unlikely a full house move will take under four hours, though.

All of the Firefighting's Finest's employees undergo background checks, and the company earned ProMover certification by the American Trucking Association (ATA). This designation indicates that a company agrees to abide by high standards of ethics and professionalism.

Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and one registered complaint in the last three years. You can contact the Houston office at 281-895-2706 or visit its website to get a free estimate.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Firefighting's Finest Moving and Storage started in 2001 in Fort Worth, Texas. Its prices are competitive, in the middle of the range for companies on this list. It offers a specialized military moving service for active-duty personnel and veterans. The minimum number of hours for a move is tied for the highest on this list.

Pros
  • Local to Texas
  • Competitive hourly rates
  • Specialized military moving service
  • BBB accredited with A+ rating
Cons
  • High four-hour minimum
  • Recommended advance booking time is higher than others
Request a quote at Firefighter's Finest Moving and Storage
A company truck from the A Better Tripp Moving & Storage fleet
A company truck from the A Better Tripp Moving & Storage fleet ((A Better Tripp Moving & Storage))

A Better Tripp Moving & Storage is named after its owner, David Tripp and has been in business for more than two decades. During that time, the company garnered hundreds of positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and Angi for its wide range of moving and packing services. It has also grown to handle moves throughout Texas and across the U.S.

Locals in the Houston area can book a full-service move with A Better Tripp that covers packing and unpacking, along with custom crating for specialty items. The company takes extra precautions when operating in your home, laying down floor protection to prevent damage from its equipment. Like some other companies on this list, A Better Tripp also offers a senior moving service with special considerations for moving to and from senior living facilities.

From beginning to end...my overall experience with A Better Tripp was spectacular! Mike Livesay answered all of my in-depth questions with kindness and professionalism. My quote and final price was fair and reasonable for my out of state move. I received my items in less time than promised...which made life so much easier for me. My driver, Jose, was also just as AMAZING and professional. He kept me up to date with his ETA to deliver my belongings! He was also a GREAT driver, he maneuvered that 18 wheeler truck in some tight spaces to make the move easier/faster! Great job, I highly recommend using A Better Tripp! - Kel C., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

A Better Tripp quoted us $179 per hour for a three-person crew, which is in the middle range of quotes from companies on this list. The company requires a two-hour minimum, with additional time charged in 15-minute increments. Additionally, A Better Tripp charges trip fees based on the distance of the move.

The required deposit is different from the other companies on this list. Instead of a flat fee for all moves, A Better Tripp puts a hold on your card for the total cost of your estimate. At the end of your move, you can pay with the card you initially provided or charge the total to a different card.

A Better Tripp offers a unique service called "backhaul sharing." If you have items stored in a city or state where A Better Tripp is scheduled to go during a specific week or month, it will transport them back to the Houston area for you. The company typically lists where it offers backhaul services on its website each week, and the cost depends on the specifics of each trip.

All of A Better Tripp's employees undergo a background check. The company is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and one complaint in the last three years. It has also earned the ProMover certification from the American Trucking Association (ATA), which guarantees a company holds itself to higher standards of ethics and professionalism.

You can contact A Better Tripp Moving & Storage at 713-266-8348 or visit its website for a free quote.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

A Better Tripp Moving & Storage has been around for more than 20 years and covers local and long-distance moves around Texas and beyond. The company's rates are reasonable at $179 per hour for a three-person crew. It also offers a backhaul sharing service to pick up stuff on its way back from interstate moves. However, instead of a standard deposit it requires a credit-card hold in the amount of your full estimate.

Pros
  • Locally owned and operated
  • Offers backhaul sharing service to pick up your stuff on the way back from long-distance trips
  • Specialized senior moving services
  • BBB accredited with an A+ rating.
Cons
  • Deposit requires credit card hold for full estimate amount
Request a quote at A Better Tripp Moving & Storage
A 3 Men Movers truck sits parked outside of a home during a move
A 3 Men Movers truck sits parked outside of a home during a move ((3-Men Movers))

3 Men Movers opened for business in 1985 when founder John Fischer kicked things off with one truck and a small crew. The company has since expanded to cover cities all over Texas, including Houston and its suburbs, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.

