The Complete Guide to Long Distance Movers Dallas-Fort Worth: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Interstate Move
Published by Moving Company Guys | Last Updated: October 2025
Planning a long distance move from Dallas-Fort Worth? Whether you’re relocating from Dallas to California, moving from Garland to Colorado, heading from Plano to New York, or making any interstate move from the DFW Metroplex, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about long distance moving—from understanding costs and choosing legitimate movers to packing strategies and avoiding common mistakes. If you are looking for Long Distance Movers Dallas-Fort Worth Give Us a call.
Understanding Long Distance Moving: What Makes It Different from Local Moves?
Long distance moving—also called interstate moving or cross-country moving—involves relocating more than 100 miles away or crossing state lines. Unlike local moves that charge by the hour, long distance relocations require specialized licensing, different pricing structures, extended planning timelines, and significantly more logistics coordination.
Why Dallas-Fort Worth Residents Need Professional Long Distance Movers
Federal Licensing Requirements: Any company transporting household goods across state lines must hold a valid USDOT (Department of Transportation) number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This isn’t optional—it’s federal law. Unlicensed movers operating illegally put your belongings at risk with zero legal recourse if things go wrong.
At Moving Company Guys, we maintain USDOT #3918729 and TxDMV #009567347C, ensuring your interstate move from Dallas-Fort Worth is fully legal, protected, and compliant with all federal and state regulations.
Multi-Day Logistics: Your belongings won’t arrive at your new home the same day they leave Dallas or Garland. Long distance moves involve days or even weeks of transit time, requiring professional route planning, weather monitoring, driver schedule coordination, and real-time tracking. Our Dallas office and Garland location coordinate hundreds of successful long distance moves annually, giving us unmatched expertise in interstate logistics.
Superior Protection Needs: Items traveling 20 minutes across Dallas need different protection than belongings journeying 2,000 miles to Seattle. Professional long distance movers use climate-controlled trucks, strategic loading techniques preventing shifting during transit, and premium packing materials protecting your possessions through multiple climate zones and thousands of road miles.
Comprehensive Insurance: Basic moving insurance pays only $0.60 per pound—meaning your 100-pound TV receives just $60 if damaged, regardless of its $2,000 actual value. Long distance moves require full-value protection covering items at replacement cost. We offer comprehensive insurance options ensuring your belongings are properly protected throughout their cross-country journey.
How Much Does Long Distance Moving from Dallas-Fort Worth Cost?
Long distance moving costs from Dallas and Garland vary significantly based on several key factors. Understanding these variables helps you budget accurately and avoid surprise charges.
Key Cost Factors for DFW Long Distance Moves
Distance: The farther you’re moving from Dallas-Fort Worth, the higher your transportation costs. Moves from Dallas to nearby states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Louisiana cost significantly less than cross-country relocations to California, New York, or Washington.
Weight and Volume: Long distance movers typically charge based on the total weight of your shipment. A studio apartment weighing 2,000 pounds costs dramatically less to move than a 5-bedroom house weighing 15,000 pounds. The more items you move from Dallas or Garland, the higher your total cost.
Packing Services: Professional packing adds to your total cost but provides peace of mind and significantly reduces damage risk during extended transport. Full-service packing (where we pack everything) costs more than partial packing (where we pack only fragile items) or DIY packing (where you pack everything yourself).
Time of Year: Peak moving season (May through September) features higher demand and premium pricing. End-of-month moves (when most leases expire) also command higher rates. Moving during off-season (October through April) or mid-month often yields significant savings.
Special Items: Gun safes, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques, and other specialty items requiring custom crating or special handling increase costs. Be upfront about these items when requesting quotes from your Dallas or Garland movers.
Insurance Coverage: Basic liability coverage is included, but full-value protection (which we strongly recommend for long distance moves) adds to your total cost while providing comprehensive replacement value coverage.
