Moving from Alabama to Texas

A full-service move from Alabama to Texas typically costs between $2,400 and $5,750, depending on home size, shipment weight, and time of year. Studio and one-bedroom moves start at $2,400, two-to-three-bedroom homes run around $3,850, and four-plus-bedroom households reach $5,750. The overland route covers 667 miles, which is a key factor in how carriers price the haul. Call (855) 822-2722 for an itemized estimate based on your specific inventory and move date.

Transit time on the 667-mile Alabama-to-Texas corridor depends on carrier availability, the size of your shipment, and the delivery window you select at booking. Your move coordinator will confirm a scheduled delivery window once your inventory and dates are locked in. For questions about timing options, call (855) 822-2722 or request a quote online and a coordinator will walk you through the scheduling process.

Texas requires new residents to obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency. You will need to visit a Texas DPS office - find locations and requirements at dps.texas.gov. Vehicle registration must be completed within 30 days of establishing residency through TxDMV (txdmv.gov). Meeting both deadlines helps you avoid fines and keeps your records current with state agencies.

The most common add-on charges on an interstate move include shuttle fees when a full-size truck cannot access your street, long-carry charges when the carry distance from the truck to your door exceeds 75 feet, stair fees, and elevator waiting time. Fuel surcharges and packing material costs can also appear if not discussed upfront. Star Van Lines discloses all applicable charges in the written estimate before you book, so there are no surprises on delivery day. Reviewing your estimate line by line before signing is always a good practice.

A binding estimate locks your total cost based on the agreed inventory list - you pay that amount even if the actual shipment weight turns out to be higher or lower. A not-to-exceed estimate caps your price at the quoted amount but can come in lower if the final weight is less than projected. Both binding and not-to-exceed options are available through Star Van Lines, and your coordinator will explain which fits your situation best. Understanding the difference before you sign protects you from unexpected charges at delivery.

Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels of valuation coverage. Released Value Protection is included at no extra charge and covers items at $0.60 per pound per article - meaning a 50-pound television would be covered for $30 regardless of its actual value. Full Value Protection is a paid upgrade that holds the mover responsible for the repair, replacement, or cash settlement of any lost or damaged item at its current market value. Star Van Lines is fully insured under USDOT #4176875, and your coordinator will explain both options before your move date.

Search USDOT number 4176875 on the FMCSA SAFER website at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov to confirm our operating authority, insurance status, and safety record. The database also lists our MC number 1607491, which authorizes us to transport household goods across state lines. Any licensed interstate mover should be able to provide a verifiable USDOT number and MC number before you sign a contract. If a mover cannot supply both, that is a red flag worth investigating before you commit.

Peak moving demand runs from May through September, when both states experience their hottest temperatures and carrier availability tightens - booking during this window typically means higher rates and less scheduling flexibility. The lower-demand period from October through April generally offers more open dates and more competitive pricing, making fall and winter a practical choice for this corridor. Spring and fall are particularly favorable because temperatures are moderate in both Alabama and Texas, reducing heat-related stress on vehicles and crew. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead of your target date is advisable regardless of the season.

Texas eliminated its mandatory safety inspection requirement for non-commercial vehicles effective January 1, 2025, under HB 3297, so you will not need a safety inspection when you register your vehicle after moving from Alabama. However, emissions testing is still required in select Texas counties, so check whether your destination county is included before you visit a registration office. If your county requires an emissions test, schedule it promptly after arrival to avoid delays in completing your vehicle registration. Visit txdmv.gov for county-specific details and a full list of required documents.

The most significant tax change is that Texas has no state income tax, while Alabama imposes a state income tax rate of 2% to 5% depending on your income level - meaning more of your paycheck stays with you after the move. Both states rely heavily on sales tax, and Alabama's combined rate of 9.46% is actually among the highest in the nation, so everyday purchases there can run higher than in Texas at the register. For the year you move, you will likely need to file partial-year returns in both Alabama and Texas, and a tax professional can help you handle that transition correctly. Property taxes vary significantly by county within Texas, so research your specific destination county before finalizing your budget.

Texas requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need your current title, proof of insurance that meets Texas minimum coverage requirements, and proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement. Because Texas no longer requires a safety inspection for non-commercial vehicles as of January 1, 2025, that step has been removed from the registration process - though emissions testing still applies in select counties. Visit Texas DPS at dps.texas.gov and TxDMV at txdmv.gov for the complete list of required documents and county-specific requirements.