Apartment & Student Moving
Yes. Apartment moves are typically among our fastest. A two-bedroom apartment with a well-prepared crew generally moves in two to four hours depending on access and distance. Contact us for an estimate specific to your situation.
Yes. We assist with student moves from dorms, campus apartments, and off-campus housing. We're experienced with shared building access, elevator coordination, and the time-sensitive nature of end-of-semester moves.
Yes. We coordinate elevator reservations, work within building access windows, and manage the logistics of apartment complex moves. Let us know about building requirements when you book.
Yes. We offer moves of any size. If you only need a few pieces of furniture or a small number of boxes moved, we can accommodate that. Call us to discuss your situation and we'll find the right approach.
Tight staircases are a routine part of apartment moving for our crew. We assess staircase access during the estimate and assign appropriately sized items and furniture-moving techniques to get everything through safely without damage to the building or the items.
Yes. We offer loading and unloading services for storage units. We can pull items from a storage unit and deliver them directly to your apartment or new home.
We move anyone — renters, homeowners, students, and business owners. Your type of residence doesn't affect your eligibility for our services.
Disassemble any furniture that can be broken down, have all boxes closed and labeled, clear pathways through the apartment, confirm elevator or loading dock reservations with your building manager, and let us know about parking restrictions in advance. The more prepared the space, the faster the move.
Yes. Packing services are available for apartment moves — full packing, partial packing, or fragile-only. We bring all necessary materials. You don't need to supply boxes or packing materials.
Yes. Multi-floor carries without an elevator are common in our work. We'll account for the stairs in your estimate and send a crew appropriate for the access conditions.
Appliance Moving
Yes. We move washers, dryers, and laundry pedestals. Washers should be drained and, ideally, have the drum secured with transit bolts before moving. Ask us about preparation requirements when you book.
We can disconnect appliances prior to the move. Reconnection at the destination depends on the appliance type and connection requirements. Ask about reconnection services when booking — some gas line reconnections require a licensed technician.
Refrigerators must be emptied and defrosted before moving. We transport refrigerators upright using an appliance dolly and secure them in the truck to prevent tipping. Refrigerators should stand upright for at least a few hours before being plugged back in after transport.
Yes. We can disconnect the water supply line to a refrigerator before the move. Make sure to have towels ready for any residual water in the line. We'll handle the disconnect and cap the line before transport.
Yes. Dishwashers are disconnected from water and drain lines before moving. Built-in dishwashers may require partial disassembly to remove from cabinetry. Let us know about your dishwasher configuration during the estimate.
Yes. Freezers should be emptied and defrosted before the move. We transport them upright when possible. Like refrigerators, freezers should stand for several hours before being powered on at the destination.
Yes. We move freestanding and slide-in ranges. Gas stoves require the gas line to be shut off and disconnected — this is typically done by the homeowner or a licensed technician before we arrive. We handle electric stove disconnection.
Refrigerator: Empty and defrost 24 hours ahead. Washer: Run a spin cycle to drain water and secure the drum if you have transit bolts. Dryer: Clean the lint trap. Dishwasher: Run and drain. All appliances: Wipe dry and leave doors slightly open if possible. Gas appliances: have lines disconnected by a qualified person before we arrive.
Built-in appliances — wall ovens, built-in microwaves, built-in refrigerators — require more planning. Some involve partial cabinet disassembly. Describe your built-in appliances during the estimate and we'll let you know what preparation is needed.
Small appliances (microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, etc.) are generally packed with your kitchen items. They don't require special handling beyond proper boxing. If you book packing services, we'll handle them as part of the kitchen pack.
Booking & Scheduling
You can book by calling (903) 723-5019 (main) or (903) 561-7242 (Tyler line), or by scheduling online through our contact form. We'll confirm your date, go over the details, and make sure everything is in place before moving day.
Two months ahead is ideal for summer moves. For other seasons, two to four weeks is generally enough. If your timeline is shorter, call us anyway — we work to accommodate urgent moves when our schedule allows.
We do our best to accommodate last-minute and same-day moves based on crew and equipment availability. Call us directly at (903) 723-5019 for the fastest response if your move is urgent.
