Your Austin moving checklist

8 weeks before: set the plan

• Pick your moving date, plus a backup. Monday to Thursday is cheaper and easier to book.
• Set a moving budget. See how much movers cost in Austin for typical ranges.
• Get 2–3 moving estimates. Ask when the clock starts, the minimum, and how travel is charged.
• Walk through every room, closet, the garage and the patio. Decide what to sell, donate or toss.
• Moving long distance? Book now. See long distance moving.

4 to 6 weeks before: book and reserve

• Book your movers. A deposit holds your date with us, and it comes off your final bill. Read how far in advance to book movers.
• Reserve the elevator and loading dock at both buildings, and ask about moving hours and where the truck can park.
• In an HOA or gated neighborhood? Check the rules on moving trucks, and arrange gate access for moving day.
• Have a piano, gun safe or anything over 300 pounds? Send photos and details for a specialty quote.
• Decide whether you'll pack yourself or book packing services.
• Start collecting boxes, tape and markers if you're packing yourself.

2 weeks before: pack and notify

• Start packing the rooms you use least: guest rooms, closets, books and decor.
• Label every box with the room it goes to. A quick list of what's inside helps too.
• Change your address with USPS, your bank, your employer and your subscriptions.
• Schedule utilities. Set up electricity, water and internet at the new place, and schedule shut-off at the old one for the day after your move.
• Use up food in the freezer and pantry.
• Book a sitter for kids or pets on moving day, if you can.

Moving week: finish strong

• Confirm your move date, start time and both addresses with your mover.
• Confirm your elevator and loading dock reservations.
• Disconnect gas appliances. Gas lines must be disconnected before the crew arrives. We can handle water lines.
• Pack everything except what you need for the last few days.
• Pack a "first night" bag: medications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, important papers, sheets and a towel.
• Empty, defrost and dry the fridge if it's moving.

The day before

• Finish packing. Tape every box closed. Open boxes slow the crew down, and you pay by the hour.
• Empty dressers and desks, or ask us what's OK to leave in.
• Empty any safe completely, including firearms. We don't move firearms.
• Set aside anything you're moving yourself: valuables, jewelry, cash and important documents.
• Clear a path from your door to where the truck will park.

Moving day

• Be there, or have someone you trust there, to walk the crew through the home and answer questions.
• Point out anything fragile, valuable or not moving.
• Know your protection plan. Basic released value coverage is 60 cents per pound per item. Ask about upgrading for valuable items.
• With Butter Brothers, the clock starts when the first item is moved. Beds and tables are taken apart and put back together as part of your time.
• Do a final walk-through of every room, closet and cabinet before the truck leaves.
• At the new place, tell the crew where the big pieces go so they're placed right the first time.

The first week after

• Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first.
• Check that your utilities and internet are working.
• Update your driver license and vehicle registration if needed.
• New to the area? Read our moving to Austin guide.

Austin-specific tips

Plan for the heat

Austin summers are hot. Book a morning start, keep water handy for everyone, and keep heat-sensitive items like candles, medications and plants with you in the car instead of the truck.

Apartments and high-rises

Downtown and big apartment buildings usually need elevator and loading dock reservations, and many limit moving hours. Our box trucks don't fit in most parking garages, so ask where a moving truck should park. See apartment moving.

New construction in the suburbs

Much of Leander, Hutto, Pflugerville and Georgetown is new construction. Confirm your closing date before you book, and send your mover a map pin if your street isn't on maps yet.

Traffic

I-35, MoPac and the main roads into Austin back up at rush hour. A mid-morning or mid-day start can cut drive time between homes.