Office & Commercial Moving in Austin: How to Minimize Downtime

Just like with pulling off a seamless house move, office moving is so much easier and less stressful with some early planning and preparation. A smooth process for commercial moving is even more critical than for residential moving, as you need to minimize disruptions to your company’s operations.

Here are some practical tips to help you and your team stay calm and productive throughout the moving process.

Why Planning Ahead Matters for Office Moves

There are several factors in play when moving offices, so the earlier you start your preparations, the better. The key to successfully moving an office is to create a detailed plan that includes key dates and assigned responsibilities so that everyone is on the same page from start to finish. 

Planning ahead also helps you to make a clear vision of what you want and need from your new space. There’s a reason that you’re leaving your old office, right? Creating goals for the new office and mapping it out can help you get the most out of your new space and maximize what you’re working with right from the jump. 

Creating a Business Moving Timeline

Creating a timeline that you can share with the entire team helps everyone stay organized throughout the process. Setting strict dates and putting them on a calendar helps everyone involved visualize the process, step by step.

Give yourself a year to six months to plan out the different parts of the move, including:

• Reviewing the terms of your current lease.

• Assigning roles, like naming who will pack, decorate, and unpack certain office items.

• Setting a budget for the entire process.

• Getting quotes from at least three office moving companies to compare.

• Selecting a commercial moving company and choosing the right coverage.

• Creating a to-do list for each department or employee.

Communicating the Move with Employees and Clients

Once you’ve started thinking through the logistics, hold a company-wide meeting to discuss the move. This can be either in-person or online, depending on your team, but holding a meeting, rather than just communicating by email, allows everyone to jump in and ask questions or give feedback in real time. 

Involving everyone from the beginning also helps the whole team feel included, which can get people excited and feeling positive about the move.

You should also notify any clients or vendors you work with as soon as possible that you will be changing offices in the near future. Sharing the new address early, along with the planned move date, can prevent confusion or disappointment among external stakeholders.

How to Reduce Downtime During Relocation

Creating a plan well in advance is the first step to reducing downtime, but the second step is to create a backup plan. While your team and office moving services will do their best to make sure that everything follows your vision, avoid losing time when things don’t go as planned by having some backup ideas in place. You might look into local co-working spaces that essential team members can visit for emergency internet access, if needed.

It’s also good to coordinate with your IT team to make sure that things like servers, networks, and security systems, as well as all equipment, can be up and running as soon as possible after the move. This could mean bringing in an outside specialist to help with all the details if the coordination seems too overwhelming for your IT team to handle alone.

Along the same lines, make sure you contact your new internet provider as soon as possible so your team can be online and running as soon as your commercial moving services are done unpacking.

Tips for Moving Office Furniture and Equipment

When prepping for an office move, you should:

• Start decluttering early (don’t be shy about donating items you no longer use).

• Use bubble wrap to protect electronics and fragile items.

• Label moving boxes clearly.

• Ensure all hardware is clearly labeled so you have all the pieces when reassembling furniture.

• Have plenty of cleaning supplies on hand.

• Know your physical limits. If items are too heavy or bulky, wait for your moving team to make sure you and your equipment stay safe.

MASH Are Your Trusted Commercial Movers in Austin, TX

If you’re planning on moving offices in Austin, MASH has you covered. We’re your friendly neighborhood furniture-carriers and valuable-haulers who can get the job done right with a smile every time. 

No move is too big or too small, so drop us a line for your free quote today. We’d love to hear from you!

How to Declutter Before Moving: Tips for Each Room

Moving takes effort. While it’s our passion (and line of work) at MASH Movers, we’ve also been on the other side many times. We know that getting organized can help minimize stress on moving day, and that starts when you declutter before moving.

Knowing how to declutter your home is critical for a smooth relocation process. Not only can it simplify your packing routine, but it can also lower costs for house movers in Austin, TX, and get you settled into your new home faster. And that, we can all agree, is the ultimate goal! 

Why Decluttering Before Moving Helps

Answer this question: Do you get a headache thinking about moving a closet full of outdated clothes, kitchen tools you never use, and seasonal decor you haul out for one week each year? 

