Your Texas to California Move Day, Start to Finish

Loading in Texas

Loading day starts at your Texas address. Set aside anything you plan to carry in your own car, such as documents, medications and valuables, so it stays off the truck.

The Drive West

Fort Worth to Los Angeles runs about 1,400 miles, mostly Interstate 20 across West Texas and Interstate 10 the rest of the way. Federal rules allow a truck driver 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty, so the trip takes more than a day. Your written quote names the delivery date.

Stopping at the California Border

California law requires every vehicle entering the state to stop at an agricultural border station, and a moving truck is no exception. Inspectors decide what to check from the bill of lading. They look closely at plants, firewood, soil and outdoor household items.

Declaring House Plants

Many house plants can come with you, but they must be declared. California asks movers to write “house plants” at the top of the inventory and to load the plants near the truck doors so inspectors can reach them. Inspectors can still reject any plant they judge a pest risk.

Leave Firewood and Produce in Texas

Firewood, fresh fruit and vegetables, hay and loose soil all get inspected at the border and can be rejected. Use them up or leave them behind. Clean dirt and plant debris off patio furniture, grills and yard tools before they go on the truck.

Unloading in California

The movers who loaded your home in Texas unload it at your California address and set furniture in the rooms you choose. If your new building or HOA needs a certificate of insurance, ask our office before move day.

California DMV Deadlines After Your Move

California gives new residents much less time than Texas does, so put these dates on your calendar before the truck arrives.

Driver License Within 10 Days

You must apply for a California driver license within 10 days of becoming a resident. The DMV requires an appointment for a license, so book one as soon as you have a move-in date.

Vehicle Registration Within 20 Days

New residents have 20 days to register a vehicle with the California DMV. Bring your Texas title and registration, and plan for a smog check, which many vehicles need before California will register them.

What Does It Cost to Hire Movers From Texas to California?

Your price comes from a free written quote built on what you are moving, where it is going and when. We do not post a set rate for Texas to California moves, because the pickup and delivery cities change the miles on every job.

Four things move the number most: the size of your household, packing services, specialty items such as a hot tub or gun safe, and access at each address, including stairs, elevators and long walks to the truck. Booking early gives you more open dates to choose from.