Best 5 Movers in Austin, TX

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Austin

You should consider several crucial factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to look for when hiring movers in Austin.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for a local mover in Austin is $81. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs around $4,333 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include move distance, the season, any additional tasks you need done, and your home size.

We recommend obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is complete.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Check platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and social media to gain insights into customer experiences with that mover.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Austin must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, choose a mover licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether the mover provides the services you need when requesting quotes. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before requesting quotes and write down any basic or add-on services you might require. Notify the moving company if you have any specific needs to determine whether the company is a fit.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will include the following services in the base price for basic moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

If you need special services from your moving company, inform them of these during the quote process. Additional fees may apply for the following services:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Austin, TX

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving to, from, or within Austin.

Schedule an Early Move

Austin sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. Planning your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers arrive before traffic peaks and make the trip to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Austin's hottest time of year. This can affect your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies won't transport items that haven't been packed when your move starts. You should begin packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.

How Much do Movers Cost in Austin, TX

Movers in Austin cost $2,672 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,587 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.