If you're moving from Dallas to Massachusetts, you're dealing with roughly 1,748 miles, a significant tax situation change, and winters that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about cold. The costs aren't small and the lifestyle shift is real. Here's what you need to know before you book anything.
Local moving companies in Dallas
Out of 73 Dallas-area movers capable of handling interstate routes, these five rank highest for a Dallas-to-Massachusetts move:
- Element Moving and Storage — 4.86 / 5
- AB Moving — 4.62 / 5
- AM Moving Company LLC — 4.58 / 5
- Evolution Moving Company — 4.58 / 5
- Johnson Storage & Moving — 4.56 / 5
For a haul this long, I'd also pull at least one quote from a dedicated long-distance mover alongside any local Dallas operator. National carriers often have better infrastructure for cross-country logistics. SafeShip Moving is one I've seen handle interstate coordination well on routes like this — worth including in your comparison.
Element Moving and Storage
12011 Denton Dr., Dallas, TX 75234
92% positive | 251 reviews analyzed | Yelp | Google | BBB — Grade A+
Element's reputation holds up under scrutiny. Crews are consistently described as fast, organized, and careful with belongings — and communication from booking through delivery is a recurring positive. Where things go sideways: damage claims on complex or long-distance moves, and frustration with how insurance issues get resolved. If you have high-value items making this trip, nail down their claims process before signing anything.
Company info:
- State license: 006519926C | DOT#: 2038052
- In business: 14 years
- Also known as: Element Moving and Wine Storage
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes. Accepts cash, money order, and credit card.
AB Moving
325 North St. Paul Street, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75201
62% positive | 487 reviews analyzed | Yelp | Google | BBB — Grade A+
AB Moving's strengths — speed, crew friendliness, and competitive pricing — show up reliably in the positive reviews. That 37% negative rate is higher than I want to see, though. Complaints cluster around stretched job times (which translates to extra hourly charges), damage or lost items, and final bills that exceed the original quote. They can work for budget-conscious moves where expectations are set correctly. If you're moving fragile items nearly 1,800 miles or need tight cost control, read every line of the contract.
Company info:
- State license: 000571862B | DOT#: 1939700
- In business: 25 years
- Also known as: Baker Relocation, Inc., AB Movers, AB Moving & Storage
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Accepts cash and credit card.
AM Moving Company LLC
5641 SMU Blvd., #128, Dallas, TX 75206
81% positive | 711 reviews analyzed | Yelp | Google | BBB — Grade B+
More than 700 reviews is a meaningful data set, and an 81% positive rate with that volume tells you most customers actually have a decent experience. AM Moving gets repeat business — that's worth something. Their weak spots are furniture damage and slow claims follow-through, both of which show up often enough in negative reviews to be a real pattern rather than a fluke. DOD-certified if that matters to your situation.
Company info:
- State license: 006870171C | DOT#: 2571411
- In business: 9 years
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Accepts cash and credit card. DOD certified. Deposit required.
Evolution Moving Company
11884 Greenville Ave #100A, Dallas, TX 75243
96% positive | 271 reviews analyzed | Yelp | Google | BBB — Grade A+
A 96% positive rate is legitimately hard to achieve at any review volume. Evolution's reviews read like a consistent pattern rather than a cherry-picked highlight reel: crews arrive on time, work efficiently, handle items carefully, and keep pricing transparent. The negative reviews involve damage and surprise charges — the same complaints every mover gets, just at a much lower frequency here. This is the highest-rated option on this list for a reason.
Company info:
- State license: 006779351C | DOT#: 2467590
- In business: 11 years
- Also known as: Evolution Moving, LLC
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes. Accepts cash, money order, and credit card.
Johnson Storage & Moving
646 Bronze Way, Dallas, TX 75236
75% positive | 105 reviews analyzed | Yelp | Google | BBB — Grade A+
125 years in business. That's not a rounding error — Johnson Storage & Moving has been operating since before most of their competitors were founded. Customers consistently mention professional crews, careful handling, and clear communication. Negative reviews cite damaged or lost items and occasional delays, but nothing that looks like a systemic problem for a company with this kind of track record. If longevity and stability matter to you on a major cross-country move, this is a credible option.
Company info:
- State license: 006615079C | DOT#: 286130
- In business: 125 years
- Also known as: Johnson Logistics, LLC; Baron Worldwide; Security Van Lines
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, shipment tracking, storage. Accepts cash and credit card. DOD certified.