Many people say yes. That’s also why decluttering before moving should be the go-to tactic. No one wants to move things they don’t want—or forgot they owned in the first place. Decluttering clears the mental and emotional cobwebs you get from holding onto stuff you should have tossed years ago.

When to Start the Decluttering Process

To ensure you have enough time to go through everything, start the decluttering process eight weeks before you move. You don’t need to spend all eight weeks decluttering, but consider setting aside the first four weeks for this task. If you get it done in four weeks, you can use the last 30 days before Moving Day to pack, book Austin-area movers, and set up your new utility services.

How to Decide What to Keep, Donate, or Toss

Deciding what to do with your belongings is primarily a personal decision, but you can use some tried-and-true decluttering tips to guide your approach.

Get rid of duplicates: It’s time to rethink your strategy if you tend to buy in bulk. For perishable items, start using them up now and don’t buy more. For household items, donate extras that are still in good condition, but don’t toss them if you actually need them. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending money after your move to Austin, TX. 

Consider the new floor plan: Are you moving to a place with more or less square footage? Upsizing is easier. Downsizing means you need to be more decisive about the furniture pieces, clothing, products, tools, decor, and other items you bring.

Say goodbye to anything you haven’t used in a year: If you haven’t used that dumbbell set you got as a gift three years ago, it’s unlikely you’ll start now. As you go through boxes, drawers, and closets, inspect each item and think about the last time you used it.

Set aside sentimental items for secondary review: These items deserve a little special consideration. Wavering on whether to part with a specific item means you need more time. Set those items aside and look at them again in a few days.

Donate items suitable for a second use: If it’s gently used, someone else might make good use of it. Local shelters, libraries, thrift stores, animal shelters, refugee resettlement nonprofits, and consignment shops may accept your donated goods for those in need.

Toss anything that’s broken, obsolete, or expired: Start by creating separate piles for landfill, scrapyards, and green waste. Old, broken objects could go into the landfill, but they might also qualify for scrapyards. Scrapyards usually take steel, copper, cast iron, vehicle parts, appliances, pipes, aluminum, rebar, and brass. Expired food should go into green waste if your city has a composting program.

Room-By-Room Decluttering Tips

Go from room to room and determine how much stuff your house movers in Austin should transport for you. Here are some key items and areas to declutter before you start packing:

Kitchen

• Mismatched storage containers

• Expired pantry food 

• Duplicate gadgets, pots and pans, cooking tools, and dish towels

• Extra cups, mugs, and dish sets

• Junk drawer items

Laundry Room

• Excess laundry detergent and cleaning supplies

• Broken hampers

• Unused ironing boards

Bathrooms

• Expired medications (Take for safe disposal at drugstores like CVS or Walgreens.) 

• Personal care items you don't use

• Duplicate towels and linens

Bedrooms

• Outdated clothing and accessories

• Uncomfortable or worn-out shoes

• Broken hangers

Garages and Basements

• Storage boxes with seasonal decor and miscellaneous items (a.k.a. junk)

• Old electronics and hazardous materials like paint (Take to designated waste disposal facilities). 

Living Room, Halls, and Foyer

• Excess furniture and rugs

• Unwanted decor

Declutter and Get On With Living

Moving and decluttering go hand in hand. When you get rid of clutter, you cut down on packing time and reduce your moving costs for labor fees, truck size, and the time it takes to move. 

Now that you're on your way, book with MASH Movers, your friendly Texas movers in Austin, and get excited about your new living space.

Apartment Moving in Austin: What to Know About Stairs, Elevators & Parking

You might assume an apartment moving day is more straightforward and quicker than one involving a larger home. In some ways, that can be true; a smaller space and fewer belongings can streamline the moving process. However, with apartment moves come unique logistical challenges. 

Don't let that scare you, though. With proper planning—well, that, and an experienced apartment moving service— you can transition into your new living space smoothly.

Why Apartment Moves Require Extra Planning

Because of their vastly different design structures, you can't approach apartment moving with the same strategy you would with a single-family home. Things like narrow hallways, tight corners, shared entryways, and tricky parking setups can complicate the process. Some apartment complexes even have restrictions on when movers can move their things into their new unit.