If you're moving anywhere in and around Houston, you can expect 3 Men Movers to handle your belongings with care. The company uses floor runners to protect flooring, and large items are shrink-wrapped and covered in moving blankets for the trip. The company offers packing and unpacking services if you want to avoid doing the hard work yourself.

3 Men Movers quoted us a rate of $209 per hour for a team of three movers, which is on the high end of this list. That rate includes all taxes and credit card fees, and the company doesn't charge for fuel or moves that include multiple flights of stairs. The only added cost is a travel fee based on mileage traveled.

The company has a two-hour minimum, which is standard. For a three-person crew, you can expect to pay at least $418 for labor, though house moves almost always require more time than just a couple of hours. 3 Men Movers charges a $25 deposit, which is relatively low.

The crew were awesome. So efficient. Quick and very professional. They got the job done at warp speed. A two bedroom apartment was totally cleared, and then transported to a different location and unloaded in 4.25 hours. Incredible. Cannot praise highly enough. Great job guys. - Suzan Murat, Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

3 Men Movers' main business revolves around moves within Texas, but it can also accommodate interstate moves. That said, you may be able to find a cheaper mover if you're moving across the country. The company says it tries to stay competitive on pricing for moves to neighboring states but also recommends checking with a national carrier to get the best rates for longer moves.

3 Men Movers is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and 16 registered complaints in the last three years, which is more than any other company on our list. A scam alert exists on the BBB page for 3 Men Movers, suggesting another company could be impersonating it so be cautious and use the official phone number and site below for communications.

All 3 Men Movers' employees undergo background checks. You can reach 3 Men Movers by calling 713-564-7133 or visit its website for a quote.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Operating in major cities around Texas, 3 Men Movers specializes in moves all over the state. The company's hourly rates are a bit high at $209 per hour for a three-person crew. However, there's no deposit. Just note the company's number of registered BBB complaints, which is higher than others on this list.

Pros
  • Locally owned and operated for nearly 40 years
  • $25 deposit
  • Great for moves all over Texas
  • BBB accredited with A+ rating
Cons
  • On the high end for hourly rates
  • Higher number of BBB registered complaints than other companies on this list
Request a quote at 3-Men Movers
Three members of the H-Town movers crew work inside a home
Three members of the H-Town movers crew work inside a home ((H-Town Movers))

H-Town Movers has operated in the Houston area since 2014, working with a full-time crew of movers. While it's based out of Houston and mostly deals with moves in it and the surrounding areas, the company has grown to be able to handle moves anywhere in the state. The company prides itself on offering rates that include everything involved in the move without surprise fees.

For general residential moves, H-Town Movers can handle all your packing and unpacking needs. Once at your destination, your moving crew will reassemble and place furniture for you. The company price includes the costs of all packing materials, blankets, wraps, and moving pads.

H-Town Movers quoted us a rate of $195 per hour for a team of three movers. That's on the high end but under the $200 mark of some other movers on this list. The company requires a two-hour minimum and then charges in 15-minute increments.

Kevin G. and crew were simply amazing. They carefully wrapped and boxed my household goods. The next day they showed up on time and displayed how real teamwork runs. They moved everything into the truck being very cautious of my furniture and household goods. Upon arrival at the new house they asked where did I want the furniture placed in each room. They really surprised me by setting up the shelving and placing the items. Before leaving, they ensured my adjustable bed, reclining sofa, and television worked. I was very pleased with their work. If I have to move again I will definitely use H-Town Movers. - Beverly Harris, Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

H-Town Movers requires a $50 deposit to secure your move date, which is the cheapest rate of any company on this list that requires one. In addition to the hourly rate and deposit, it charges a travel fee based on the number of miles your movers travel.

H-Town Movers quickly responded to our request for a quote within a couple of hours. The company was also easy to get ahold of when we needed to. It's the only company on this list that is open all day, every day.

