The BEST Moving Companies in Austin, TX

Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Austin, TX, is Square Cow, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service.. If you’re moving out of Texas to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.

ryan carrigan moving expert
We're here to help.
We know that every move is different. Jump to a mover that fits your unique needs:
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers for those moving locally in Austin, TX

Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
  • Efficient service (22%)
  • Good communication (20%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Square Cow has 395 online customer reviews, with 65% of those being positive. Many customers praised the movers for their professionalism, efficiency, and care in handling belongings. Positive feedback highlighted friendly service and timely arrivals. On the downside, numerous complaints surfaced regarding damaged items and poor communication, especially during the claims process. Several customers expressed frustration over unexpected charges and slow service. Despite some issues, Square Cow has a solid reputation, with many recommending them for their overall service quality compared to other moving companies.
Get a Quote (512) 501-2430

Company Info

State license #: 006362543C

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 1748594

Alternate Names: Square Cow Movers, Square Cow Moovers LLC


Square Cow, a trusted local mover based in Austin, TX, has been delivering exceptional residential moving services since 2009. Setting itself apart from other area movers, Square Cow has earned a stellar reputation, boasting a 4.8-star rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In addition to moving homes, this reliable company offers office relocations, packing, and unpacking services. Square Cow's commitment to high-quality service and customer satisfaction makes it a top choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (27%)
  • Efficient service (24%)
  • Easy booking process (22%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (28%)
  • Unexpected charges (22%)
  • Lack of communication (20%)
Review Analysis
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has 461 online customer reviews, 75% of which are positive. Customers appreciate the friendly and professional staff, efficient service, and easy booking process. However, many report issues with damage to items, unexpected charges, and poor communication. Overall, the company excels in customer service but needs to address these recurring problems to improve their reputation.
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

State license #: 007743472C

Years in Business: 4

DOT #: 2378173

Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin


College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, offering local residential moving services in and around Austin, TX, has established itself as a reputable and reliable choice since its inception in 2020. This company stands out among local competitors by providing comprehensive services such as office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, all without requiring a deposit. The team’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its impressive reviews: 751 on Google with an average rating of 4.9, 232 on Yelp with an average rating of 4.1, and a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Accepting credit cards for convenience further underscores their dedication to hassle-free service.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (25%)
  • Professional and polite staff (22%)
  • Careful handling (20%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Unicorn Moving & Storage has 541 online customer reviews, 78% of which are positive. Customers praise the company for its efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many highlight how the movers worked quickly and treated items with care. On the downside, some feedback mentions issues with damaged items, unprofessional behavior from certain movers, and unexpected charges. Despite these concerns, Unicorn stands out in Austin's moving market for its commitment to customer satisfaction and competitive pricing.
Get a Quote (512) 339-9922

Company Info

State license #: 009185833C

Years in Business: 29

DOT #: 3592100

Alternate Names: Unicorn Moving & Storage, Incorporated


Unicorn Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Austin, TX since 1995. Known for their exceptional customer reviews, they boast an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, putting them ahead of many other nearby movers. Their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. With no deposit required, Unicorn Moving & Storage makes the moving process straightforward and stress-free for their clients.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Storage
  • Safes
Pros
  • Efficient service (43%)
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Careful handling (39%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Lack of communication (20%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
Review Analysis
Greater Austin Moving has 109 customer reviews, with 85% of them being positive. Many customers praise the company for its efficient service, friendly and professional staff, and careful handling of items. Positive feedback highlights the transparent pricing and easy booking process. On the downside, some customers reported damage to items during moves, along with communication issues and unexpected charges. While most experiences are favorable, a few negative incidents stand out, making it essential for potential customers to weigh both the positive aspects and the concerns raised.
Get a Quote (512) 766-6683

Company Info

State license #: 006252715C

Years in Business: 22


Greater Austin Moving has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Austin, TX since 2002. With an impressive average rating of 4.3 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, customers consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and even piano moving, without requiring a deposit. For those seeking a reputable and highly-rated local mover in Austin, Greater Austin Moving stands out as a top choice.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (50%)
  • Professional and polite staff (43%)
  • Careful handling (36%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (29%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
  • Lack of communication (14%)
Review Analysis
NorthStar Moving Company has 28 customer reviews, with 82% of them being positive. Customers praised the company for its efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of items. Many noted the quick moving process and transparent pricing, making their experience smooth and enjoyable. On the downside, some reported issues with damaged items, delayed deliveries, and poor communication during the moving process. Despite these negatives, the overall feedback highlights NorthStar as a reliable choice for moving needs, often better than competitors.
Get a Quote (512) 790-0087

Company Info

State license #: 009181943C

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 1836576

Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation


NorthStar Moving Company, based in Austin, TX, has been a trusted name in the local moving industry since 1996. Specializing in local residential moving services, they stand out with their exceptional customer satisfaction, boasting an average rating of 4.5 on Yelp and a perfect 5.0 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, NorthStar offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the capability to move delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. They further simplify the moving process by accepting both cash and credit cards and requiring no deposit upfront, making them a top choice for residents in and around Austin.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

Best movers for those moving out of Texas

As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving Texas for a new state:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

Best moving containers in Austin, TX

Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.

Container costs in Austin vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.

We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices

Best rental trucks for your Austin, TX move

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Austin, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in Texas costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.69–$0.99 per mile.

While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.

We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:

Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Most Reliable
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only movers in Austin, TX

Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.

Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Austin:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Top-rated movers in nearby cities

See more
See less

How we chose the best movers in Austin

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 136 Texas movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How do I find a reputable Austin mover?

If you’re looking for the best movers in Austin, here’s what you should look for:

  • A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Austin or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over Texas, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
  • Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Austin has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
  • Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Austin may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
  • Get multiple estimates: Reputable Austin movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.

Fortunately, the Austin movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.

If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in Texas.

Average cost of movers in Austin, Texas

The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Austin area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in Texas for more pricing info.

Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.

You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.

Local moving costs in Austin

If you’re moving within 50 miles of Austin, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Austin, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.69 per mile to $0.99 per mile.

And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Austin is $90 per hour.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $307 $126 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $433 $126 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $709 $176 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,663 $247 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $1,910 $247 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $2,949 $346 5 movers 10 hours

Interstate moving costs out of Austin

The cost to move from Austin to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from Texas. Here are a few examples:

Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.

Factors that affect the cost of your move

  • Distance: Your moving costs in Austin will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Austin will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across Texas state lines.
  • Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Austin, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
  • Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
  • Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
  • The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.

FAQs

Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Austin?

If you are temporarily loading or unloading non-construction materials or if you need to place a temporary storage device in the right of way, you will need a parking permit.

For more info on parking permits in Austin, visit the local DOT website.

How can I save money when hiring a Austin moving company?

You can save money when hiring a Austin mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.

There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.

Do Austin movers offer storage?

Yes, many Austin movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.

If your Austin mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.

Should you use your mover's storage solutions?

How can I see all moving companies in Texas?

You can see all moving companies in Texas by taking a look at our full list of Texas movers.

Helpful Austin Resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All