Local moving services in Dallas, TX
Here's a quick snapshot of specialty service availability among the 73 Dallas movers that handle interstate moves:
| Service | # of movers | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate capable | 51 | 70% |
| Small moves | 48 | 66% |
| Piano moving | 49 | 67% |
| Antiques | 40 | 55% |
| Art | 36 | 49% |
| Fragile-only packing | 18 | 25% |
If you need specialty handling — art, antiques, or a piano crossing nearly 1,800 miles — confirm the mover's specific capability before booking, not after. Claiming a service and actually having the right equipment and experience for long-distance specialty transport are different things.
Cost to move from Dallas, TX to Massachusetts
Use our moving cost calculator to dial in your specific situation, but here's how the numbers break down across move sizes and service types on this route:
| Move size | Hiring movers | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,158 – $4,614 | $978 – $2,413 | $992 – $1,964 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,978 – $6,490 | $1,763 – $3,638 | $1,063 – $2,270 |
| 4+ BR | $5,701 – $9,692 | $2,506 – $5,031 | $1,379 – $2,695 |
Estimates are based on a 1,748-mile move from Dallas, TX to Massachusetts, using pricing data as of January 2026. Your actual quote will vary based on home size, optional services, access and parking conditions, fuel, and timing. Get estimates from multiple movers before committing.
Cost to hire movers from Dallas to Massachusetts
Full-service movers handle loading, transport, and unloading — and on a move of this distance, that's real value for the right situation. For a studio or one-bedroom, budget $1,158 to $4,614. Two to three bedrooms runs $2,978 to $6,490. Four bedrooms or more lands between $5,701 and $9,692. The range is wide because move volume, add-on services like packing, and peak-season timing all push the number significantly.
Cost of moving containers from Dallas to Massachusetts
Moving containers split the difference — you do the packing, they handle the driving. For a small load, expect $978 to $2,413. Two to three bedrooms runs $1,763 to $3,638. Larger moves fall between $2,506 and $5,031. On a haul this long, containers can offer real savings over full-service, especially if you're not in a rush on delivery timing.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Dallas to Massachusetts
A rental truck will give you the lowest upfront number, but you're also the one driving 1,748 miles — factor in your time, energy, any overnight stops, and the mental cost of navigating an unfamiliar vehicle across multiple states. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $992 to $1,964. Two to three bedrooms runs $1,063 to $2,270. Larger homes land at $1,379 to $2,695. These estimates include fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Dallas to MA
A few variables will move your final number significantly:
- Home size and volume: More furniture and boxes means a bigger truck, more labor time, and a higher bill. Be honest about your actual inventory when getting quotes.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season for Texas movers — expect higher rates and tighter availability from May through August. If you can move in fall or winter, you'll likely pay less.
- DIY vs. full-service: Driving yourself is cheaper on paper, but 1,748 miles of road time is a meaningful trade-off. Run the full math, including your time, before deciding.
What you should know before moving from Dallas to MA
Compare cost of living: Dallas vs. Massachusetts
| Dallas, TX | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,774 | $1,588 |
| Average home cost | $303,900 | $623,131 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,291 | $96,505 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 3.9% |
| State income tax | 0% | 9% |
Dallas sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Massachusetts sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
Here's what those numbers actually mean for your day-to-day budget:
- Rent is about 10% cheaper in Massachusetts. That's one of the more surprising data points — most people expect to pay more on the East Coast.
- Home prices are a different story entirely. Massachusetts homes cost roughly 105% more than Dallas homes on average. If you're buying, this is the number that reshapes your entire financial picture.
- Incomes are about 41% higher in Massachusetts. That helps, but it doesn't fully offset the homeownership gap.
- The overall cost of living index is nearly identical. The extremes roughly balance each other out on everyday expenses, even if the individual line items look very different.
- Massachusetts has a 9% state income tax. Texas has none. This is the adjustment most people underestimate. Run your actual take-home numbers for Massachusetts before you sign anything.
- Unemployment is marginally higher — 3.9% in Massachusetts versus 3.6% in Dallas. Not dramatic, but worth knowing if you're moving without a job already lined up.
How life is different in Dallas, TX from Massachusetts
| Dallas, TX | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,304,379 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56–42 | Democratic 61.5–36.3 |
| Summer high | 96°F | 82°F |
| Winter low | 36°F | 16°F |
| Annual rain | 39" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 47" |
| Crime index | 51.4 | 13.92 |
Dallas sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Massachusetts sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout.