H-Town Movers is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and no registered complaints in the last three years. Each mover that works with H-Town undergoes a background check. You can reach H-Town Movers at 356-866-8377 or visit its website for a quote.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

H-Town Movers is the only company on this list that's available 24/7. The company was quick with its response to our quote request, coming in at $195 for a team of three movers. That's a bit on the high side compared to some others on this list, but it's far from the highest. Its $50 deposit is also the cheapest among companies we evaluated that require one.

Pros
  • Locally based
  • Cheap deposit
  • Open 24/7
  • BBB accredited with an A+ rating
Cons
  • Hourly pricing on the higher side
Request a quote at H-Town Movers
An Optimus Moving Services truck sits outside a home
An Optimus Moving Services truck sits outside a home ((Optimus Moving Services))

Optimus Moving Services has been in business for more than 20 years as a family-owned operation. During that time, the company racked up hundreds of positive reviews across Google and Yelp. It specializes in covering Houston and its surrounding area, but you can book Optimus Moving Service for long-distance moves as well.

The process starts with a free quote, during which you provide the size of your home and the zip codes for your move. If you opt to use its packing services, the company sends a team the day before your move to securely wrap and box your belongings at an hourly rate based on the number of people required, according to our quote. Optimus Moving Services will also reassemble furniture, unpack your boxes, and place your belongings where you want them at your destination.

Related: Where to get moving boxes for free

Optimus Moving Services quoted us an hourly rate of $139 for a team of three movers, which is the cheapest of any company on this list, earning it our pick for best moving company for the budget-conscious. It requires the average two-hour minimum, so you can expect to pay at least $278. After the initial two hours, you're charged in 15-minute increments.

The crew of Martin and 2 others who moved my belongings were top notch. They were fast, they wrapped up everything in pads and shrink-wrap and took apart items and put them back together for me. They were very professional and very hard workers, finished a couple hours before I expected. Very pleased and would definitely use this place again and recommend them to everyone. - Duke Blazer, Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Optimus is one of the few companies on this list that doesn't require a deposit to secure your move date. The company only requests that you cancel your booking as soon as possible if necessary. You'll also pay a trip charge based on distance traveled, along with a special item charge if you need to move anything very large, awkward, or delicate, such as a gun safe or pool table.

Optimus got back to us with a quote the same day we requested it. The customer service representative we spoke to confirmed all its employees receive background checks. You can contact Optimus Moving Services by calling 281-859-0909 or visit its website to obtain a free quote.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Optimus Moving Services

Optimus Moving Services has operated locally in the Houston area for more than 20 years offering moving and packing services. The company doesn't require a deposit and it has the cheapest rates we were quoted of any company on this list. You can expect to pay $139 per hour for a three-person team, with a two-hour minimum and no deposit. Just be aware the company only works in the greater Houston area.

Pros
  • Locally owned for more than 20 years
  • Lowest hourly rate of any company on this list
  • No deposit
  • Excellent ratings on Google and Angi
Cons
  • Only operates in the greater Houston area
Request a quote at Optimus Moving Services
Square Cow Movers Houston team members stand during a meeting
Square Cow Movers Houston team members stand during a meeting ((Square Cow Movers))

Square Cow Movers started in 2008 after cofounder Wayne Lombard moved to Texas with his family seeking a career change. More than 16 years later, the company is still family-owned and operated and has expanded to cover locations all over Texas, along with expansions in Tennessee and Colorado.

Square Cow Movers offers a range of services from its locations in the Houston area, including local and long-distance moving services, commercial and specialized senior moves, packing and unpacking, storage, and labor-only services. The company also runs multiple locations in the San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas areas, making it great for intrastate moves.

The company charges two different rates based on the time of week your move falls. For weekdays, defined as Monday through Thursday, our quote was $210 for a team of three movers. If you move on Friday or Saturday, that rate goes up to $230 per hour.

That's the second-highest rate of any company on this list, slightly lower than our top pick, Einstein Moving Co., and just higher than our number two pick, Jonah's Movers. The company also requires a two-hour minimum, charging in 15-minute increments for additional time.

