Houston is the largest moving market in Texas, and it's grown faster than any other major city over the past decade. Movers here are used to long inter-suburb hauls — a move from Sugar Land to The Woodlands is 50+ miles. Heat is a real factor from May through September; experienced Houston movers schedule heavy lifting before 11am.
Long-distance from Houston to Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio typically runs $1,400 – $2,800. Out-of-state moves to LA, Atlanta, or Denver start around $4,500.
Peak season is May through August, driven by school transitions and corporate relocations. Late September through early November is the cheapest window.
Most Uptown/Galleria, Museum District, and Downtown Houston high-rises require a COI naming the building and management company 48 hours ahead. Single-family homes in Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and Cypress typically do not — HOAs may require gate codes and 24-hour advance notice instead.
Only inside the city loop on metered blocks — Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, and parts of The Heights. Licensed movers file for temporary curb reservations with the City of Houston Parking Management Division; suburban addresses in Katy, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands require nothing.
Late September through early November — after hurricane season and school starts, before the holidays. Avoid May through August entirely: relocations, school turnover, and heat premiums push rates 20–35% above off-season.
I-45 north to Dallas (about 4 hours) is the highest-volume corridor. I-10 west runs to Austin and San Antonio; I-10 east goes to New Orleans and Florida. I-69 handles most northeast moves. Houston→Denver, Houston→Atlanta, and Houston→Florida are the top out-of-state lanes.
Reputable crews dispatch by 7 AM May through September, rotate hydration breaks every 45 minutes, and wrap leather and wood furniture in insulated blankets to prevent heat damage during transport. Afternoon-only starts usually cost 15–20% more in billed hours.