When you call or submit a request, it helps to have: your move date (or a target date range), your current address and destination, a general sense of how much you're moving (number of rooms), any special items like pianos or safes, and any access challenges at either location.
Yes. Life changes — we understand that. Contact us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule so we can adjust our crew and equipment schedule. Earlier notice gives us more flexibility to find a date that works for you.
Yes. If an in-person visit doesn't work for your schedule, we offer virtual estimates via video call. You walk us through your home on camera and we provide a quote based on what we see.
We plan our moves carefully to stay on schedule. If unexpected circumstances extend your move, we'll communicate with you throughout the day. Any adjustments to the final cost will be discussed before they're applied — no surprises.
Yes. Many of our customers approve the move plan and allow us to work without being present. Clear communication upfront — about access, item placement at the destination, and any specific instructions — ensures the move runs smoothly whether you're there or not.
Yes, especially for commercial moves. Evening and weekend scheduling is available to minimize disruption for businesses. Residential customers should ask about weekend availability when booking.
Preparation tips: confirm your move date and access details with us in advance, disconnect appliances ahead of time, set aside anything you'll need on move day (medications, documents, phone chargers), label any boxes you've packed yourself, and let us know about any access challenges at either property. We'll handle the rest.
Commercial & Office Moving
Yes. Thompson Discount Movers provides commercial and office moving for businesses of all sizes in East Texas — from small professional offices to larger commercial operations.
Yes. We offer evening and weekend scheduling specifically to minimize disruption to business operations. We'll work with your timeline to find a moving window that keeps your downtime as short as possible.
We use an organized pack plan — desks, files, and equipment are labeled systematically before the move so that reassembly at the new location is fast. Each item is tagged to its destination space so your team can get back to work quickly.
Yes. Electronics, computer equipment, and sensitive items are packed with appropriate materials and handled with extra care. For highly sensitive server equipment, we recommend discussing your specific needs during the estimate.
Yes. We move retail operations including fixtures, shelving, display cases, inventory, and back-office equipment. We plan retail moves carefully to minimize time between locations.
Yes. We work with medical and professional offices throughout East Texas. We follow organized pack plans and handle sensitive files and equipment with care. HIPAA-compliant document handling is the responsibility of the business owner.
Yes. We serve churches, nonprofits, and community organizations with the same professionalism as commercial clients. Ask about availability and scheduling when you contact us.
We recommend booking commercial moves at least four to six weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Larger operations may benefit from more lead time for planning.
Yes. We assign a lead crew member who coordinates communication throughout the move and ensures the plan is followed. Business owners and office managers can direct questions and instructions to that person on moving day.
Yes. We're equipped to move heavy commercial furniture, filing systems, large equipment, and industrial items. Describe your specific equipment during the estimate so we can plan the right tools and crew.
Cross-Country & Long-Distance Moving
Yes. Thompson Discount Movers is federally registered (DOT #3876006 | MC #1420524) to handle interstate moves. We move customers out of Texas to destinations across the country.
Long-distance moves involve additional planning for transport scheduling, delivery windows, and route coordination. The packing process is the same — thorough protection — but transit times are longer and delivery scheduling is confirmed in advance.
Transit time depends on the distance. Most moves within neighboring states take one to three days. Cross-country moves from Texas to the West Coast or Northeast may take five to seven days. We'll give you a delivery window when you book.
Yes. We carry up to $1 million in coverage for truck, equipment, and cargo — applicable to both local and long-distance moves. Ask about valuation options during your estimate.
Yes. In-state long-distance moves to major Texas cities are a regular part of our work. We handle moves from East Texas to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and other destinations throughout the state.
Yes. Our location in East Texas near the Louisiana border means we regularly assist with moves between Texas and Louisiana.
Contact us at (903) 723-5019 or schedule a virtual estimate online. Long-distance quotes require information about your move size, origin, and destination. We'll give you a clear, written estimate.
Yes. Professional packing is especially important for long-distance moves, where items spend more time in transit. We offer full packing services for all long-distance relocations.
Living plants and perishable food items are generally not recommended for long-distance transport due to temperature and transit time. We recommend rehoming plants or transporting them yourself. Perishables should be consumed or donated before moving day.
Contact us when booking to discuss communication preferences during transport. We keep customers informed of transit status and delivery scheduling throughout the move.
