Moving from New Jersey to Texas

A full-service move from New Jersey to Texas across 1,618 miles typically costs between $3,250 for a studio or one-bedroom and $7,800 for a four-bedroom home or larger. The final price depends on shipment weight, home size, and the time of year you choose to move. Two- to three-bedroom households generally fall around $5,200. Call (855) 822-2722 for an itemized estimate based on your specific inventory and move date.

Transit time on this 1,618-mile 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 reservation is in place. Factors like pickup location, destination city within Texas, and seasonal demand can all affect timing. Call (855) 822-2722 or request a quote online to discuss scheduling 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 establishing residency. Visit the Texas DPS at dps.texas.gov or TxDMV at txdmv.gov for the full list of required documents and office locations.

The most common additional charges on a long-distance 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, and elevator waiting time at high-rise buildings. Fuel surcharges and packing material costs can also add to the total if not discussed upfront. All applicable fees are disclosed in your written estimate before you confirm the booking, so there are no surprises on move 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 your cost at the quoted price but can come in lower if the final weight is less than estimated. Both binding and not-to-exceed options are available through Star Van Lines. Reviewing your inventory carefully before signing either type of estimate helps ensure the most accurate quote.

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 item. Full Value Protection is a paid upgrade that holds the mover responsible for the repair, replacement, or cash settlement of lost or damaged items at current market value. Star Van Lines is fully insured and operates under USDOT #4176875, and you can review our insurance status through the FMCSA SAFER database.

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 confirms we hold active interstate carrier authority. Any licensed interstate mover should be able to provide a verifiable USDOT number and MC number before you sign a contract. Verifying these credentials is one of the most reliable ways to confirm a mover is legitimate and not a broker posing as a carrier.

Peak moving demand runs from May through September, when summer schedules drive up bookings and prices across the industry. The lower-demand window runs from October through April, when carrier availability is generally better and rates can be more flexible. For this corridor specifically, April through May and September through October tend to offer a good balance - avoiding the most intense summer heat on the overland route and the risk of winter weather delays in New Jersey. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead of your target date is recommended regardless of 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 registering your vehicle after your move. However, Texas does require emissions testing in select counties, so whether your vehicle needs an emissions check depends on which county you settle in. If you are moving to a county with emissions requirements, schedule your test promptly after arrival to avoid registration delays. Your move coordinator can help you plan the timing of your vehicle registration around these requirements.

The most significant change is the elimination of state income tax - Texas has no state income tax, while New Jersey applies a graduated rate ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%. Pensions, IRA distributions, and investment income that were taxed in New Jersey will not be subject to a state income tax in Texas. Texas does have a higher statewide sales tax rate of 8.2% compared to New Jersey's 6.625%, and property taxes vary considerably by county within Texas. For the year you move, you will likely need to file partial-year returns in both states, so consulting a tax professional about your specific situation is advisable.

Texas requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need to bring your current title, proof of insurance that meets Texas requirements, and proof of Texas residency to a TxDMV office. Texas no longer requires a safety inspection for non-commercial vehicles as of January 1, 2025, but emissions testing may be required depending on your county. Visit the TxDMV at txdmv.gov for the complete list of required documents and to locate the nearest registration office.