10 best movers in Austin, Texas

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of Texas. For a local move in the Austin area, use the filters below to find other local companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Austin

A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move from one state to another. Hiring a moving company with the right federal licensing is essential if you're crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

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

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4.7

Our Rating

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

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3.7

Our Rating

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

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Austin is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Austin is higher than 90.8% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. Here are some typical moving costs:

• Packing
• Storage
• Supplies
• Fuel
• Professional labor
• Junk removal

Your total moving cost may also be influenced by these additional considerations:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, fragile or oversized items. These items typically cost more to move:

• Artwork and sculptures
• Safes
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Pianos

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's common to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Prepare for delays by adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving expenses in Austin.

Be communicative

Prevent unexpected charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed beforehand. The movers may charge more for those items and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, cost-effective movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and still book your preferred relocation service.

Movers are busiest from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during slower months may result in less competition or lower ratesfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a cheap moving provider that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

While you can move yourself, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Enlisting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving large or heavy items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. If you don't have the time or support system required for a DIY move, employing movers is a worthwhile investment.

Another alternative is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can be cheaper, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Austin

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will handle the entire moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you're arranging an interstate move, check 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.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to review your mover’s insurance policies. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or irreplaceable items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The optimal time to move falls between May and September, creating increased demand and heightened rates for moves of all sizes. The lofty prices could dissuade you from making a move in the summer. Furthermore, Austin's intense summer heat might mean moving amid high temperatures, which can pose additional challenges.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

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 expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about possible loss or damage, pack those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by movers. These include the following:

• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Plants
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Perishable foods and produce
• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Fuel sources
• Fertilizers

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 moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.