Licensing
Yes. We are members of the Southwest Movers Association (SWMA) and the Moving Pros Network — industry organizations that uphold professional and ethical standards among moving companies.
Yes. Thompson Discount Movers carries up to $1 million in coverage for truck, equipment, and cargo. This coverage applies to both local and long-distance moves.
Our crew members are vetted as part of our hiring process. As a company that has operated for over 60 years in a small-community environment, our reputation depends on employing trustworthy, professional people.
We carry cargo insurance on all moves, protect your belongings with proper wrapping and padding, and use loading techniques that minimize risk during transport. Our long-tenured, experienced crew reduces the likelihood of damage significantly compared to less experienced movers.
Thompson Discount Movers was founded in 1965 in Palestine, Texas. We have been in continuous operation for over 60 years, serving East Texas families and businesses throughout that time.
Yes. We are federally registered under U.S. DOT #3876006 and Motor Carrier number MC #1420524. This registration is required for interstate moving companies and is verifiable through the FMCSA's public database.
As a federally registered interstate carrier (MC #1420524), we are legally authorized to transport household goods and commercial freight across state lines. This requires federal registration, compliance with DOT safety standards, and proper cargo insurance.
Our U.S. Department of Transportation number is DOT #3876006. You can verify our registration and safety record at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Thompson Discount Movers is currently owned and operated by Daniel and Kati Thomas, who continue the company's founding values of honest pricing, careful handling, and reliable service.
Loading & Unloading
Yes. If you've rented a truck or have your own, we provide professional loading and unloading labor. We load correctly — proper weight distribution, fragile items protected, nothing over-stacked.
Yes. We load and unload portable storage containers including PODS, U-Box, and similar units. Proper loading of a container is just as important as loading a truck — we make sure your items are secure and protected.
Yes. We can move the contents of a storage unit to your home, another facility, or onto a truck. Call us to describe the size of the unit and what's inside so we can send the right crew.
Yes. In-home rearranging is one of our standalone services. If you need heavy furniture repositioned — a sectional, bedroom set, entertainment center, or large appliances — we'll move it safely within your home.
Yes. If you need extra hands for loading, unloading, or in-home work without a full-service move, we provide labor-only services. Contact us to discuss the scope of your job.
Yes. Single-item moves are available for oversized or heavy pieces — sofas, safes, pianos, refrigerators, and more. We have the equipment and crew to move individual items safely.
Yes. If you're handling your own move but want professionals to do the loading and unloading, we're available. Proper loading makes a significant difference in whether your items arrive safely.
Loading time depends on the size of the home and how prepared it is. A two-bedroom home typically takes two to three hours to load. Larger homes, more furniture, or difficult access will take longer. Your estimate will include a time expectation.
Yes. We can assist with unloading freight deliveries, large appliance deliveries, and similar services. Contact us with the specifics and we'll let you know how we can help.
Yes. Home staging often involves repositioning furniture throughout the home. We offer in-home rearranging services that work well for staging, remodeling, and pre-sale preparation.
Moving Tips & Preparation
Consider donating usable items to local thrift stores, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, or other donation centers before moving day. Items that can't be donated may need to be disposed of. Decluttering before a move reduces cost and makes the process faster.
Clear pathways through every room, disassemble furniture you know needs to come apart, set aside anything you'll transport yourself (valuables, medications, important documents), label boxes you've packed, disconnect appliances, and confirm parking access for the moving truck.
It's ideal but not required. Many customers are present for the start and end of the move. If you can't be there the entire time, make sure someone is available who can answer questions and confirm item placement at the destination.
Pack a bag with: phone charger, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, snacks, toilet paper, basic toiletries, keys to the new home, and anything else you'll need immediate access to. Keep this bag with you — not on the moving truck.
Transport irreplaceable items — jewelry, cash, important documents, family photos, and small valuables — yourself rather than placing them on the moving truck. For larger high-value items like antiques or artwork, ask about our special-care item service.
Tipping is not required but is always appreciated for good work. A common guideline is $20 to $50 per mover for a standard local move, or more for an especially large or difficult job. Cash tips given directly to each crew member are the most appreciated.