Sample Long Distance Moving Costs from Dallas-Fort Worth
Here’s what you can expect to pay for professional long distance moving services from Dallas or Garland to popular destinations:
DFW to Austin (195 miles):
- Studio/1-Bedroom: $1,200-$1,800
- 2-Bedroom: $2,200-$3,200
- 3-Bedroom: $3,500-$5,000
- 4-5 Bedroom: $5,000-$10,000+
These estimates from our Dallas and Garland offices include professional loading, transportation, unloading, basic insurance, and standard delivery. Additional services like packing, storage, or specialty item handling increase total costs.
Choosing Legitimate Long Distance Movers in Dallas-Fort Worth: Avoiding Scams
The moving industry unfortunately attracts scam operations and unlicensed companies that prey on unsuspecting consumers. Dallas-Fort Worth residents must exercise caution when selecting long distance movers to avoid fraud, extortion, and property loss.
Red Flags Indicating Moving Scams
No Physical Address: Legitimate moving companies have actual offices you can visit. Scammers use P.O. boxes, answer calls from cell phones, and avoid providing verifiable business addresses. Our Dallas office at 3333 Lee Pkwy and Garland location at 2913 Big Oaks Drive welcome in-person visits for estimates and consultations.
Unusually Low Estimates: If a long distance moving quote seems too good to be true, it absolutely is. Scammers quote extremely low prices to secure bookings, then hold belongings hostage demanding thousands more before delivery—or simply disappear with your possessions entirely.
No USDOT Number: Every legitimate interstate moving company must display their USDOT number on websites, trucks, and marketing materials. Always verify USDOT numbers at fmcsa.dot.gov before hiring any long distance mover. Our USDOT #3918729 is publicly verifiable and demonstrates our federal compliance.
Cash-Only or Large Deposits Required: Reputable movers accept multiple payment methods (cash, checks, credit cards) and don’t demand full payment before delivery. Scammers demand large cash deposits upfront, then vanish with your money and belongings.
No Written Estimates: Legitimate long distance moving companies provide detailed written estimates (preferably binding estimates) listing all charges, services, and terms. Verbal estimates or vague pricing structures indicate potential fraud.
No Insurance Information: Professional movers carry comprehensive liability and cargo insurance. Scammers operate without insurance, leaving you with zero recourse when damage or loss occurs.
Rental Trucks: If movers arrive in rental trucks (U-Haul, Penske, Budget) instead of company-branded vehicles, you’re dealing with unlicensed operators. Professional moving companies own or lease their fleet.
How to Verify Legitimate Dallas-Fort Worth Long Distance Movers
Check USDOT Numbers: Visit fmcsa.dot.gov and search for the company’s USDOT number. Review their safety record, insurance status, and complaint history. Our USDOT #3918729 maintains excellent safety ratings and full compliance.
Review Online Presence: Legitimate companies have professional websites, active Google Business Profiles, and multiple online reviews. Check our Dallas GMB profile and Garland GMB listing for hundreds of verified customer reviews.
Verify Physical Locations: Visit the company’s office in person if possible. Seeing actual business operations, meeting staff, and viewing trucks provides confidence you’re dealing with legitimate professionals.
Read Reviews Carefully: Check Google Reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, Yelp reviews, and moving-specific review sites. Look for patterns in feedback—consistent complaints about damage, pricing, or professionalism indicate problems.
Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain written estimates from at least three different long distance moving companies serving Dallas-Fort Worth. Compare pricing, services, and terms carefully. Extremely low quotes or extremely high quotes both warrant scrutiny.
Ask Questions: Legitimate movers welcome questions about licensing, insurance, experience, equipment, and processes. Evasive answers or refusal to provide detailed information signals potential problems.
The Long Distance Moving Process: What to Expect When Moving from Dallas or Garland
Understanding the long distance moving process helps you prepare properly and know what to expect at each stage of your interstate relocation from Dallas-Fort Worth.
Step 1: Free In-Home or Virtual Estimate (8-12 Weeks Before Moving)
Professional long distance movers provide free estimates—either in-home where representatives visit your Dallas or Garland home to assess your inventory, or virtual using video calls where you show representatives what’s being moved.