How Stairs and Elevators Affect the Moving Process

Scoping out the elevator or stair situation should be priority number one on your apartment relocation checklist. Be proactive and find out your building's policy on reserving a service elevator ahead of your move. This ensures efficient use of your time and keeps you from competing with other residents for lift access.

If you'll be taking the stairs, plan your schedule accordingly, as trekking up and down the steps extends the process. Most apartment movers in Austin, TX, and beyond tack on additional fees when stairs are involved. This ensures they're paid adequately for the increased physical strain and longer move time that come from stairs, so you'll need to budget accordingly if you plan to hire help. 

Parking and Loading Challenges in Austin

A building's parking setup plays a major role in an apartment moving day, and in an urban, traffic-dense area like Austin, it's even more important. 

Unfortunately, many buildings in the Lone Star State’s capital city lack dedicated loading zones. That means you and your movers might have to park on the street or in a faraway visitor spot and bring your belongings on an unexpectedly long journey to your unit. If you're moving to an area where there's street parking, you might need to secure permits. Before moving day, check local regulations to see what you'll need to do to park on a city street in front of your building.

Some Austin apartment complexes have parking garages. If you're heading to one of these complexes, find out about the overhead clearance height. If you plan to hire a moving company in Austin, you'll need to be sure its trucks fit in the designated space. Otherwise, you might need to find a smaller vehicle to shuttle items to and from the building, which impacts your budget and moving time.

Tips for Protecting Furniture in Tight Spaces and Hallways

Getting large, bulky items from Point A to Point B can be difficult if the pathway is narrow. Take a few cues from some of the most experienced furniture movers in Austin to keep yourself, the hallways, and your furniture safe. 

• Use protective materials. Wrapping furniture with moving blankets and padding helps keep your pieces and building surfaces—walls, railings, and door frames, for example—scratch- and dent-free.

• Disassemble as much as possible. We know that having to put furniture back together can be a pain. But removing detachable arms and legs, drawers, and hardware can give you a few more inches of clearance and make the pieces lighter. All of that can add up to a big difference on moving day.

• Build a team. You know what they say: teamwork makes the dream work. Don't try to take it on by yourself, especially if this is your first apartment relocation. Call a few friends or reach out to a reputable apartment moving company for help. 

Simplify Apartment Moving with Mash Movers

You can probably handle an apartment move if you have a few willing friends and several hours of free time. But if your budget allows, it never hurts to hire professional help, especially if this is your first apartment relocation. A reputable company with apartment experience knows the ins and outs and dos and don'ts of moving day. They will tackle the logistical challenges, leaving you free to focus on other things, like decor choices and befriending your new neighbors. 

That's where Mash Movers comes in. A company built by Austin locals for those moving to and within the city, Mash Movers enjoys the moving process and wants you to, too. Plus, the Mash Movers crew knows exactly what an apartment move entails—that's a given, considering the "a" in Mash stands for apartment! Contact us today for a free moving quote.

When & How to Set Up Utilities Before You Move

You’ve found the house of your dreams. You’ve hired the top residential movers in Austin to help with your move. But before you can start your new life, you need to set up utilities. 

Setting up utilities for a new house is an important part of ensuring your new residence is move-in ready from the minute you get the keys. We’ll break down the process for you so you’re ready to enjoy your new home the second you unlock the front door.

Why Utility Setup Matters

Unless you’re renting an apartment where all of the utilities might be included in your monthly bill, you’ll need to set up your own before you move. Services like electricity, water, sewer, natural gas, and trash pickup don’t just start the minute you get the keys. 

If you don’t put the utilities under your name before you start using them, the providers may cut off your service with no warning. They may also charge you administrative fees in addition to setup fees to turn them back on. 

Utilities To Arrange

If this is your first time moving and setting up your utilities, you may wonder, "What utilities do I need?”

The specific utilities you need to arrange depend on where you’re moving, but generally, your utility setup checklist should include:

• Electricity

• Water

• Sewer (if you don’t have a septic tank)

• Natural Gas

• Trash/recycling pickup

• Internet (not a classic utility, but increasingly referred to as such due to the surge in telecommuting)

If you plan to have TV or landline phone service, you’ll want to schedule those services as well. 

