Austin Moving Costs [2024] | 🚚💰 How Much Do Movers Cost in Austin TX? [Tips, Data, Estimates]

Moving isn’t just stressful; it’s also expensive, whether you hire movers or do it yourself. You probably already have a lot on your to-do list, but make sure you put some time into preparing a moving budget. The sooner you start, the easier it will be to plan ahead and minimize your moving costs!

This guide will help you understand typical moving expenses, what to expect from Austin movers rates, and how to reduce the cost of moving. We are only addressing local moving costs or moves within the metro area. These moves are typically done with hourly mover rates, unlike long-distance moves, which are priced differently.

How much Austin movers cost varies depending on factors such as distance, size of the move, and additional services. On average, local moving companies in Austin can charge anywhere from $300 to $1,500, while long distance movers can cost between $1,500 and $4,500. For an accurate estimate of how much movers cost in Austin, consider the number of rooms, weight of belongings, and any special requirements like packing or storage. It's best to get quotes on the final cost from multiple moving companies to find the best deal.

Factors Affecting How Much Austin Movers Cost

Many factors influence moving rates in Austin – some are obvious, but some are not so apparent! As a general rule, it helps to remember that you are paying an hourly moving rate. Anything that makes your move take longer will increase your cost.

Do you need local movers, or is it a long distance move? Are you moving into a studio apartment or a four bedroom house? Do you have a large number of boxes or bulky furniture? Do you simply need help with moving or require additional support such as storage or junk removal services? Each of these factors will impact the cost of hiring a full service moving company.

Here are the biggest factors that affect the cost of a professional moving company in Austin.

Distance

The total distance between your origin and destination is a major factor and one of the first questions movers will ask when you request a free estimate on how much Austin movers cost. A local moving service will cost less than long distance because the travel takes less time and there are fewer logistical concerns.

Think about how long it takes to drive from your current home and new home, then remember that it may take longer if there is traffic or a large truck needs to take a different route. Are you moving locally or need assistance with cross country moving? So you'll want to consider how far you need to travel when you hire Austin movers.

Type & Volume of Household Goods

The biggest factor to understand, and the one most within your control, is the volume of household goods. It stands to reason that the more you’re moving, the more hiring movers in Austin will cost. However, don’t forget that this increase is compounded if you’re paying movers to do the packing and unpacking too. Do you have a lot of bulky furniture, or is it mostly boxes? Professional moving services will take stock of what you need to move before giving you a quote.

The type of items you’re moving is also important: are you moving anything that requires a team, special equipment, or extra effort? That means your move will take longer and your Austin moving cost will be higher!

Moving Date

The date and timing of your relocation will also impact how much movers will charge. Some moving company prices are the same regardless of day or season, but others have rates that change depending on demand. In general, you should expect higher moving company prices during the weekend and summer, which is peak moving season.

You may also pay more to move during the start and end of the month because movers tend to be busier. Holidays may also require an additional fee. The best Austin movers will take you wherever you need to go, regardless of when you need to arrive. However, expect to pay extra for certain peak times.

Packing Services

How much of your move do you plan to do on your own? You will pay more for full service moving in Austin which includes packing. While packing services give you peace of mind and save time, packing will be done at the same moving cost per hour.

Packing services are easy to customize, though, to stay within budget. The average cost of movers in Austin is lower if you take care of some of the packing yourself or do the unpacking. Some customers request professional packers to handle the entire house. Others simply need help with a particular room or prefer the crew to focus on the larger items. You might also request unpacking services if you can handle the initial pack but need help settling in.

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of packing materials! You can supply your own or have the movers bring the supplies they need, like moving boxes, tape, and specialty boxes. Austin moving companies can usually provide supplies at a lower cost than big box retailers!

Accessibility

How accessible is your home or apartment? How easy will it be for movers to travel back and forth to load the truck? Accessibility is frequently overlooked, but it plays a big role in estimating moving costs!

Here are just some things to consider:

• How far away will the moving truck be parked? The closer to your front door, the faster and easier it is to load or unload.
• Does your home have stairs? Are there heavy or large items that must be moved up or down stairs?
• Does your apartment or condo building have stairs or an elevator? Stairs are faster but more physically exhausting for the crew. Elevators are actually slower for most moves!
• Does your building have a service elevator?
• How close is your unit to the service elevator or stairs?

It may not seem like a big deal, but parking at a loading dock and using an elevator versus parking right in front of a home can easily add an hour or more to the moving cost.

Furniture Assembly & Disassembly

Furniture that needs to be disassembled and assembled will add to your moving cost. Although it may seem minor, disassembling and reassembling furniture can take time, which may extend the length of your relocation. Not to mention, the crew will need to provide the proper tools and have the training needed to use them. Unless you do it yourself before the movers arrive, the crew will need to take apart sectionals, remove and wrap furniture legs, secure doors and drawers, and disconnect appliances.