What Happens During Estimates:
- Representatives inventory everything being moved (furniture, boxes, appliances, specialty items)
- Discuss packing preferences (full-service, partial, or DIY)
- Review insurance options and recommendations
- Explain pricing structure and payment terms
- Answer all your questions about the moving process
- Provide written binding estimates detailing all charges
Accurate inventories prevent surprise charges and ensure proper truck size, crew size, and timeline planning. Be honest about everything being moved—hidden items discovered on moving day result in price adjustments.
Step 2: Booking Your Long Distance Move (6-10 Weeks Before)
Once you’ve selected your Dallas or Garland long distance mover, confirm your moving dates and pay any required deposit (typically $100-500). Peak season moves (May-September) require earlier booking—ideally 8-12 weeks in advance. Off-season moves (October-April) offer more flexibility with 4-6 weeks advance booking often sufficient.
Important Booking Considerations:
- Confirm exact pickup dates and delivery windows (not specific delivery times)
- Provide accurate new address including any access codes, parking restrictions, or special instructions
- Discuss any timing constraints (job start dates, lease endings, closing dates)
- Clarify payment methods and timing (typically payment due upon delivery completion)
- Review cancellation and rescheduling policies
Step 3: Pre-Move Planning and Preparation (4-8 Weeks Before)
Decluttering: Long distance moves charge by weight, making this the perfect time to purge unwanted items. Donate, sell, or discard anything you don’t need in your new home. Every pound you don’t move saves money and reduces clutter at your destination.
Packing Decisions: Decide whether you’ll pack yourself, hire full-service packing, or use partial packing (where professionals pack fragile items while you pack clothing, books, and general items). Professional packing significantly reduces damage risk during long distance transport.
Important Document Preparation:
- Gather birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, medical records, financial documents, insurance policies, and other critical paperwork
- Keep these documents with you during travel—never pack them in the moving truck
- Make copies of important documents and store them separately
Change of Address: Update your address with USPS (forward mail for at least 12 months), banks, credit cards, insurance companies, IRS, voter registration, driver’s license (check your new state’s requirements), vehicle registration, subscriptions, and all important contacts.
Utility Coordination:
- Schedule Dallas or Garland utility disconnection for the day after your move
- Arrange new utility connections at your destination for the day before or day of your arrival
- Transfer or cancel internet, cable, phone services
- Update address with all subscription services
Step 4: Moving Day (Loading in Dallas or Garland)
Our professional crew arrives within the scheduled time window at your Dallas or Garland home, introduces themselves, and explains the day’s process. They conduct a final walkthrough confirming nothing is missed and documenting any pre-existing damage to furniture or property.
Loading Process:
- Crew carefully loads your belongings using proper techniques—heaviest items on bottom, strategic weight distribution, furniture pads protecting everything, and professional securing with straps and load bars
- All items are inventoried and documented on the bill of lading
- You review and sign the bill of lading (your legal moving contract)
- Crew provides contact information for tracking and communication during transit
- Final walkthrough ensures nothing is left behind
Keep your copy of the bill of lading, inventory list, and all moving documentation in a safe place—you’ll need these at delivery.
Long Distance Movers Dallas-Fort Worth
Step 5: Transit and Communication (Days to Weeks Depending on Distance)
Your belongings travel from Dallas or Garland to your destination with regular updates provided throughout the journey. Our drivers follow federal Hours of Service regulations requiring rest periods ensuring alert, safe driving. GPS tracking allows real-time monitoring of your shipment’s location.
Transit Timeline Examples from DFW:
- Dallas/Garland to Austin: 1-2 days
- DFW to Houston: 1-2 days
- Dallas/Garland to Denver: 2-4 days
- DFW to Phoenix: 3-5 days
- Dallas/Garland to California: 4-7 days
- DFW to New York: 4-7 days
- Dallas/Garland to Seattle: 5-8 days
Long distance movers provide delivery windows (example: “Delivery between Tuesday and Thursday”) rather than specific times. Weather, traffic, route conditions, and federal driving regulations affect exact timing.
Step 6: Delivery and Unloading at Your New Home
We contact you 24-48 hours before delivery confirming you or an authorized representative can receive the shipment. Our crew arrives during the delivery window, unloads your belongings carefully, and places furniture and boxes in designated rooms per your direction.