You may find that some of these services are included or not required. For example, an apartment may include water and sewer in the rent, or a more recently built home may not have a natural gas connection, relying instead on electricity or alternative methods for heating or hot water.

Some utilities may also be provided through the city or municipality as a single bill. Cities may arrange electric, water, trash, or internet service through their own provider, netting residents discounts. Check on these possibilities before setting up your own utilities.

When To Set Up Each Service

When setting up utilities for a new house, keep in mind that you can typically schedule the first day of service well in advance, so you don't have to rush to transfer service or open a new account the morning of your move. 

In fact, waiting until the last minute may lead to extremely inconvenient and expensive problems. Generally, you want the utilities to be active and in your name on the day you get your keys.

Try to start the setup process at least two or three weeks before your anticipated move. This ensures you won’t incur any last-minute transfer or cancellation fees, and you won’t face delays if new utilities require installation or activation before your move.

How To Transfer vs. Start New Accounts

If you’re not moving to another state or city, you may already have some utility accounts that you can simply transfer over to your new address. In many of those cases, you’ll be able to initiate a transfer through an online account or customer portal. For others, you may need to call the utility’s customer service phone line to transfer your services.

If you don’t have a current utility provider, the provider you currently use is unavailable in your new neighborhood, or you simply want to switch service providers, you’ll need to set up a new account. Some providers allow you to open a new account online and may even offer new customer discounts or other incentives for doing so. Others require a phone call or an in-person visit to set up a new service.

Info You’ll Need to Set Up Utilities

An important part of knowing how to set up utilities is identifying and gathering the right information before you begin the process. 

Your future service provider may ask for:

• Your full name

• Your social security number

• Your date of birth

• A copy of your driver’s license or ID

• Your current contact information (phone number, email)

• The address of your new home

• The date of your move

• Your payment method

• Employment information or income verification

• Your current address (for communication prior to your move)

Transferring an existing utility account generally requires less information, since the provider already has most of it. To transfer service, you’ll probably need:

• Your current account number

• Your new address

• The date of your move

The current provider may also ask for a copy of your ID or other identity verification to protect your account.

Get Help With Your Austin Move

Once you set up utilities for your move, get help with everything else by working with the top moving company in Austin, MASH Movers. Our team makes moving easy and stress-free so you can concentrate on making your new space a home. 

Our staff loves the city and wants to make it a beautiful—and welcoming—place for everyone. We’d love to be your friendly Austin moving services company. Contact us for a free quote on your next relocation!

How Far in Advance to Book Movers in Austin: A Timeline Guide

The key to a low-stress move is knowing what needs to be done and when, so you can create a comprehensive moving plan. The first step is nailing down the relocation date. Once you have that, it’s time to decide how you’ll move: on your own, or with the help of professionals.

Professional movers not only make the process faster and easier, but also enable you to focus less on the heavy lifting and more on making your new space a home. But before they can do that, you’ll need to book them! 

Understanding how far in advance to book movers, especially in the bustling Austin area, could be key to making sure that you’re ready to go on the big day. Let’s take a closer look at how to map out your timeline.

Why Early Booking Matters

So, how far in advance do you actually need to book movers to have a smooth experience? Booking as early as possible gives you plenty of time to run price estimates, avoid the higher fees that can come with booking close to your move date, and lock in a day that works with your work schedule. Booking early can actually save you up to 30 percent on moving costs.

Ideally, you should book your moving company in Austin two or three months ahead of time. If that timeline isn’t possible, try everything in your power to finalize movers four weeks out. 

However, there are a few different factors that can affect when to hire movers, like:

• The size of your home

• The season of your move

• The distance you’re moving

• The nature of the items you’re moving (such as size and fragility)

Seasonal and Event-Related Demand in Austin

How early to book movers can also depend on when you want to move. If you want to move in peak season in Austin, during the summer months, start looking for moving companies at least three months out to lock in your date. Movers tend to get extremely busy in late July and early August, when students at UT-Austin are settling in for the fall semester. 

Many families also see summer as a good time to move when kids are out of school, and parents may be able to take a few days off to get organized. The weather is hot, but central Texas usually sees less rain by the time July rolls around. Because this is a popular time to move, you should book your moving team as soon as you can to secure your date.