Specialty Services

Do you have items that require special handling, specialized equipment, or a team to move? This may include pianos, antiques, large mirrors, and pool tables. When you estimate moving costs, remember that these professional services take longer. A moving company in Austin's prices may include an additional fee for certain items.

Other Costs

Depending on the movers and the services you need, there may be other costs to consider. Some movers may charge fuel fees, for instance. Additional moving costs to consider when creating your budget include:

• Packing supplies (flat cost on top of hourly moving rate)
• Insurance
• Temporary parking permit
• Storage

Full Service Movers vs DIY Moving in Austin

Not sure if hourly movers in Austin are worth the cost compared to a DIY move? Before you take on your move yourself, consider that moving is consistently ranked as the most stressful major life event. The amount of planning, challenging physical labor, and long hours it takes to move shouldn’t be underestimated.

Here’s why paying for the best affordable movers in Austin to handle your relocation makes all the difference.

• No heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or risk of injury
• Reduced risk of your belongings being damaged
• Save countless hours and get peace of mind with full or partial packing
• Enjoy a home that’s move-in ready with unpacking, furniture assembly, and furniture arrangement
• You don’t need to rent and drive a large moving truck on busy Austin highways
• Professionals arrive with the skills, supplies, and equipment needed for a fast, efficient move

Average Moving Costs in Austin | Austin Moving Estimates

When you request a moving company quote for a local move, they will use a moving cost calculator to give you an hourly moving rate that includes a specific size crew. The standard moving rate usually includes two movers. A larger crew will have a higher hourly rate, but your move can be done faster and may save money.

To help you get an accurate moving estimate on how much Austin movers cost, use the following information and the quoted rates you receive.

Cost to Move a 1 Bedroom Apartment in Austin

Your rate for a studio or one-bedroom apartment is easy to estimate: plan for a team of two movers to take 3 to 6 hours if you're moving apartments in Austin.

Cost to Move a 2 Bedroom Apt in Austin

A two-bedroom apartment or condo usually needs 3 to 6 hours with a larger crew of three movers. You will pay the higher hourly moving rate, but your move will take the same amount of time as a smaller apartment.

Cost to Move a Home in Austin

Consider the size of your home to estimate your cost. Smaller homes may take three or four movers about 4 to 7 hours. A three- or four-bedroom home takes 10+ hours with an even larger crew. Remember that a ranch home will be on the lower end of this scale, and a two-story home will take longer.

Tips to Save Money on Austin Movers

Sell or Donate your Furniture

Sell or donate furniture you don’t want to pay to move. Try to schedule furniture pickup and downsizing a few weeks before moving day because you may need to wait for an available pickup time.

Notify Building Personnel

Give your property manager, landlord, front desk staff, or HOA notice and get instructions for moving day. You may need to book elevator time or follow certain procedures. This reduces potentially costly delays!

Handle Certain Tasks Yourself

Save money on moving by handling anything you feel up to doing yourself. This includes packing the easy items, getting organized, disassembling furniture, and even bringing some boxes to the ground floor.

Move on a Weekday

Schedule your moving date for a weekday if possible, as there tends to be a lower day mileage fee.

How to Choose an Austin Moving Company

Moving company rates aren’t the only thing to consider when hiring professional movers! To get a seamless, worry-free, and efficient move, it’s smart to do your homework and choose the best local Austin movers. Hiring the best movers in the Austin area will make your relocation easy and efficient. However, working with an inexperienced team will make you wish you'd handled it yourself. So make sure to carefully research any residential moving company you wish to hire.

• Choose a licensed and insured mover to protect yourself
• Movers should be background-checked, uniformed, and experienced
• The company should have a fleet of well-maintained trucks and the necessary equipment to handle your move and types of belongings
• Make sure they offer all the services you require and meet your needs.
• Look for a low claims rate
• Ask how much experience they have with similar moves
• Check reviews from past customers
• Watch for red flags like a high upfront deposit, only accepting cash, refusing to provide a free moving estimate, or confusing terms and hidden charges

Unicorn Moving & Storage has earned a reputation as the best Austin moving company. In fact, we’ve been voted the Best of Austin movers for 6 of the past 8 years! We have 28 years of experience in the moving industry providing superb customer support and customized moving solutions with a low claims rate and 5-star reviews. We only hire experienced movers – our team members have nine years of moving experience on average! That’s why 85% of our business comes from referrals and repeat customers.

Additional Austin Moving Tips

• Tipping movers in Austin, Texas isn’t required, but it’s always appreciated for a job done well! The rule of thumb is $5 per mover per hour, $25 per mover, or 15-20% of the total moving cost.
• Schedule utilities to be turned on the day before moving day to make sure you have at least electricity and water on.
• Download our Ultimate Austin Moving Checklist, so you don’t forget anything important, and your move stays on schedule.

Hiring professional movers in Austin gives you the stress-free, efficient moving day you deserve. Give us a call at Unicorn Moving & Storage for a free moving quote on how much Austin movers cost. Our Austin local movers will go above and beyond to make this move your easiest relocation ever! Call (512) 339-9922 today for a free quote!