Movers generally cannot transport: hazardous materials (paint, propane, gasoline, ammonia), perishable food, live plants on long-distance moves, firearms and ammunition (regulations vary), and items that violate DOT transportation guidelines. Ask us if you have a specific item you're unsure about.
Update your address with: USPS (usps.com — submit a mail forwarding request), your bank and financial institutions, the DMV for your driver's license and vehicle registration, your employer, utilities, insurance providers, and any subscription services.
Start packing non-essential items — off-season clothing, books, décor, rarely used kitchen items — four to six weeks before your move. Pack room by room and leave daily essentials for last. If you've booked our packing service, we'll handle the packing on a scheduled day before your move.
Label each box with: the destination room, a brief contents description, and whether it's fragile. Use a permanent marker on multiple sides of the box so the label is visible regardless of how the box is positioned. Color-coding by room is an extra step that speeds up unloading.
Contact your utility providers at least two weeks before your move to schedule connection at the new address. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash collection. Confirm the service start date is set for your move-in day or the day before.
Packing & Unpacking
Yes. Thompson Discount Movers offers full-service packing, partial packing by room, and fragile-only packing. Our crew brings all necessary materials — boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, and furniture pads.
No. If you book packing services with us, we bring everything — boxes in multiple sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, and furniture pads. You don't need to purchase or supply any materials.
Dishes and glassware are individually wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap and packed in appropriately sized boxes with cushioning on all sides. We use dish pack boxes (double-walled) for extra protection. Boxes are labeled fragile and positioned carefully in the truck.
Yes. We shrink-wrap dresser drawers so contents remain in place during the move. This saves time on unpacking and prevents items from shifting or spilling during transport.
Yes. Partial packing is one of our most popular options. You pack what you're comfortable with — or what's already packed — and we handle the rest, including fragile items, large furniture, and anything you'd rather not deal with.
Yes. We offer full unpacking at your new home — boxes opened, contents placed in appropriate rooms, packing materials removed. This is ideal if you want to walk into a functional home rather than spending days surrounded by boxes.
Every box is labeled with its destination room (e.g., Kitchen, Master Bedroom, Office) so unloading at the new home is fast and organized. Our crew places boxes in the correct rooms so you can unpack systematically.
Mirrors and framed artwork are wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap, placed in mirror boxes or picture boxes, and marked fragile. They are loaded vertically in the truck and secured against shifting.
Most homes can be packed in a single day with a full crew. Very large homes or homes with extensive collections may require two days. We'll give you a realistic timeline during your estimate.
We remove used packing materials from your new home at the end of the move if you've booked unpacking services. For customers who self-unpack, we can discuss material removal as an add-on.
Yes. Hanging clothes can be moved in wardrobe boxes — a tall box with a hanging rod inside that keeps garments on hangers and wrinkle-free during transport. Ask about wardrobe boxes when booking.
Pricing & Estimates
Moving costs vary based on the size of your home, distance of the move, and services needed. Thompson Discount Movers offers free estimates — in person or via virtual walkthrough — so you get a clear, honest number before committing. We also offer price matching if you've received a competing quote. Call us at (903) 723-5019 to get started.
Yes. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all moves — local and long-distance, residential and commercial. Estimates can be done in person at your home or virtually via video call. Contact us at (903) 723-5019 or schedule online.
Yes. Thompson Discount Movers offers price matching. If you've received a written estimate from another licensed moving company, ask us about matching it. We want to earn your business with honest, competitive pricing.
The main factors are: the size of your home (number of rooms and items), the distance of the move, whether you need packing services, any special-care items like pianos or safes, and the time of year. Summer and end-of-month dates tend to cost more due to demand. Your free estimate will account for all of these.
Certain access conditions — multiple flights of stairs, long carries from the door to the truck, or difficult property access — may affect your quote. We ask about these during your free estimate so there are no surprises on moving day.
Weekend availability varies by season. Ask about weekend scheduling and any applicable rate differences when you request your estimate. We do our best to accommodate the schedule that works for you.
We recommend booking approximately two months in advance for summer moves (May through August), which is our busiest season. For moves in fall, winter, or spring, two to four weeks is typically sufficient. That said, call us no matter when you need to move — we do our best to accommodate tighter timelines.