If your move-in date is flexible, relocating during the winter months offers more availability for choosing a moving day and booking furniture movers in Austin. As a bonus, it’s also going to be cheaper to move off-season.

Recommended Timelines by Home Size

Knowing when to book movers also hinges on the size of your home. Packing up a small apartment is much faster and easier than packing up a large home, especially if you have bulky or fragile items like pianos, chandeliers, and artwork. A greater number of items, as well as larger ones, means it will probably take more people, trucks, and time to get the job done.

When shopping around for movers, you should mention whether you want full-service moving, such as packing and unpacking, as this will add extra time and equipment. If you have a large home, book early so that your moving company can have the right team and equipment ready on the day of your move.

Weekday vs. Weekend Availability

As you can probably imagine, weekends are a lot more popular for moving than weekdays. Moving Monday through Thursday is usually cheaper and more flexible than moving on the weekends. If you want to move during the week, you can typically wait a little longer to book, but you should book at least two months out if you want to move during the weekend.

The time of the month also matters. Many people plan their moves for the end of the month when their leases are up, so moving companies’ availability can quickly diminish as each month rolls along. If you anticipate your moving day to be towards the end of the month, book your services as soon as possible.

Book MASH Movers, the Best Movers in Austin

MASH Movers is a dedicated team of locals who love good music, Austin’s vibes, and welcoming new neighbors to the city that we love so much. We offer full-service moving for all kinds of jobs, both big and small, and make it easy to schedule your move with just a call or a click. 

Reach out to MASH Movers today to get a risk-free quote and learn more about how we can help you schedule your move to Austin!

How to Maximize Space in a Small Apartment: Decorating Tips & More

Small-apartment living is becoming increasingly common due to housing trends, market forces, and the realization that people can do more with less space. There are several benefits to having a smaller home (less to clean!), but the trick is to know how to maximize what you’re working with.

We have gathered some tips for small-apartment decorating and organizing that can help you make the most of your cozy space. 

Why Layout and Organization Matter

If you’re moving into a high-rise apartment or other relatively small space, the key is to stay organized. Staying organized means you might have to declutter before doing anything else. Minimal clutter can pave the way for an apartment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

As you take in the layout, try to fill all the dead space—places that are usually overlooked and have no inherent functionality. These spaces can be creatively used for storage or decoration. You’ll also want to start creating zones in your apartment, like a distinct area for relaxing, another for getting work done, and possibly another for entertaining, if you have the space.

Designating spaces, which you can separate with decoration, furniture, or even physical partitioning, can help your space feel bigger than it is.

Small Apartment Decorating Tips

While decorating your apartment should spark plenty of joy and creativity, it also helps to prioritize organization and functionality. Make the most of your limited space with these tiny apartment decor ideas. 

Vertical and Hidden Storage Options

One of the keys to making a small apartment interior feel more spacious is to use your vertical space as much as possible. Walls aren’t just for decoration! Think of your walls as a blank canvas you can fill with tasteful storage, like shelving, racks, or even cookware. Not only does this save you space, but it also looks homey and inviting. 

Fill your vertical storage with items such as books, plants, and personal items like bags, jewelry, and recreational equipment. These are personal touches that show off who you are while keeping things organized, tidy, and visually appealing.

Multi-Use Furniture Ideas

Before you move in or start shelling out cash on new furniture, measure your space very carefully. While you want furniture that works for you and the people in your home, you want to make sure it’s not too big or restrictive. You and your guests will need at least some floor space for moving around!

Once you have your measurements, you can start investing in pieces that serve multiple functions. For example, beds with built-in storage underneath (including drawers) are perfect for storing clothes and miscellaneous items. Other things to think about are couches that lift up to give room for storage, foldable tables and desks you can clear away, or even dining room tables with small drawers for things like silverware and napkins.

If you have the floor space, consider getting a storage ottoman or coffee table for your living area. Choose a chic but functional item to fill with small elements for which you otherwise don’t have a place.

