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.
- Best Austin-based mover: Square Cow
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Our track record
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
- Square Cow: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Unicorn Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Greater Austin Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff (25%)
- Efficient service (22%)
- Good communication (20%)
- Damage to items (30%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
- Lack of communication (15%)
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
- Professional and polite staff (27%)
- Efficient service (24%)
- Easy booking process (22%)
- Damage to items (28%)
- Unexpected charges (22%)
- Lack of communication (20%)
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
- Efficient service (25%)
- Professional and polite staff (22%)
- Careful handling (20%)
- Damage to items (30%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
- Lack of communication (15%)
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
- Efficient service (43%)
- Professional and polite staff (40%)
- Careful handling (39%)
- Damage to items (25%)
- Lack of communication (20%)
- Unexpected charges (18%)
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
- Efficient service (50%)
- Professional and polite staff (43%)
- Careful handling (36%)
- Damage to items (29%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
- Lack of communication (14%)
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:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- 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
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
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:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
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:
- 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
- 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
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:
- 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
- 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
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
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:
- Austin to California Movers: $1,049 to $7,055
- Austin to New York Movers: $1,064 to $7,405
- Austin to Illinois Movers: $683 to $6,282
- Austin to New York Movers: $1,064 to $7,405
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.
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.
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