Delivery Day Process:
- Inspect items as they’re unloaded, noting any damage on the delivery inventory
- Check inventory against the original pickup list ensuring everything arrived
- Sign final paperwork confirming delivery completion
- Provide final payment (cash, check, or credit card)
- Crew removes trash and packing materials if arranged
- Address any immediate concerns or questions
Document any damage immediately on delivery paperwork—this protects your rights when filing insurance claims. Take photos of damaged items before moving them.
Essential Long Distance Moving Tips from Dallas-Fort Worth Professionals
After facilitating thousands of successful long distance moves from our Dallas and Garland locations, we’ve identified key strategies ensuring smooth interstate relocations.
Start Planning Early
8-12 Weeks Before: Research movers, get multiple quotes, verify USDOT numbers, read reviews, and book your preferred moving company. Peak season moves require even earlier planning—book 12-16 weeks in advance if moving during summer months.
6-8 Weeks Before: Begin decluttering and packing non-essential items. Order packing supplies if packing yourself. Start address change process with USPS, banks, insurance companies, and other important organizations.
4-6 Weeks Before: Continue systematic packing, room by room. Confirm moving details with your chosen company. Research your destination city—neighborhoods, DMV requirements, utility providers, schools, healthcare providers.
2-3 Weeks Before: Pack most belongings, leaving only essentials. Confirm new home access details (keys, codes, parking, loading dock reservations). Prepare essentials box with items needed immediately upon arrival.
Moving Week: Confirm pickup and delivery details with your mover, finish final packing, prepare appliances, and complete final Dallas or Garland home preparations.
Pack Strategically for Long Distance Transport
Use Quality Materials: Cheap boxes collapse under weight during long distance transport. Invest in sturdy boxes, quality packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and furniture pads. Items traveling 2,000 miles require superior protection compared to 20-mile local moves.
Label Comprehensively: Every box should clearly identify:
- Destination room
- General contents
- “Fragile” marking when appropriate
- “Open First” for essentials
- Your name and phone number
- Box number (Box 1 of 50, Box 2 of 50, etc.)
Create Detailed Inventory: List every box and its contents in a spreadsheet or notebook. Number all boxes sequentially. This inventory proves invaluable when unpacking and essential if filing insurance claims for lost or damaged items.
Pack Room by Room: Complete one room entirely before starting another. Keep related items together. Label boxes clearly with both room and contents rather than vague descriptions like “miscellaneous.”
Protect Fragile Items: Double-box fragile items, wrap individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, fill empty space with packing material preventing shifting, and mark boxes clearly as fragile on multiple sides.
Prepare Furniture: Disassemble large furniture when possible (beds, tables, desks). Keep hardware in labeled bags taped to furniture. Wrap furniture in moving blankets or shrink wrap protecting finishes during transport.
Understand What Cannot Be Moved
Federal regulations prohibit transporting hazardous materials across state lines. Your Dallas or Garland long distance movers cannot legally transport:
Hazardous Materials:
- Paint, varnishes, stains, paint thinner
- Gasoline, kerosene, propane, lighter fluid
- Aerosol cans (spray paint, cooking spray, hairspray)
- Cleaning chemicals, bleach, ammonia
- Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer
- Car batteries, lithium batteries
- Ammunition, fireworks, flares
Perishable Items:
- Fresh, frozen, or refrigerated food
- Plants (many states prohibit importing plants due to pest concerns)
- Opened food containers
Valuables and Irreplaceable Items (Recommended to Transport Personally):
- Jewelry, cash, collections
- Important documents (passports, birth certificates, medical records, financial documents)
- Medications (keep full supply with you)
- Laptops, tablets, external hard drives
- Family heirlooms and irreplaceable sentimental items
Dispose of prohibited items properly before moving day. Donate unopened food to Dallas-Fort Worth food banks. Properly dispose of hazardous materials at designated facilities.
Purchase Adequate Insurance Coverage
Basic Coverage (Included): Federal regulations require minimum coverage of $0.60 per pound per item. This inadequate coverage means a 100-pound TV receives only $60 if damaged, regardless of its $2,000 actual value.