Smart Lighting and Décor

Not all tiny apartment ideas are about storage. In fact, there are a few simple tricks you can use to make your space seem bigger—and they are all about décor. Opt for neutral tones on your walls, as these naturally reflect more light and really open up a room. Use overhead lighting, such as chandeliers and wall sconces, to free up floor and table space while creating a nice glow that reflects off your neutral walls.

A few well-placed mirrors can also reflect light and open up a room. A wall or floor-length mirror is not only functional for your life but also creates the illusion of adding more space. 

Keeping your curtains open during the day also has the same effect, as you’ll feel less enclosed. Choose floor-length curtains that elongate and draw your eye upward, rather than boxy window treatments that only cover the window itself.

Finding Your Affordable Movers in Austin

Need help with moving so you can turn your small apartment decorating ideas into reality right away? If you're searching for local moving companies in Austin, TX, look no further than MASH Movers. 

Why? We’re your local apartment movers in Austin who love what we do and are proud to call this city our home. Whether you’re new to the city or just moving across town, we’ll be ready to lend a helping hand with a smile on moving day. Reach out to us now to learn more and get a free quote!

What to Know Before Moving With a Dog

Most dogs love adventures, but leaving a familiar home—forever—isn't the same as a trip to the dog park. If you're planning on moving with your dog, there are some things you can do to help your furry friend make the adjustment. Here's how to make the moving process easy and stress-free.

How Moving Impacts Dogs

As trainers and dog specialists frequently point out, structure and routine help dogs feel safe and secure. They know what's expected of them and where to go to have their needs met.

When routine falls apart, many dogs become nervous and unsure of exactly what is expected of them. That's because dogs aren’t always great at generalizing positive behaviors, meaning they need help transferring skills from one place to another. For instance, they may have learned not to bark at your current neighbors, but they might have trouble understanding that those rules apply at their new home.

It can help to remember that dogs have the mental maturity of a human toddler. They know things are different, but they don't know why or what that means for their safety. Helping them feel more comfortable can go a long way toward easing their transition during and after a move. 

Pre-Move Prep Tips for Your Four-Legged Friend

For dogs, the disruption of a move starts well before the large trucks arrive. You can make things easier for them by gradually bringing empty boxes into the house and letting them sniff them. Heavy chewers will need supervision for this process. 

As you start packing, let them investigate what you're doing. Allow them to sniff your bubble wrap or newspapers with supervision. You can even bring their bed and toys into the room while you pack, so they can be extra comfortable.

Notify any packing helpers about your dog, and encourage them to give it a treat if they're comfortable. As a full-service moving company in Austin, TX, our team wants to make the process as easy as possible for your whole family—including your pets.

Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, especially if you plan to board them during the move. If your dog is prone to anxiety, think about scheduling a vet visit to talk about anti-anxiety medications or supplements. 

Reducing Stress for Your Pet on Moving Day

Planning ahead can make moving houses with a dog much easier. Start the day with a long walk or an off-leash run in a secure area to burn off their energy. Then, settle them in a closed-off room where the movers won't disturb them.

Make sure they have fresh water, a comfortable place to rest, and access to their favorite toys. Dogs who feel safe in small spaces might want to lie in their crates.

Another option is having them spend the day with a friend or family member. You might also consider sending them to doggy daycare or boarding them starting the night before, but try not to make this their first visit to that location. If no one they know can take them, it may help to have a trial session at the daycare or boarding facility before moving day.

How to Get a Dog Used to a New Home

Before you bring the dog into your new home, set up a quiet corner where they can rest and recover from the day's chores. Have a family member stay with them at first, if possible, and explore the new house with them when they're ready.

Show them where to find their food and water, and lead them through their routine of asking to go outside. Be ready to build a new routine from scratch, especially if the living situation is very different (e.g., house versus apartment, urban versus suburban).

Keep them on their familiar schedule as much as possible, including mealtimes and walks. Some dogs backslide on house training, so be prepared for extra potty breaks and some occasional accidents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving With a Dog

A lot happens with dogs and moving, and you don't want Fido to fall by the wayside. Here are some common missteps we've witnessed as house movers in Austin, TX:

• Not updating tags and microchips: It's not uncommon for dogs to escape and get lost during a move. It’s best to update their ID and chip information at least a week in advance.

