Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score moving companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
When you begin the moving process to or from Austin, Texas, you should fully vet your mover and check their license before hiring them. Texas requires local movers to be registered within the state, while long-distance and interstate movers need federal licensing and registration from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Read local mover reviews on Google Reviews and social media sites to best understand a company’s level of service. Look for positive and negative patterns to help you choose a quality local moving team.
Unlike long-distance movers, local companies don’t provide binding estimates. These movers bill at an hourly rate, so your final fees will relate directly to the amount of time your move takes. Carefully consider hourly quotes before you book, as these will add up based on the time spent on your move.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
- Lists add-on service costs online
- Services all 50 states
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Operates exclusively as a carrier
- Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
- Offers storage for high-value items and antiques
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
- Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
- Includes packing and storage in all quotes
Find the best local movers for you in Austin
Leading local Austin movers should have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews or other customer rating sites, plus good Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. A few negative reviews among mostly positive feedback shouldn’t necessarily eliminate an otherwise reliable company from consideration.
Bellhop Movers – Austin
This provider is within 5 miles of Austin.
Nearby
3 Men Movers – Austin
This provider is within 5 miles of Austin.
Nearby
Mountain Movers
This provider is within 5 miles of Austin.
Nearby
Sarver Movers
Einstein Moving Company
Common Sense Moving Company
Austin Moving Forward
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Austin
Black Tie Moving
Simpler Moving & Packing
Top companies for moving out of Texas
Companies that provide interstate moving services must possess federal licensing, including up-to-date United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can verify a company’s licensing status through the FMCSA’s database by entering its name or license number.
Interstate moving companies that are based in the state of Texas must carry both state and federal licensing. In Texas, local movers also must be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
- Lists add-on service costs online
- Services all 50 states
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Operates exclusively as a carrier
- Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
- Offers storage for high-value items and antiques
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
- Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
- Includes packing and storage in all quotes
What factors affect the cost of moving in Austin?
Local and long-distance moves use different billing methods. Local movers charge per hour, and won’t give you a binding estimate, so your costs will reflect how much time your move ends up taking in total.
Long-distance movers generally give binding estimates that consider both cargo weight and travel distance. These binding estimates shouldn’t alter, as long as your inventory and requested services stay consistent between the quote and final moving day.
The average cost of moving in Austin
With short-distance moves, such as within your area or to somewhere nearby, you’ll pay an hourly rate. With Austin’s cost of living higher than 91% of U.S. cities, you can expect higher than average moving rates in your area.
Movers should give an estimate of the total hours your move may take when estimating cost, which you can multiply by the per-hour rate for an approximate overall price. Watch for extra fees and minimum charges, too.
Tipping your mover
Tipping is not mandatory when you hire movers. However, if your movers demonstrate professionalism in how they handle your household goods, and you feel they helped reduce your moving stress, you should consider tipping.
Figure a tip of around $5 per mover for each hour worked on same-day moves or an average of $40–$50 per mover per day for multiple-day moving jobs.
Prepare for other moving costs
Expect final costs to exceed your initial moving quote. Allocating extra funds enables you to confidently cover extra charges that arise, whether from movers, storage facilities or last-second packing supply purchases.
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Things to consider when moving in Austin
When moving into, out of or within a city, we strongly advise using movers rather than opting to move yourself. Using a moving company with knowledge of Austin’s neighborhoods is far easier than attempting to drive a rental vehicle through a city that you’re unfamiliar with. Consider a few vital factors when selecting a mover or organizing any relocation.
Is my mover properly licensed and insured?
All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you’re arranging an interstate move, verify the company’s USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Texas are also required to have a license from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
You should also look into a mover’s insurance policies. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound, per item. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to explore rates.
When should I start forwarding my mail?
Submit a change of address form through your local post office about a month before your move date, and set a future date for your mail to start forwarding to your new address. That way, your mail will be forwarded to your new address starting on your actual move day. Additionally, update your address with your bank, subscriptions and other services beforehand.
Do I need to change my driver’s license if I move out of Texas?
Update your license when you change addresses — even nearby moves within Texas require this. Go to your local department of motor vehicles after you’ve moved into your new home.
When is the best time of year to move?
The most popular moving months nationwide fall throughout May and September, creating increased demand and heightened rates for moves of all scopes. The lofty prices could prevent you from making a move in the summer. Furthermore, Austin’s extreme summer heat might mean moving amid high temperatures, which can pose additional challenges. We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons, when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.
What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?
On moving day, keep personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.
Moving businesses frequently limit insurance coverage on costly goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you’re worried about loss or damage.
Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including:
- Compressed tanks or gas
- Aerosols
- Toxic chemicals or cleaners
- Fertilizers
- Fuel sources
- Batteries
- Perishable foods and produce
- Flammable chemicals of any kind
- Plants
Our methodology for selecting moving companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national moving providers against our full methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.