What Texas requires
Licensed Texas movers must give you a written proposal before loading anything. It's either binding—the exact price of the move—or not-to-exceed—the most you can be charged. It should also say when payment is due and which payment methods are accepted. Source: TxDMV ↗.
What changes the price of a move
- How much is moving. More furniture and boxes means more time, and sometimes a bigger crew or truck.
- Access at both homes. Stairs, elevators, long walks from the truck and tight doorways all take time.
- Distance. Local moves are mostly about time; Texas moves add the drive.
- Extra services. Packing, disassembly and specialty items such as pianos.
- Timing. End-of-month and summer dates are the busiest.
Do movers charge extra for stairs?
Stairs take more time and effort, so they usually affect the price—either as a line item or through the time the move takes. The fair way to handle it is up front: tell your mover about every staircase, elevator and long carry at both addresses so the written proposal reflects the real job.
How to get an accurate quote
Be specific. List large furniture, mention anything heavy or fragile, share photos of tricky access and give both full addresses. Surprises on moving day are what make final prices differ from expectations.
Comparing quotes side by side
Is each quote binding or not-to-exceed? Does it include packing materials, disassembly and the drive? Is the mover's TxDMV certificate active? The lowest number isn't the best deal if it leaves things out. For more, see 10 questions to ask a mover.