• Allowing them to roam too early: Dogs need time to learn the routine of a new home. Keep them with you as you settle into your new surroundings, for both their behavior management and their mental health.

• Leaving them too soon: If possible, avoid moving on the weekend and returning to the office on Monday, leaving them alone in the house not 24 hours after they start to settle in. That’s often not possible, so you could try moving into your place several days before you start your new job.

Let MASH Movers Help: Affordable Movers in Austin

At MASH Movers, we've helped many families with dogs move into, out of, and around our city. We're Austin local movers and musicians who love welcoming new neighbors, including their pets, to the coolest city on Earth. We'd love for you to contact us and let us know how we can help.

Reserving Space for Your Residential Move

Your moving day logistics include more than just packing and loading up the truck. Securing and protecting key spaces during your move helps prevent any damage and makes your whole day go more smoothly. You’ll need to reserve some areas ahead of time so you don’t disturb your neighbors and stay in compliance with local laws, as some moves in Austin may require permits. Here’s what you need to keep in mind to get ready for the upcoming big day.

Parking Space Reservations (At Both Locations)

Moving trucks are big, so make sure you follow the right steps to park one near your home. Consider getting a moving permit for parking both at the home you’re moving out of and the one you’re moving into. This way, you’ll have a clear path from your home to your truck, which makes things safer and easier for you, the moving team, and any neighbors nearby.

You likely don’t need to get a moving permit, but check any Austin-specific regulations, such as getting a City of Austin Right of Way Permit for parking storage units or trucks. If you do need a permit, aim to get it a few days in advance to avoid any issues. As you search for information, double-check to see if there are any size restrictions for parking a moving truck on your street. 

You should also notify your HOA or property manager of the dates and times that you will have a moving truck parked outside. Once your truck is outside, mark off the area with cones or signs if your complex requires it, to alert any neighbors that a move is happening.

Elevator & Building Access (Apartments)

If you live in an apartment or complex, prepare yourself and your neighbors by booking the building’s elevators on your moving day. Do this a week or two in advance so everyone is aware of the situation.

Also, get any necessary gate codes or key fobs for elevators, doors, and entrances between your apartment and the moving truck. To prep for your movers even more, reserve a loading dock, if possible.

On moving day, it’s best to pad the elevator with blankets or cardboard to prevent any scratches and damage. Your neighbors will thank you!

Floor & Property Protection

Preventing damage is one of the top goals on moving day — not just protecting your items, but also the spaces that you’re entering and exiting. 

Interior Spaces

The first step is protecting the floors, including both hardwood and tile. Covering them with cardboard or old rugs helps prevent scratches or dents while moving furniture in and out. If you have carpeting, you can also use cardboard or throw down some plastic to protect the floor and prevent stains.

Next, measure your door frames and add some foam padding around them. This extra protection is handy when moving tall or hefty items through tight doorways.

Exterior Spaces

Most people think about protecting the inside of their homes, but they sometimes forget that outdoor areas need a little care, too. Prepping the exterior keeps the property safe and makes it easier for your movers to do their job.

If the moving truck has to park on gravel or grass, throw plywood down first for protection and stability. Also, take a look around to see if there is any landscaping that needs covering or that you can temporarily move out of the way to make the move a little easier. 

Austin-Specific Considerations

Most residential moves in Austin don’t need a Texas moving permit, but check ahead of time to avoid any surprises. You can apply for a Temporary Use Permit that allows you to park large vehicles, like moving trucks, on the public street in front of your property for a set amount of time, as long as you are within zoning regulations. Keep in mind that city regulations may apply to street closures in some areas around Austin. 

MASH Movers, Your Apartment Movers in Austin, TX

Reserving spaces and parking ahead of time can prevent delays and extra fees, both of which you want to avoid on moving day. Not only that, but proper protection can help save your security deposit and prevent any damage claims. 

If you’re unsure about whether you need a moving permit, check your city’s website to get more information.

At MASH, we’re your go-to movers in Austin, Texas. We love our city, and we love lending a helping hand and a welcoming smile when we arrive. If you’re moving here from afar or just across town, we’ve got you covered. As you look for moving quotes in Austin, be sure to drop us a line!