Here’s What To Know Before You Hire A Moving Company
If you're thinking about selling your home in Austin and planning a move out of state or even overseas, this one's for you.
I've helped many homeowners go through this exact transition, and one of the biggest stressors I see is dealing with moving companies.
There’s a lot to consider, and frankly, a lot that can go wrong. I put this guide together to help you feel more informed and prepared when it's time to find a moving company. If you're heading to another state or overseas, there are some specific things you'll want to watch out for, and a few things that can really help your move go smoothly.
What Kind Of Moving Company Do You Need?
To start, think about the kind of move you're making.
If you're leaving Texas, it's either across state lines or international. That alone tells you what kind of mover to look for.
For a cross-country move, you want a company that does interstate moves and has a USDOT number. You can check that number online to make sure they’re registered and insured.
If you’re leaving the country altogether, work with a company that can pack for overseas shipping and handle all the customs paperwork. This will save you a lot of headaches and is worth the extra cost.
In both cases, I strongly recommend full-service movers. These are the companies that can pack, load, transport, and even unpack your belongings if you want. It’s more expensive, but if you’re moving hundreds or thousands of miles away, it can save you a lot of hassle.
Trusted Moving Companies Serving Austin
These are companies that consistently come up in third-party reviews and industry rankings as being reliable options for homeowners relocating from Austin. I’m not paid by any of them, and I don’t take referral fees from moving companies. This is simply a list based on publicly available research and reputation.
Based in Austin, but they do long-distance moves as well. They have built a loyal following and have stellar reviews for both local and long-distance moves, and they are the official movers for the University of Texas.
These folks are local to Austin and have done over 35,000 moves and consistently rank at the top of the list. They have clear pricing, no surprise fees, and a solid reputation. For local and long-distance moves, they're a solid choice consider.
They’ve been in Texas for over 40 years and have a large presence in Austin. They offer packing and storage options, and they're fully insured. Their crews are trained, not just random day laborers, which is more important than most people realize.
If you're moving out of state and want a large, national network behind your move, Allied is a reliable option. They provide in-home estimates, transparent pricing, and optional full-value insurance.
These two companies are part of the same family. Both are well-established, and both have agents in the Austin area. What I like is that they include full-value protection by default and don’t require big upfront deposits.
If you're moving internationally, this company is one of the best in Texas. They’re FIDI-certified and handle every part of the move, including customs declarations if required.
What Are The Moving Costs?
The cost of your move is going to depend on several things: how far you're going, how much you’re bringing with you, and how much of the work you're handing off to the movers.
Here's a very rough breakdown based on typical moves from Austin:
A full-service mover handles everything and usually costs between $7,000 to $10,000 for a cross-country move.
You can save money by going with partial-service options where you do the packing and they handle the rest, and this can be 30% to 40% less than a full-service mover.
Container services like PODS are usually between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on distance and timing.
Of course, you have the option of renting a truck where you handle everything yourself, and this often runs between $2,000 and $4,000 before you factor in gas, lodging, and equipment.
If you’re a Texit client, you can use the $2,000 discount on your listing fee to help offset those moving costs. You can also use Compass Concierge to front up to $25,000 for moving and prep costs, paid back at closing.
That’s made a huge difference for several of my clients!
How to Avoid Moving Scams
Unfortunately, the moving industry has its share of bad actors. And once your belongings are on a truck, your options become limited. Here's how to stay safe:
1. Never accept a quote without a walk-through. A reputable mover will either visit your home or do a detailed video call to estimate the size and weight of your load. If they give you a quote sight unseen, walk away.
2. Don't pay large deposits upfront. Most good movers collect payment at delivery. A small deposit to reserve your spot is fine, but anything more than 15% is a red flag, especially if they want cash or a wire transfer.
3. Check their license and reviews. If you’re moving interstate, check their USDOT number on the FMCSA website. If you’re moving overseas, make sure they're FIDI-certified or members of a legitimate relocation network. Make sure to read reviews on Google, Yelp, or the BBB. Look for patterns and not just star ratings.
4. Don’t sign blank or vague contracts. All services, estimated weight, cost, and insurance should be detailed in writing. If the contract is missing information, don’t sign it.
5. Know your rights. If you were given a binding estimate, they can’t charge you more at delivery. If it was non-binding, they can’t ask for more than 110% of the estimate upfront. Anything beyond that is illegal. If they try, call the FMCSA or local law enforcement.
Final Thoughts
Planning a move, especially one that means relocating out of Texas, takes a lot of careful planning. From choosing the right mover to listing and selling your home, there are important milestones along the way. I’ve seen firsthand how much easier things are when there’s a solid plan in place with someone to help guide the process.
If you're thinking about listing your home in Austin and relocating, contact me to find out more about my exclusive Texit program. Whether you're two months out or just beginning to think about relocating, I’m always available to chat. I’ll be happy to help you map out your timeline, prepare your property for sale, and connect you with a reliable agent in your next city.
And when it comes to movers, I can help point you in the right direction based on your needs and where you're going. That’s all part of what I do for my Texit clients.
