Moving from Louisiana to Texas

A full-service move from Louisiana to Texas typically costs between $2,400 for a studio or one-bedroom and $5,750 for a four-bedroom home or larger, covering the 349-mile corridor. Final cost depends on home size, total shipment weight, and the time of year you book. Summer months and end-of-month dates tend to push prices higher, while spring and fall bookings often offer more scheduling flexibility. Call (855) 822-2722 for an itemized estimate based on your specific inventory.

Transit time on the Louisiana-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 pickup date are finalized. Factors like weather and seasonal demand can also affect scheduling, so it helps to plan ahead. Call (855) 822-2722 or request a quote online to discuss timing options for your move.

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 and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. Vehicle registration must be completed within 30 days of moving, which is a separate and earlier deadline. Visit the Texas DPS and TxDMV websites at dps.texas.gov and txdmv.gov for current documentation requirements.

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 distance from the truck to your door exceeds 75 feet, stair fees for multi-floor homes without elevator access, and elevator waiting-time charges at high-rise buildings. Fuel surcharges and packing material costs can also appear if not discussed upfront. At Star Van Lines, all applicable fees are disclosed in your written estimate before you confirm the booking, so there are no surprises on moving day.

A binding estimate locks in the total price based on the inventory list you provide - you pay that agreed amount even if the actual shipment weight turns out to be different. A not-to-exceed estimate caps the price at the quoted figure but can come in lower if your shipment weighs less than projected. Both binding and not-to-exceed options are available through Star Van Lines, and your coordinator will explain which approach fits your move best. Getting a thorough inventory review upfront is the key to accuracy with either type.

Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels of valuation coverage. Released Value Protection is included at no additional charge and covers items at $0.60 per pound per article, which is minimal for high-value goods. 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 current market value. Star Van Lines is fully insured and operates under USDOT #4176875, and you can review coverage options with your coordinator before signing any agreement.

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 is required for any licensed interstate carrier. Any reputable mover should be able to provide both a verifiable USDOT number and MC number 1607491 before you sign a contract. Checking these credentials takes only a few minutes and protects you from unlicensed brokers or carriers.

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most favorable windows for this corridor, offering moderate temperatures and more carrier availability than the summer rush. Peak demand runs May through September, when competition for moving dates is highest and prices reflect that pressure. The lower-demand window of October through April tends to offer more scheduling flexibility, though northern Texas can see winter weather that complicates travel in January and February. Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead regardless of season, and your coordinator will confirm a delivery window at that time.

Texas eliminated its mandatory annual safety inspection requirement for non-commercial vehicles effective January 1, 2025, under HB 3297, so you will not need a safety inspection when registering your vehicle after your move. However, emissions testing is still required in select Texas counties, particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metro areas, so check whether your destination county has that requirement. If your vehicle is coming from Louisiana, which does not have a statewide emissions program, schedule any required county-level emissions test promptly after arrival to avoid registration delays. Visit txdmv.gov for county-specific details before your registration appointment.

The most significant change is the elimination of state income tax - Louisiana taxes earned income at a flat 3.0%, while Texas has no state income tax at all, which increases your take-home pay from the first paycheck. Texas also carries a lower sales tax rate of 8.2% compared to Louisiana's 10.11%, the highest combined rate in the nation, so everyday purchases may actually cost slightly less in sales tax depending on your county. For the year you move, you will likely need to file partial-year returns in both states, so consulting a tax professional is advisable. Property taxes vary significantly by county within Texas, so research your specific destination county before finalizing your housing decision.

Texas requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency, which is an earlier deadline than the 90-day window for updating your driver's license. 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 may still apply in certain counties. Visit the TxDMV website at txdmv.gov for the complete and current list of required documents for your county.