Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Mar, 10 2026
Austin to Houston Moving Companies
Moving from Austin to Houston might be the right move for you due to a job opportunity or another reason. This isn't an out-of-state move and it's not as long as another type of move you could be taking on. However, you will still travel about 165 miles because you are travelling from one city to the other. This a long-distance move and you will need the right Austin to Houston movers to handle the job.
Hiring a company can be stressful. There are good Austin moving companies out there, but the industry also has many not-so-good options and some scammers. Let's look at some of the factors you should consider and how to avoid getting scammed when you hire your movers.
How Much Does It Cost to Move?
The total cost for your move from Austin to Houston will depend on the actual distance, the company you hire, and the size of your move. If you need to move a small apartment, you won't spend as much as moving a three-bedroom house. Renting a shifting truck is also cheaper than hiring a Texas full-service moving company.
The average price to hire professional company ranging from $1,550 to $4,425. You might spend less or more than this range, depending on the moving service you choose.
Renting a relocating truck and handling the labor yourself is the cheapest option, but you do still need to pay for fuel. If you hire a full-service transporting company, you will do less of the heavy lifting, but you will pay more.
What to Expect from Your Long-Distance Movers
Hiring the right Austin to Houston movers isn't easy. There are many good and honest companies to work with, but there are also bad companies and even scammers to avoid.
One of the best ways to figure out if you're working with a good company or not is simply to speak to them on the phone, and if they are able to provide an inventory-based free quote. Scammers don't want to talk to you directly and good moving companies will be happy to answer all your questions. Pay close attention to their customer service on the phone as you ask your questions, too.
Make sure, before you hire any hauling company, you check the online reviews and the DOT license. You can also verify their reputation by checking with the Better Business Bureau website to see if any complaints have been filed.
Also, watch out for any hauling company trying to charge a high upfront deposit. Scammers try to do this and they will take your money and run.
Most Common Types of Movers
As you narrow down your list of movers, you will likely run into a few different options. Full-service moving companies are very common and they will do all the work for you. Some will even offer packing and unpacking services and provide packing materials as well.
Van lines and moving container companies fall in the middle as they will handle the transportation for you, but you have to supply the labor. You will load either a trailer or a portable storage container with your things and they will transport those things to your new location.
Of course, you can rent a shifting truck, too, but you will need to handle the labor and pay for the fuel. This is often the cheapest option when hiring movers.
There isn't a wrong answer when hiring a moving company. It's best to get multiple quotes so you can compare and decide which option is best for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Austin to Houston movers charge $950–$1,800 for a 1–3 bedroom home, while larger houses can reach $2,000–$3,500 depending on inventory size and services. The route covers about 165 miles between Austin and Houston, so pricing reflects truck size, fuel, crew size (usually 2–4 movers), packing needs, and loading complexity. Additional factors include stairs, elevators, long carry distances, and specialty items like pianos or safes. Many households compare estimates through a professional long distance moving service to get accurate pricing.
Yes. Although the move stays within Texas, the 165-mile distance between Austin and Houston generally classifies it as a long-distance intrastate move rather than a short local relocation. Movers must plan for highway travel, fuel costs, and longer labor schedules. Crews typically travel along Interstate 10 or US-290, which affects delivery timing and scheduling. For these city-to-city relocations, many households hire professional teams specializing in a long distance moving service.
Most moves between Austin and Houston are completed within the same day, usually 5–8 hours total including loading, travel, and unloading. The driving portion averages 2.5–4 hours depending on traffic conditions, especially near Katy, I-10, and Houston metro corridors. Total duration depends on home size (studio to 4-bedroom), crew size, packing requirements, elevator reservations, and parking access. Efficient planning and early start times help crews complete the relocation safely in one day.
Yes. Many companies provide full or partial packing services to protect belongings during the 165-mile trip. Movers can pack kitchen items, electronics, fragile décor, and large furniture using protective materials and labeled boxes before loading the truck. Packing support is especially useful for larger homes, tight schedules, or fragile valuables like artwork or antiques. Some customers choose a comprehensive full service movers solution so the crew handles packing, loading, transport, and unloading.
Several logistics determine final pricing. The biggest cost drivers include move size (studio to 5-bedroom), crew size (2–4 movers), truck size, and total labor hours. Costs can increase with stairs, elevators, long carry distances, fragile items, or difficult parking access. Seasonal demand also matters, with summer and end-of-month moves often priced higher. Some customers reduce costs by booking hourly labor through professional movers by the hour.
Yes. Because the cities are relatively close, most relocations offer same-day pickup and delivery. Crews usually load the truck in Austin in the morning, drive the 165-mile route via I-10 or US-290, and unload in Houston the same afternoon. Same-day delivery depends on move size, crew availability, start time, and traffic conditions around Austin, Katy, and central Houston corridors. Some households also schedule flexible timing with professional same day movers when quick relocation is required.