Jaelen & Ron were awesome. We used Square Cow to move apartments today. They were quick, efficient, & professional. Lane (ops manager) also stopped by to check-in and he was great as well. Highly recommend and we’ll ask for them again next time we move. - R P, Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Square Cow Movers doesn't charge a deposit but asks that customers let it know as soon as possible about any cancellations. Square Cow Movers says all its workers receive background checks, so you can be sure you aren't getting sub-par help from amateur day laborers.

Square Cow Movers turned around our quote quickly, requiring only a few bits of information to figure out our hourly rate. The staff was pleasant, offering information on rates without requiring a phone number or email address.

The company is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and seven registered complaints in the last three years. That's higher than most other BBB-accredited companies on this list, but not the highest. You can contact Square Cow Movers by calling 281-419-8282 or visit its website for a free quote.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Square Cow Movers really prides itself on being a family-owned business, operating locally around Houston for more than 16 years. The company has the second-highest hourly rates on this list, at $210 to $230 per hour, depending on the day of the week you choose. However, it doesn't require a deposit to lock in your move date. Be aware of the seven registered complaints on its BBB profile, though.

Pros
  • Locally and family-owned for more than 16 years
  • Locations all around Texas
  • No deposit required
  • BBB accredited with A+ rating
Cons
  • Second-highest hourly rate on this list
  • Seven registered BBB complaints in last three years
Request a quote at Square Cow
Houston Iron-Back Movers team in front of a company truck
Houston Iron-Back Movers team in front of a company truck ((Houston Iron Back Movers))

Focused on serving Houston and its surrounding areas, Houston Iron-Back Movers has been in the moving game for more than 20 years. The company got its start when founder Abner Fuentes decided to turn his high school job into a career. The company remains in his hands, offering a truly local moving experience.

Houston Iron-Back Movers handles all sorts of jobs, including basic residential and commercial moves, local and long-distance jobs, furniture delivery, packing and unpacking services, and loading rental trucks. The company will disassemble and reassemble furniture during moves as needed.

Houston Iron-Back Movers charges different hourly rates depending on the day of the week you plan to move, but they're very reasonable. For a three-person crew, the company quoted us $145 per hour for moves that fall Monday through Thursday. For Friday through Sunday moves, that rate increases to $155 per hour.

Those prices are just slightly higher than our best value pick, making the company a solid runner-up. Houston Iron-Back Movers also doesn't charge a deposit, so you won't have to pay anything to schedule your move date. Like other no-deposit companies, Iron-Back asks that customers let them know as soon as possible if they need to cancel.

Houston Iron-Back Movers requires a two-hour minimum, after which it charges in 15-minute increments. There's also a flat, $100 trip charge for moves within the Houston area to cover costs such as gas, maintenance, and travel time for the crew.

HIGHLY recommend Houston Iron-Back Movers! We moved cross country from Houston to Ann Arbor, MI and the crew was just incredible. From bringing 6 men to our Houston townhome to load the truck, deassemble our major furniture pieces (beds, patio couch & table), and wrap/pad everything — they made moving as least stressful as possible. They loaded the truck Wednesday and arrived in Michigan at our new home Saturday at 10am sharp. Everything arrived in one piece and the driver reassembled all furniture. SUPER pleased with this company! - Bailey W., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Houston Iron-Back is one of the few moving companies we've evaluated that encourages texting for quotes and information for your move. We received prompt responses to our questions via text, and messaging can be a good way to get additional info when a phone call isn't necessary.

Unfortunately, Houston Iron-Back Movers' website is as barebones as they come. No online form exists to submit a quote request, and there's very little information provided about its services. The site merely provides a handful of sentences about the company along with a contact phone number and email address.

All of Houston Iron-Back Movers' workers undergo background checks, according to the company. You can contact Houston Iron-Back Movers by calling 713-340-7445 or visiting its website.

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Houston Iron-Back Movers has worked in and around Houston for 20 years. Its rates are the second lowest on this list at between $145 and $155 per hour for a team of three movers, depending on the day of the week. It only services Houston and the surrounding area, however, and its barebones website isn't particularly useful. It has great reviews across Google and Yelp, though.

