FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about moving with Austin Moving Services
General Questions
How much do movers cost in Austin?
Local moving rates in Austin typically start at $180 per hour for two movers and a truck. The final cost depends on several factors including the size of your home, amount of furniture, stairs, distance, and any special requirements. Long-distance moves are priced based on weight and distance, typically ranging from $2,500 to $7,000 for interstate moves. We provide free estimates so you know exactly what to expect before your move.
How far in advance should I book movers?
We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season (May through September) and at the end of the month when most leases expire. However, we often have availability within a few days and offer same-day moving services for emergencies. The more notice you give us, the more flexible we can be with scheduling your preferred date and time.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the entire Austin metro area including downtown Austin, North Austin, South Austin, East Austin, West Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, and surrounding communities. We also handle long-distance moves throughout Texas and interstate relocations to anywhere in the United States. If you're unsure whether we serve your area, just call us and we'll let you know.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and cargo insurance to protect your belongings during the move. We're registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for interstate moves and meet all Texas requirements for intrastate moving. We can provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to your apartment complex or building management if required.
Do you offer free estimates?
Absolutely. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all moves. For local moves, we can often provide an accurate estimate over the phone or via email. For larger moves or long-distance relocations, we offer free in-home estimates where we assess your belongings in person and provide a detailed written quote. Virtual estimates via video call are also available for your convenience.
Pricing and Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Venmo, Zelle, Check. Payment is typically due upon completion of the move, though we may require a deposit for long-distance moves or during peak season. We'll discuss payment terms during your estimate.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. Your estimate includes all standard moving services, equipment, and materials. The only additional charges would be for services you specifically request, such as packing services, special equipment for extremely heavy items, or long carries beyond 75 feet from the truck to your door. We always discuss these potential charges upfront before your move.
Do you charge for travel time?
For local moves, we charge from the time our crew leaves our facility until they return. This includes travel to your pickup location, the move itself, and return travel. Most local moves within Austin take 3-6 hours total including travel time. For long-distance moves, travel time is factored into the flat-rate quote based on distance and weight.
Is there a minimum charge?
For most local moves, we have a 2-hour minimum. Same-day and emergency moves have a 3-hour minimum due to the rush nature of the service. Long-distance moves don't have a hourly minimum since they're priced as flat-rate moves based on weight and distance. We'll explain the minimum requirements for your specific type of move during your estimate.
Can I get a discount?
We offer several discounts throughout the year. Seniors moving to retirement facilities receive a 10% discount. Students can take advantage of special student rates. We also offer discounts for military personnel and first responders. Moving during off-peak times (mid-week, mid-month) may have better availability and pricing. Ask about current promotions when you call for your free estimate.
Packing and Preparation
Do I need to pack everything myself?
You can pack yourself or hire our professional packing services. Many customers choose to pack personal items, clothing, and non-fragile belongings themselves, then have us pack breakables like dishes, glassware, artwork, and electronics. Full-service packing is also available where we pack your entire home. Partial packing, where we handle specific rooms like the kitchen, is a popular middle-ground option.
What should I do to prepare for the movers?
To prepare for your move, disconnect and prepare appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator), empty drawers in dressers and desks, disassemble large furniture if comfortable doing so, and pack small items into boxes. Confirm parking availability at both locations. Have a plan for pets and young children on moving day. Keep important documents, medications, and valuables with you rather than on the moving truck. We'll provide a detailed preparation checklist when you book your move.
Do you provide packing materials?
Yes, we provide all necessary packing materials as part of our full-service packing. This includes boxes in various sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, and specialty boxes for TVs, mirrors, and artwork. If you're packing yourself, you can purchase packing supplies from us with free delivery for orders over $100. We also offer packing material kits designed for different home sizes.
How long does it take to pack a house?
A professional packing crew can typically pack a 3-bedroom home in 4-8 hours. A 1-bedroom apartment might take 2-3 hours, while a 5-bedroom house could take a full day or more. The exact time depends on the amount of belongings, how many fragile items need special care, and whether we're doing full packing or partial packing. We can pack one day and move the next, or pack and move on the same day.
Should I empty my drawers?
It depends on what's in them. Lightweight clothing can often stay in dresser drawers, saving packing time. However, you should remove fragile items, heavy items, liquids, and anything that could spill or break. Desk drawers should be emptied of papers and office supplies. We'll wrap dressers with clothing in them to secure the drawers during transport. When in doubt, ask your moving crew when they arrive.
Moving Day
What time will the movers arrive?
We provide time windows for arrival, typically morning (8-10 AM), afternoon (12-2 PM), or evening (4-6 PM) slots. We'll call you the day before your move to confirm the specific arrival time within your window. For local moves, the crew usually arrives within the scheduled window. Long-distance deliveries have broader delivery windows, typically 2-3 days, which we discuss during booking.
How long will my move take?
