If you’re trying to set up a consultation or an appointment with a mover during the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure to use digital tools to avoid exposure. When searching for movers online, ask if they’d be willing to do a video chat to assess the size of your move. This will be in place of the typical “walk-through” they perform, and they may be able to give you a price quote. You can also discuss safe strategies for completing the job during your call or video chat.

If you decide to hire a mover, consider making adjustments to accommodate current guidelines. This may involve staying outside while the mover works inside your home or letting the mover handle only parts of the move.

It’s important to follow social distancing guidelines while performing any service work. For example, do not make physical contact with the movers, maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you at all times, and use digital payments instead of cash or a check.

Your local city or state’s government website is a great resource if you’re trying to figure out whether a mover is considered an essential service provider during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For a source of national guidelines, visit the CISA website’s Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19. On this page, you’ll find 16 categories of critical infrastructure sectors. But note that some -- not all --  jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure. 

Most local moving companies are likely to accept some form of digital payment. Particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies are likely to conduct transactions through platforms like PayPal, Zelle, Square Cash, Venmo, Google Pay and more. 

To ensure the mover accepts a platform you can use, you can peruse the mover’s online profile and see what is listed there. You can also ask the mover about payment policies during a consultation call.

A mover will likely need to enter your home -- unless you’ve placed all of your belongings outside beforehand. To stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might to consider keeping all (or most) of the work outside and/or having at-risk individuals leave the house while the movers work. 

You can minimize exposure by doing a preliminary walk-through by video call instead of in person. Discuss your options with the top movers near you before hiring one.

Movers generally need to be present to do their job. But if you come across a mover’s profile that states they’re offering remote services, you can contact them to see what those services include. 

The top movers in Houston cost approximately $70 to over $100 per hour. However, your cost will vary depending on how many miles your move is, how many movers are necessary and the time of year when the move is taking place. Moving during peak seasons and days will most likely cost more, depending on the moving company.

Comparing the top moving companies in Houston is your first step toward choosing the best movers for your move. Identify the top-rated companies and compare prices, reviews and services offered. Look for reviews that mention whether the movers showed up on time or didn’t let the weather interfere with the schedule. Houston frequently receives heavy rain, so your mover should be prepared.

To help ensure you have the best experience, read Thumbtack’s smart hiring guide, which offers tips for finding the best professionals. The Top Pro badge also provides a quick means of locating movers in the top 4% of ratings.

Moving boxes are available from many sources in Houston. Hardware stores tend to offer high-quality options, and these also provide other moving supplies such as wardrobe boxes and packing tape. If you’re hoping to find free moving boxes in Houston, try reaching out to department stores, liquor stores and recycling centers.

Also, ask your Houston movers if they supply moving boxes -- or other packing supplies -- to help you with your move. They might not supply them for free, but it could be convenient.

If you have a moving truck or storage containers, obtaining a Houston parking permit might save you from a costly parking ticket. Houston’s parking permits webpage provides links to the forms that might be applicable to you.

But if you choose to work with a local moving company in Houston, they might be able to help you navigate the permit requirements in Houston.