Pros
  • Local to the Houston area for 20 years
  • No deposit
  • Second-cheapest rates on this list
  • Prompt response times with optional texting
Cons
  • Only services local area
  • Barebones website
Request a quote at Houston Iron-Back Movers

We included the companies that offer the best services in our top picks, but you may want to explore others. The following three companies didn't quite make it into our top 10, but they're still worth a look if you want alternatives. Each has solid reviews across Google and Yelp.

Bellhop: Bellhop offers local and long-distance moving services all over the U.S. The company also handles packing services, hourly labor, last-minute moving, and more. You can contact Bellhop at 866-641-9158 or by visiting its website.

Why they're worth a look: Huge reach across 27 states and Washington, D.C.

Student Movers Inc.: With BBB accreditation and an A+ rating, Student Movers Inc. services the Houston area with household and office moves. You can hire them for packing and unpacking services as needed. You can contact Student Movers Inc. at 713-728-4900 or visit its website for a quote.

Why they're worth a look: Locally operated with more than 20 years of experience.

Local Movings: Based in Houston, Local Movings is transparent with its pricing, listing the cost of each service on its website. Starting at $300 for the first two hours and $120 per additional hour, Local Movings handles moves, labor-only packing, and more. You can reach Local Movings at 713-428-1085 or visit its website to book a move.

Why they're worth a look: Locally owned and upfront with pricing for all services.

Moving is almost always stressful, no matter how much you prepare. Calling around to obtain quotes from companies and researching the reputations of countless others is time-consuming and potentially frustrating. Our comprehensive rating system is meant to take a huge chunk of that work out of the equation so you can focus your efforts on what matters. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

You'll want to keep some key considerations in mind as you evaluate which of our top picks is best for you. Most of our recommendations fall within a relatively small range for hourly rates, but you want to make sure you pick one within your budget and consider additional fees on top of each company's hourly rates. If cost is your main concern, Optimus Moving Services will be a good choice.

Availability is another factor. Most of our featured companies said their busiest times are in the summer, at the beginning of each month, and on weekends. Being flexible can secure a desired move date, but we included 10 companies (plus three honorable mentions) to provide options in case one isn't available. Going with H-Town Movers may be your best bet if you're working with little time to move.

The best moving company in Houston is Einstein Moving Co. It has maintained exceptional review scores among hundreds of reviews on Google, Angi, and Yelp for years. Its pricing is also transparent, with a thorough explanation of factors that go into its hourly rate and no surprise fees.

Einstein Moving Co.'s movers are all employees (no day laborers) who undergo background checks. The company doesn't do interstate moves, but you can count on them to handle moves to any location in Texas. And Einstein Moving Co.'s online estimate tool is the simplest and most comprehensive of any company on this list.

When calling for an estimate in Houston, you can save time by having the following information on hand.

Each mover will likely ask whether you're moving from a home or apartment and the number of bedrooms. You may also be asked for the approximate square footage of your home. Some companies may also ask for the addresses of your starting location and destination, while others will require a zip code.

Take note of any large furniture pieces you'll need to move. This can help inform how many movers you'll need and how much time each company needs to commit. It also helps to estimate the number of boxes you need to move, along with any other services you or may not require, like storage or packing.

When packing and storing your belongings in Houston, you'll want to protect them from exposure to heat and humidity for long periods. Always keep your belongings in an air-conditioned space before the move and opt for climate-controlled storage when considering storage facilities, if possible. Mold growth can happen quickly so plan accordingly.

Condos and multi-level apartment buildings often have policies requiring you to reserve an elevator during a move. Check with your building's management for particulars, like reserved time windows and how far in advance you need to block off your reservation time. Work with your moving company to ensure you stay within that window.

No, you won't need a special permit for residential moves. The moving company you work with, however, must be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. For more details, read our complete guide to moving licenses and permits in Texas.

Tips aren't required or expected for movers, but it can be a nice way to show your appreciation if your workers go above and beyond. If you want to include gratuity, it's generally a good idea to tip between 10% and 20% of the total moving cost. You can either split tips amongst individual movers or leave your tip with the crew supervisor.

Some companies also let you add a tip to your final bill, so you may want to ask if that's an option.

Check out our full guide to tipping movers for more details.