Full-Value Protection (Strongly Recommended): Covers items at actual replacement value. If movers damage your $2,000 TV, full-value protection pays $2,000 (minus any deductible) for replacement. Essential for long distance moves where belongings travel hundreds or thousands of miles.
Third-Party Insurance: Alternative to carrier-provided insurance, offering comprehensive coverage through independent insurers. Compare options carefully considering coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and claim processes.
High-Value Item Coverage: Additional coverage for jewelry, antiques, artwork, pianos, or other items exceeding standard coverage limits. Discuss special items during your estimate to ensure adequate protection.
Prepare for Your Destination
Research Your New Location: Before leaving Dallas or Garland, research your destination thoroughly:
- Local laws and ordinances
- DMV requirements and timelines for license/registration transfer
- Utility providers and connection processes
- Healthcare providers accepting your insurance
- Schools and childcare options
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and essential services
- Parking regulations and permit requirements
- HOA rules if applicable
Arrange Temporary Accommodations If Needed: If your belongings arrive before your home is ready, or if you’re flying to your destination before delivery, arrange temporary accommodations. We offer climate-controlled storage throughout Dallas-Fort Worth bridging timing gaps between move-out and move-in.
Plan First Week Essentials: Pack an essentials box containing everything needed for your first 3-5 days:
- Toiletries and medications
- Change of clothes for everyone
- Phone chargers and electronics
- Important documents
- Snacks and disposable dishes
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Towels and bedding
- Pet supplies
- Basic tools (screwdriver, box cutter, hammer)
Why Dallas-Fort Worth Residents Choose Moving Company Guys for Long Distance Moves
When families and businesses throughout Dallas, Garland, Plano, Fort Worth, and surrounding DFW communities need professional long distance moving services, they trust Moving Company Guys for several compelling reasons:
Comprehensive Federal Licensing and Insurance
USDOT #3918729: Our Department of Transportation number proves we’re federally authorized to transport household goods across state lines. Verify our compliance, safety ratings, and insurance coverage at fmcsa.dot.gov.
TxDMV #009567347C: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles licensing ensures we meet both federal and state requirements, providing maximum protection for moves within Texas or across the country.
Full Insurance Coverage: We carry comprehensive liability, cargo insurance, and workers’ compensation protecting you, your belongings, and our crew throughout your long distance move from Dallas-Fort Worth.
Multiple Convenient DFW Locations
Dallas Office: 3333 Lee Pkwy, Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75219 – Serving Dallas County and western DFW
Garland Office: 2913 Big Oaks Drive, Garland, TX 75044 – Serving eastern Dallas County, Rockwall County, and surrounding areas
Plano Office: 5700 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano, TX 75024 – Serving Collin County and northern DFW suburbs
Multiple locations mean faster response times, local expertise in every DFW neighborhood, and convenient access for estimates and consultations throughout Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, Denton County, and Rockwall County.
10+ Years of Long Distance Moving Experience
We’ve successfully relocated thousands of Dallas-Fort Worth families and businesses to all 50 states. Our experience provides invaluable expertise in:
- Route planning and logistics coordination
- Multi-climate packing and protection techniques
- Navigating challenging access situations (narrow urban streets, mountain roads, rural areas)
- Understanding destination-specific requirements and regulations
- Managing extended transit timelines and communication
- Problem-solving unexpected challenges during cross-country transport
Professional, Background-Checked Crews
Every crew member undergoes:
- Criminal background checks
- Drug testing
- Extensive training in long distance moving techniques
- Professional development in customer service
- Specialized training in valuable item handling
We never use day laborers or subcontractors. Every person handling your belongings from Dallas or Garland is a vetted, trained Moving Company Guys employee.
Modern, Well-Maintained Fleet
Our interstate moving trucks feature:
- Climate control systems protecting belongings from temperature extremes
- Air-ride suspension reducing vibration during transport
- GPS tracking providing real-time location monitoring
- Regular maintenance ensuring reliability across thousands of miles
- Professional branding clearly identifying our company
Transparent, Binding Estimates
We provide detailed written estimates listing every charge—transportation costs, packing services, materials, insurance, special handling, and any additional services. Our binding estimates guarantee the quoted price is the price you pay (unless you add items or services not included in the original inventory).