A few things in that table deserve more than a glance:
- The political shift is significant. Dallas trends Republican; Massachusetts is consistently among the most Democratic states in the country. Worth knowing before you move.
- Summers are meaningfully cooler. Massachusetts peaks around 82°F versus Dallas's 96°F. If you've been surviving Texas summers on sheer stubbornness, this is a real upgrade.
- Winters are a completely different experience. A winter low of 16°F compared to 36°F in Dallas means cold-weather gear, different home maintenance routines, and higher heating costs. If you've never driven in snow, give yourself time to adjust before the first nor'easter.
- Rain and snow both increase substantially. Massachusetts gets 49 inches of rain annually (versus Dallas's 39) and about 47 inches of snow (versus roughly 1 inch in Dallas). Plan accordingly.
- Crime drops significantly. Massachusetts has a crime index of 13.92 versus 51.4 in Dallas — a difference that shows up in real day-to-day quality of life.
Comparing the pros: Dallas, TX vs. Massachusetts
| Pros of living in Dallas, TX | Pros of living in Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Strong economic opportunity | Natural beauty |
| Low tax burden | Excellent education system |
| Warm weather year-round | Fresh seafood |
| Quality education options | Abundant recreational opportunities |
| Dining and entertainment scene | Home to Boston |
Comparing the cons: Dallas, TX vs. Massachusetts
| Cons of living in Dallas, TX | Cons of living in Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| High housing costs | Heavy traffic |
| Brutal traffic | Poor driving conditions |
| Limited green space | Harsh winter weather |
| High overall cost of living | High cost of living |
Other considerations when moving to Massachusetts
Beyond booking a crew, here's what to get sorted before move day:
- HOA rules: If your destination has an HOA, check for any restrictions on moving hours, truck sizes, or elevator use before you schedule.
- Elevator reservation: In multi-unit buildings, you'll typically need to reserve the service elevator in advance. Don't assume it's available on move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some Massachusetts cities require permits for moving trucks parked on residential streets. Check with the municipality ahead of time — a ticket on top of moving costs is avoidable.
- State licensing: Massachusetts requires movers to be licensed through the Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division. They must carry cargo insurance and publicly file their service tariffs. Verify your mover's license before you commit.
- No state moving permit required: Massachusetts doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking regulations still apply wherever you're moving in.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date so mail starts forwarding on time. You can set the exact start date at usps.com.
- Moving insurance: Massachusetts movers must offer Released Value Protection at no charge, but it covers only 60 cents per pound per item — essentially nothing for electronics or real furniture. If you have items worth protecting over 1,748 miles, ask about full-value coverage or look at third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized and catch the details that are easy to miss when you're focused on the big stuff.
Things to do in Massachusetts
Once you're settled, there's a lot to explore.
Museums in Massachusetts
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Plimoth Patuxent
- Whaling Museum
- John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Parks in Massachusetts
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Forest Park
- Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
- Veterans Memorial Park
Sports teams in Massachusetts
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
FAQ
How long does a move from Dallas to Massachusetts take?
Typically four to fifteen days from pickup to delivery, depending on the carrier, the season, and whether your shipment is consolidated with another customer's load — which is common on long-distance runs. Summer moves run toward the longer end of that window due to demand. Get the delivery window in writing before your move date so you're not caught off guard.
How many Dallas movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
Forty-four Dallas movers offer custom crating for artwork, antiques, electronics, and other fragile or oddly shaped items. If this is a requirement for your move, confirm the company's specific crating standards — not all operators are equally equipped for long-haul specialty transport.
What's the best way to get a car from Dallas to Massachusetts?
Driving it yourself adds a significant road trip to an already demanding relocation. Auto transport is usually the smarter call on a move this long. Use our car shipping calculator to get an estimate for this route, or compare car shipping companies that cover Texas to Massachusetts.
Why are people moving from Dallas to Massachusetts?
The main draws to Massachusetts are natural beauty, one of the strongest education systems in the country, and meaningfully lower crime rates. People leaving Dallas most commonly cite high housing costs and traffic congestion as their reasons for going.
Where can I find long-distance movers for a Dallas-to-Massachusetts move?
Our best long-distance movers guide covers national carriers with solid track records on routes like this one. Get quotes from at least three before making a decision.
Do Dallas movers accept cash?
Nineteen Dallas movers accept cash, though it's not the standard. Most moves require a deposit upfront to hold your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods with your specific mover before move day — don't assume anything.
Compare quotes from several movers before committing, and use our moving cost calculator to get a baseline estimate before your first conversation with a company.