How to hire movers in Texas without getting burned

An estimate is a forecast based on what you tell the mover. A binding quote is a fixed price for a fixed list of items. Local hourly moves are almost always estimates, because the bill follows the actual time.

That's fine, as long as you can see how the estimate was built: the hourly rate, the minimum, any travel fee, and what makes the time go up or down. Our own online price is an estimate too, and our Terms say so plainly.

Local moves in Texas are usually priced by the hour. Long-distance moves are usually priced by weight and distance. Whichever it is, ask:

• What's the hourly rate, and how does it change with crew size?
• Is there a minimum number of hours?
• Is there a travel or trip fee, and how is it calculated?
• Are the truck, pads, wrap and equipment included, or extra?
• What costs extra: stairs, packing materials, heavy items, a second stop?

A small deposit that holds your date and comes off your final bill is normal. A large upfront payment, especially in cash or through a payment app with no paperwork, is a red flag.

For comparison, our deposit is the crew's first hour, requested only after we confirm your date, and it's credited in full to your bill.

Basic released-value protection pays a set amount per pound for each item, not what the item is worth. A light, expensive item like a TV or a laptop is covered for very little under it. Ask every mover:

• What protection is included by default?
• Is more coverage available, and what does it cost?
• How long do I have to file a claim, and what proof do you need?
• Are items I pack myself treated differently?

Movers that haul household goods within Texas have to register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and interstate movers need a USDOT number from the federal motor carrier agency (FMCSA). Ask for the numbers and look them up on the TxDMV and FMCSA websites before you book.

Walk away if you see these:

• A price far below everyone else's, given without asking about your home
• A large deposit, or cash only
• No written estimate and no terms you can read
• A company name that keeps changing, or reviews that all appeared at once
• Pressure to book on the spot
• New charges that appear only after your things are on the truck

For the record: our instant price shows the hourly rate ($165 for two movers and a truck, $30 per extra mover), the 3-hour minimum and any travel fee before you book. Booking is free. The deposit is the first hour, after we confirm your date. Our Terms explain coverage, cancellations and claims in plain English, and the pricing page shows typical totals for every home size.