Our pricing is based on the specifics of your move — size, distance, services, and access conditions. We provide a clear quote upfront rather than an hourly rate that can balloon unexpectedly. You'll know what your move costs before we start.
No. Thompson Discount Movers prices transparently. What we quote in your estimate is what you pay. We disclose all costs — including any access-related factors — before moving day so you're never caught off guard.
We can give a general ballpark over the phone, but for an accurate quote we recommend an in-person or virtual estimate. A walkthrough of your home gives us the information we need to price accurately and plan the right crew and equipment.
Residential Moving
Yes. Thompson Discount Movers provides full-service residential moving — packing, loading, transport, and placement at your new home. We handle every step so you don't have to.
We move homes of all sizes — from studio apartments and small starter homes to large multi-bedroom houses with garages, outbuildings, and significant furniture. Our fleet is sized to handle any residential move.
Yes. Before we move a single item, we lay floor protection and pad doorframes and walls. This protects your current home and your new one from scuffs, scratches, and damage during the move.
All furniture is wrapped in moving pads and/or stretch wrap before it leaves the home. Upholstered items, wood furniture, glass surfaces, and mirrors all receive appropriate protection. Items are then loaded and secured in the truck to prevent shifting during transport.
Yes. At your new home, we place boxes and furniture in the rooms you specify. We don't dump everything in the garage and leave — the move isn't complete until everything is where it belongs.
Most residential moves are completed in a single day. Very large homes or long-distance moves may require more time. Your estimate will include a realistic timeline for your specific move.
Yes. We offer special-care handling for antiques, heirloom furniture, and high-value pieces. These items are identified during the estimate and given specific protection and placement in the truck. See our Special-Care Item Moving service for more detail.
Our crews are trained and experienced in navigating tight spaces — narrow hallways, spiral staircases, low ceilings, and awkward entry points. We assess these conditions during the estimate and plan accordingly.
Yes. Garage contents, storage sheds, and outbuildings are included in residential moves. Let us know about all structures during your estimate so we can plan the right crew size and time.
Yes. We regularly move customers in rural East Texas — properties with long gravel driveways, limited turnaround space, and unusual access conditions. Tell us about your property access during the estimate so we can plan appropriately.
Special-Care Item Moving
Yes. Piano moving is one of our special-care services. Pianos are extremely heavy, structurally delicate, and require specific moving equipment and technique. We use proper piano boards, straps, and padding to move uprights, baby grands, and grand pianos safely.
Gun safes require specialized equipment due to their extreme weight — often 500 to 1,000+ pounds. We use heavy-duty dollies, stair-climbing equipment, and the right crew size for the safe's weight and access conditions. Tell us the safe's weight and location during the estimate.
Yes. Antique furniture receives extra handling care — custom wrapping, positioning in the truck away from heavier items, and careful unloading. We identify antiques during the estimate to build a specific protection plan.
Glass tops are removed when possible, individually wrapped in bubble wrap and packing paper, and transported separately from the frame. Glass display cabinets are padded and secured. We do not leave glass components loose in the truck.
Yes. Large artwork, framed canvases, and decorative mirrors receive individual wrapping and are transported in picture or mirror boxes when appropriate. Oversized pieces that don't fit standard boxes are custom-wrapped and secured in the truck.
Special-care items include: pianos, gun safes, antique furniture, fine china and glassware, large mirrors, framed artwork, collectibles, marble surfaces, grandfather clocks, and any item that is fragile, irreplaceable, or unusually heavy. If you're unsure, mention the item during your estimate.
Yes. Grandfather clocks require disassembly of the pendulum and weights before moving. Our crew handles this carefully and reassembles the clock at the destination.
Fine china and dishware are individually wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap and packed in double-walled dish pack boxes with cushioning on all sides. These boxes are clearly labeled fragile and given priority placement in the truck.
Yes. Oversized furniture that won't fit through standard doorways is disassembled when possible or navigated through windows or other access points as a last resort. We assess these challenges during the estimate and plan accordingly.
We use furniture dollies, appliance dollies, stair-climbing dollies, piano boards, heavy-duty straps, and furniture sliders depending on the item and access conditions. We bring the right tool for the job — we don't improvise with items that require specific equipment.