Are you ready to begin your new life in Houston? Whether you are moving from another part of Texas or from a totally different part of the country, you may be concerned about how you will handle such a significant relocation. Rather than stressing about how to seamlessly and affordably relocate, you should be thinking about all the fun you will have in your new city in the coming months.
Hiring the best long-distance moving companies is one of the most effective ways to navigate such a process. By having a top mover by your side, you can take a lot of the burden off your shoulders, as the movers can pack and transport all your belongings to your new home or apartment.
Houston is a beautiful place to live, as it is the ideal marriage of historic Texas and a modern American city. Whether you are relocating for work, school, or to establish roots with your family, you will be very happy in this part of the country.
Below is a complete guide that outlines the costs of hiring movers and other important aspects of moving to Houston.
The Cost of Hiring Movers
Hiring professional local or state-to-state movers is the best way to relocate to the Houston area. Moving companies can take care of everything related to your move, such as packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking your belongings. They will also securely transport everything on their moving truck to your new address.
If you are moving from another Texas city, you may be able to hire local movers, who will charge you an hourly rate for their services. Local moves are usually within 100 miles, but some moving companies consider 400 miles local.
Moves within Texas that cover a lot of miles, or moves from another state or another part of the country fall under the “long-distance” umbrella, and are usually billed as a single, fixed fee for the entire relocation.
The cost of moving locally or long-distance is determined by the size of your move, distance between the origin and destination, and the services you request from the movers.
The best way to ensure a smooth and stress-free move is to use a reputable platform to search for, communicate with, and eventually hire top-rated movers who are available on your desired moving dates.
Choosing a reliable mover is more important than going with the company that offers the lowest rates, as the best companies will ensure your move is a successful one.
Where to Live in Houston?
Picking a neighborhood to live in Houston is one of the most important steps you can take when relocating. Within the Houston area, there are several appealing neighborhoods where you can rent or buy a home or apartment for your family.
Greater Heights is one of the most popular neighborhoods among new arrivals, as it is only a few miles away from the city’s business district and most of the popular restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and other hotspots.
Those who desire a quieter, more serene experience in Houston may want to look at River Oaks as a place to live. The middle-class and upper-class community is extremely charming, peaceful, and still reasonably close to the downtown area.
Steps to Take Before Leaving Your Present City
Before you depart your present city, there are a few tasks you must complete to avoid any problems after you arrive in Houston. Ensure you forward your mail with the local post office or by visiting the USPS website. The general rule is to forward your mail ten days to two weeks before you are departing, as it takes that long for them to process the request.
Talk to your kids’ school(s) and ensure they are ready to send any transcripts or related materials to their new school(s) in Houston. Have a similar conversation with your primary care provider. Close out all utility accounts for the date you are moving out, or inform them of your new address if the same company provides services in Houston.
If you are presently renting a home or apartment, schedule a time for your landlord to inspect the property, so you can receive your security deposit. You may want to take a look around the property to see if there is any minor damage you can repair yourself, rather than losing out on a portion of your deposit.
Acclimating To Your New Surroundings
An extremely important step in relocating to Houston is to acclimate to your new surroundings. If you are moving to the area from another part of the country, becoming familiar with the climate, landscape, and culture may take a few weeks or months.
By hiring top-rated cross-country movers and ensuring that you have a list of everything you must do to complete your relocation, you can focus more time and energy on experiencing Houston during the first few weeks of your move.
Rather than stressing about when your belongings will arrive, you can go out and try new restaurants, sample the city’s downtown nightlife, or visit a local park or hiking trial with your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can movers charge me a different rate than they quoted initially?
If you request a binding quote from movers, they can only charge you a different rate at the conclusion of your move if you request additional services after the fact.
When you only receive a non-binding quote, you may find that your final bill is different to what you were expecting. Top-rated, reputable movers will never tack on extra fees at the conclusion of your move.
Is it possible to ask the movers to make several stops during my relocation?
Yes, local or long-distance movers have no issues with making several stops as part of a relocation. You should inform the movers about this ahead of time, whether you need them to pick up belongings from several locations in your present city, or make drop-offs at more than one location at your destination city.
I have a few extremely large and heavy items. Can the movers relocate these for me?
Yes, the movers should have no problem moving these items for you. All you need to do is inform them ahead of time that you have an extremely large or heavy item, such as a piano, pool table, or marble dining table, as it allows them to make preparations before arriving at your home. They might bring an extra person on moving day, or specialty equipment, to help them lift and move the heavy items.
Is it necessary to purchase extra insurance from the movers?
If you have any valuable belongings that you are worried may get damaged during transit, you may want to purchase extra insurance from the moving company. All moving contracts include basic insurance, but that policy will pay a modest sum for each item that is lost or damaged. If an expensive electronics item is damaged, for instance, extra insurance would help you cover the cost of buying a replacement.
Do local and long-distance movers calculate costs in the same way?
Typically, local movers charge an hourly rate for their services, along with a fixed fee when you rent their moving truck or request additional services. Long-distance movers, however, charge a flat rate for the entire relocation, which they can calculate based on the distance, size, and other aspects of the move.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Houston can be a challenging and stressful experience if you make the mistake of trying to do everything alone. By hiring top-rated movers using a reliable platform, you can comfortably and affordably get through the coming weeks and begin enjoying your new city.
If you have concerns about the costs of hiring movers, you can always downsize your belongings, relocate during the off-season, and ensure you keep special requests to a minimum during the relocation.