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Complete transparency from your Dallas or Garland estimate through final delivery.
Popular Long Distance Moving Routes from Dallas-Fort Worth
Based on thousands of completed moves from our Dallas and Garland offices, these represent the most common long distance moving destinations for DFW residents:
Within Texas:
- DFW to Austin (technology careers, lifestyle, UT Austin)
- Dallas/Garland to Houston (energy industry, medical center, corporate relocations)
- DFW to San Antonio (military, healthcare, retirement, lower cost of living)
Western United States:
- Dallas/Garland to Phoenix/Scottsdale (retirement, warm weather, growing tech sector)
- DFW to Denver (outdoor lifestyle, tech industry, legal marijuana)
- Dallas/Garland to Las Vegas (entertainment industry, no income tax, hospitality careers)
California:
- DFW to Los Angeles/Southern California (entertainment, tech, family reunification)
- Dallas/Garland to San Francisco Bay Area (technology careers, startups)
- DFW to San Diego (military, biotech, beaches)
Pacific Northwest:
- Dallas/Garland to Seattle (Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, outdoor recreation)
- DFW to Portland (no sales tax, craft culture, outdoor lifestyle, Nike/Intel)
Midwest:
- DFW to Chicago (corporate headquarters, financial sector, universities)
- Dallas/Garland to Kansas City (lower cost of living, corporate relocations)
Southeast:
- DFW to Atlanta (corporate headquarters, film industry, Hartsfield-Jackson careers)
- Dallas/Garland to Nashville (music industry, healthcare, no income tax, culture)
Florida:
- DFW to Miami/Fort Lauderdale (no income tax, beaches, Latin American connections)
- Dallas/Garland to Orlando (Disney/Universal, tourism, growing tech)
- DFW to Tampa (Gulf Coast, lower cost than Miami, retirement)
Northeast Corridor:
- Dallas/Garland to New York City (finance, media, fashion, publishing, universities)
- DFW to Washington DC (federal government, defense contractors, cybersecurity)
No matter where you’re moving from Dallas-Fort Worth, we have the expertise, equipment, and experience to ensure your long distance relocation succeeds.
Get Your Free Long Distance Moving Quote Today
Planning a long distance move from Dallas, Garland, or anywhere in the DFW Metroplex? Contact Moving Company Guys today for your free, detailed, written estimate. Our experienced team provides transparent pricing, comprehensive service options, and the professional expertise ensuring your interstate relocation goes smoothly from start to finish.
Contact Moving Company Guys:
📞 Phone: (972) 528-0385
📍 Dallas Office: 3333 Lee Pkwy, Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75219
📍 Garland Office: 2913 Big Oaks Drive, Garland, TX 75044
🌐 Website: movingcompanyguys.com/long-distance-movers
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: Emergency moves available
Why Dallas-Fort Worth Trusts Moving Company Guys:
✓ USDOT #3918729 & TxDMV #009567347C Licensed
✓ 10+ Years Long Distance Moving Experience
✓ Serving All 5 DFW Counties
✓ Professional, Background-Checked Crews
✓ Modern, Climate-Controlled Trucks
✓ Transparent Binding Estimates
✓ Comprehensive Insurance Options
✓ 24/7 GPS Tracking
✓ Climate-Controlled Storage Available
✓ Thousands of Successful Interstate Relocations
Whether you’re moving from Dallas to Austin, Garland to Denver, Plano to New York, or anywhere in DFW to anywhere in America, Moving Company Guys provides the professional long distance moving services ensuring your interstate relocation succeeds.
Ready to start planning your long distance move? Call (972) 528-0385 or visit our Dallas or Garland office today for your free consultation and written estimate.
Moving Company Guys – THE Long Distance Moving Authority in Dallas-Fort Worth
Proudly serving Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, Denton County, and Rockwall County
USDOT #3918729 | TxDMV #009567347C