Local move duration varies by home size and distance. A 1-bedroom apartment typically takes 3-4 hours total, a 2-bedroom home takes 4-6 hours, and a 3-bedroom house takes 6-8 hours including travel time. Factors that affect timing include stairs, long carries from parking to your door, amount of furniture, and whether you need packing services. Long-distance moves take several days in transit depending on the distance.
Do I need to be present during the move?
Yes, or you need to designate someone to be present. Someone needs to be available to answer questions, provide access, direct where items should go, and sign paperwork at both pickup and delivery locations. If you absolutely cannot be present, you can designate a trusted friend or family member to act on your behalf, but we'll need written authorization from you.
What if something doesn't fit?
Our experienced movers are skilled at getting furniture through tight spaces. We disassemble items when necessary to fit through doorways and stairwells, then reassemble at your new location. Beds, tables, and large items are routinely disassembled. In rare cases where something truly won't fit, we'll discuss alternatives such as using a window, removing a door frame temporarily, or arranging for specialized hoisting equipment.
Can I ride in the moving truck?
No, insurance regulations and liability concerns prevent us from allowing customers to ride in moving trucks. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to your new location. This actually works out well because you can arrive ahead of the movers to unlock, do a final walkthrough, and be ready to direct where items go when the truck arrives.
Insurance and Liability
Is my stuff insured during the move?
Yes, all moves include basic liability coverage at no extra cost. This basic coverage provides $0.60 per pound per item, which is the minimum required by federal regulations. Full value protection insurance is available for purchase, which covers items at their full replacement value. We recommend full value protection for moves containing high-value items like antiques, artwork, or expensive electronics. We'll explain all insurance options during your estimate.
What if something gets damaged?
While we take every precaution to protect your belongings, accidents can occasionally happen. If damage occurs, report it to your crew leader immediately and document it with photos. File a written claim within 9 months of your move. Our claims process is straightforward, and we work with you to resolve issues fairly. The extent of coverage depends on whether you purchased basic liability or full value protection insurance.
Do you have workers' compensation insurance?
Yes, we carry full workers' compensation insurance for all our employees. This protects both our workers and you as the homeowner. If a mover is injured on your property, our workers' comp covers it rather than your homeowner's insurance. This is an important distinction between professional moving companies like us and hiring unlicensed helpers or day laborers.
What items won't you move?
For safety and legal reasons, we cannot move hazardous materials including gasoline, propane tanks, paint, chemicals, loaded firearms, or anything flammable or explosive. We also don't move perishable food for long-distance moves, plants on interstate moves (state regulations), or anything illegal. If you have specialty items like a safe, hot tub, or extremely valuable artwork, let us know during the estimate so we can prepare appropriate equipment and insurance.
Are you liable for damage to my home?
Yes, our liability insurance covers damage to your property caused by our movers, such as doorframe scuffs, wall dings, or floor scratches. We take precautions to prevent damage, using floor runners, door frame protection, and careful maneuvering. Pre-existing damage should be noted before the move begins. If we cause damage, we'll work with you to repair it or file a claim with our insurance.
Special Situations
Can you move a piano?
Yes, we have specialized equipment and trained movers for piano relocations. We move both upright pianos and grand pianos, including baby grands and full concert grands. Piano moving requires special dollies, padding, and techniques to protect these valuable instruments. We also offer climate-controlled transport, which is important for preventing damage from temperature and humidity changes. Piano moves are quoted separately due to the specialized nature of the work.
Do you move hot tubs and safes?
Yes, but these require special equipment and additional charges. Safes are extremely heavy and need professional moving equipment and techniques. Hot tubs must be drained and properly prepared before moving. Let us know about these items when getting your estimate so we can bring appropriate equipment and enough crew members. Some extremely large or heavy items may require specialized rigging equipment.
Can you do same-day or emergency moves?
Yes, we offer same-day moving services when trucks and crews are available. Call us as early in the day as possible for same-day moves. Same-day service has a 3-hour minimum and premium rates due to the rush nature of the service. We handle emergency situations like sudden evictions, domestic situations requiring immediate relocation, or unexpected job transfers. Available seven days a week including most holidays.
Do you offer storage?
Yes, we provide both short-term and long-term storage solutions. All our storage units are climate-controlled, which is essential in Austin's extreme heat and humidity. Our facilities feature 24/7 security monitoring and gated access. We offer month-to-month rentals with no long-term commitment required. Moving and storage combo packages save you money if you need both services. We can transport items directly to storage and deliver them when you're ready.
Can you move my business or office?
Absolutely. We specialize in commercial and office relocations of all sizes, from small startups to large corporate offices. We understand the importance of minimizing business downtime, so we offer after-hours and weekend moving to keep your business operational. Our office moving services include IT equipment handling, cubicle disassembly and reassembly, furniture installation according to floor plans, and project management. A dedicated project manager coordinates all aspects of your office move.