There are plenty of reasons you might want to call Austin, Texas home. Trust us, we're area experts. All of us at MASH Movers are artists and musicians who live and work in the Lone Star State's capital city. The job market is booming, there's plenty to do – and the food and drinks? Unmatched.
If you're planning on moving to Austin, TX — whether you're from somewhere else or an Austin local shifting to another part of the city — you'll need to know how much you'll have to spend to make that happen. The exact costs will depend on how much you need to move and to where, but you can probably expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
But don’t worry; there are plenty of things you can do to lower the cost of moving. Plan wisely, and you can manage your move like a pro.
Average Costs of Moving
According to Forbes, the average cost of a local move for a three-bedroom home is between $300 and $6,900. Meanwhile, long-distance moves can range from $3,200 to $17,000.
Austin is growing, and it’s growing fast – it’s now ranked the 10th largest city in the US! Tons of new homes are popping up to support the expanding population, which is good news for anyone looking to move.
There might be plenty of places to live, but that doesn’t mean moving is necessarily cheaper. Depending on where you’re coming from, the cost of doing just about anything in Austin might be more or less than what you’re used to.
Pro Tip: A quick cost of living comparison can help you determine how similar life in Austin is to your current location.
What factors contribute to moving costs?
There are six main factors that might contribute to the cost of moving in Austin (whether you move yourself or hire professional movers):
Home size. The size of your home plays a big role in determining how long it takes movers to get all your stuff out. If you move on your own, the longer it takes to get the job done, the more secondary expenses–time off work, supplies, food for all that labor–can pile up.
Home items. The more you have to move, the longer it will take. That also means it will cost more, at least if you hire professional movers. Larger or more delicate items could also require specialty packaging and can add to your total, too.
Distance. Where exactly you're moving to determines how much you pay. It costs less to pay movers to take your things a few blocks away than across the city.
Number of professional movers needed. If you decide you want to hire movers, don't forget to factor in how many movers you may need. With huge pieces of furniture, you'll need at least two movers.
Preparation. The more prepared you are, with boxes packed and taped, the faster it will go.
Accessibility. If your home has some sort of obstacle that could slow or complicate the moving process — multiple flights of stairs or lack of parking, for example — a moving company might charge additional fees.
How to Lower Moving Costs
There's no getting around it. If you plan on moving, be prepared to pay at least a little. But don't worry. If you bring three practices — timing your move right, downsizing, and negotiating — into your moving strategy, you can get your belongings from Point A to B without breaking the bank.
Time your move right
If you can, try to move in the middle of the month. Here's why: movers are super busy at the beginning and end of the month when leases end. By choosing a less hectic time, you'll have a better chance of getting the day and time you want for your move.
Downsize
If you were looking for the perfect time to "Marie Kondo" your space, an upcoming move is it. As you pack your belongings, donate, sell, or trash the items you no longer use or have space for. The fewer items you have to move, the easier your life becomes.
Negotiate
While we aren't free, MASH Movers does offer customers packing supplies, including boxes, tape, newsprint, and bubble wrap. You only pay for what you use, so you don't have to worry about wasting money on items you don't need.
We’re your friendly local movers, so your experience is always our priority. Whether you’ve got a tiny studio or a sprawling Mansion, our team is here to help you save time (and money!) wherever you can.
Start a conversation today to get the ball rolling. Contact us for more information on packing supply and delivery or to get a free moving quote.