Things to Know Before Hiring Local Movers in Austin, TX

Austin, Texas, a peculiar city with a street structure and road network that combines grid patterns in the downtown area, making it easier to navigate. But during rush hours, there are bottlenecks, like a lot of leg traffic on streets like Congress Avenue and 6th Street.

The suburban areas are mostly unaffected due to the sprawling nature of the neighborhood. If you are moving to or within the urban areas, the need to hire local movers in Austin who know how to navigate the city’s unique road networks becomes of utmost importance.

However, the must-knows when hiring local movers in Austin do not end with deciphering accessibility; legitimacy and city regulations are also vital areas to look into. 

Let’s help you highlight what you should know before hiring local movers in Austin, TX.

Ensure Your Movers Have All Necessary License and Insurance

Before letting anyone touch your precious belongings, you will want to ensure they have all the necessary licenses and insurance. Austin movers (and any mover operating in Texas, for that matter) need to show you their registration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). 

Why is this important? 

A licensed company means it has met all the legal requirements to operate. With such movers in Austin, you won’t worry about getting ghosted mid-move. Plus, if something goes missing or gets damaged, you will be assured that insurance has covered you. 

Pro Tip:

You can easily check if your moving company has the required license by looking them up on the TxDMV website. By law, movers should have their TxDMV number displayed on their vehicle and paperwork.

Understand Austin’s Unique Parking and Loading Zones

Among the things to know before doing a local move to Austin is that the city is bustling. That means movement may come with parking challenges, especially if you’re living downtown. 

The city has designated loading zones and restricted parking areas that local movers should know. The last thing you want is your movers getting a hefty parking ticket while hauling your couch.

In fact, some buildings and neighborhoods require movers to reserve specific loading times. Ask your movers if they are familiar with your neighborhood or building’s policies. Moreover, enquire how they plan to handle any tricky parking situations.

If you’re moving to or from a high-rise downtown, it’s a good idea to let your moving company know in advance so they can plan for parking permits if necessary.

Know the Rules for Moving Large Items

One of the tips for local moving in Austin is the city’s ordinance on relocating large items. 

Do you have a grand piano or one of those enormous sofas? Austin has rules for moving those.

Many moving companies charge extra for handling oversized or specialty items. In some cases, they might need special permits to transport certain things. 

It’s also important to clarify with your movers if they can handle these items. Ask for a breakdown of their fees, and mention any large, fragile, or unusual items ahead of time.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Austin movers are pretty cool, but some might try to slide in hidden fees if you aren’t careful. 

Common hidden fees include charges for fuel surcharges and carrying boxes or items up and down stairs. 

Some movers also charge you these hidden fees when carrying your belongings a long distance from the truck to your home (long carries). With Austin’s unique parking and loading zone regulations, the chances of this happening are quite high.

It helps to get an estimate beforehand and be quite vocal by asking your movers to explain any additional fees, or if they have any.

Get Everything in Writing

A handshake might work in some parts of Texas to seal a deal. But when dealing with movers in Austin, it’s better to get your agreement in writing. 

Whether it’s the moving quote, moving date, or any special arrangements, ensure everything gets laid out in a contract. 

By doing so, you avoid any surprises later. Moreover, having a written agreement will save you a lot of hassle if something goes wrong.

Plan for Austin’s Weather

Austin’s weather can be unpredictable. It can go from blazing hot to rainy within a few hours. 

You will want to remember this when scheduling your move with local movers in Austin. Chances are that any reliable local mover in Austin already knows this. But you need not take that risk. 

Movers need to protect your furniture from rain or extreme heat. So ask them how they plan to safeguard your stuff. They might need extra covers or tarps in case of rain. In the heat, you may want to move early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the Texas sun turning your move into a sweat fest.

Know this: the hottest temperatures in Austin can reach as high as 94°F — imagine moving in that. You will need to move at a time when nature will spare your belongings from ruin.

Check Reviews

True, Austin is big on community and has many trustworthy movers. But one truth you must tell yourself is that some bad eggs are also among the good ones.

Reading reviews is how to find good local movers in Austin. Whether on Yelp, Quora, Google, or a local community forum, Austinites tend to share their experiences with moving companies. 

You will want to pay attention to comments about punctuality, how they handle items, and even their overall customer service. Local Facebook groups can also be a goldmine for recommendations.

Don’t forget to look around and ask your friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. The idea is to look for movers with a strong track record of communication. A company that responds quickly and keeps you in the loop is always a win.

Prepare for Traffic and Road Closures

Austin’s traffic is legendary. Depending on when and where you are moving, you could hit some serious congestion. 

Local movers should be familiar with rush hour traffic (generally between 7-8 AM and 3-5 PM). Road closures for festivals or construction are another hurdle you will most likely cross when moving within Austin. 

Ask your moving company if they factor in traffic delays when providing their quote to avoid unpleasant events arising. Some Austin movers might charge more if you move during the city’s infamous festivals, like SXSW or Austin City Limits. 

Traffic and crowd control make moving trickier during big events, leading to the unusual higher charge.

Note:

If you’re moving to Austin during a major event like the Texas Relays or Formula 1, plan extra time for your move. Streets can get packed, and moving trucks might get stuck.

Endnote

When you have the right information, hiring local movers in Austin becomes easy. From ensuring your movers have all the necessary licenses and insurance to finding out how they plan to navigate Austin’s parking, weather, and traffic — leave no stone unturned.

Also, read reviews about any moving company you are considering (besides the one on their website) and ensure your contract and agreements are all on paper. 

Simultaneously, you must obtain all permits before move day. After doing all these, you should have no trouble moving with a local moving company in Austin. 

Read more: Coordinate a move and home renovation

Written by Billy Guteng. October 20, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.