How much do movers cost in Austin?
The cost of a move in Austin depends on two things: how many movers you need, and how many hours the job takes. Most local movers bill by the hour for a crew and a truck, with a minimum, plus travel and any materials. Home size, stairs, packing, specialty items and your date all change the total. Every move is different, which is why we give a free, no-obligation quote.
How long a move in Austin usually takes
Time is what drives the cost of an hourly move. Here's how long local moves within Austin usually take with our crews, and the crew size we'd usually suggest.
| Home size | Typical time | Crew |
|---|---|---|
| Room or less | 2–3 hrs | 2 movers |
| 1-bed apartment | 3–5 hrs | 2 movers |
| 2-bed apartment | 4–6 hrs | 2 movers |
| 3-bed apartment | 4–7 hrs | 3 movers |
| 1-bed house | 4–6 hrs | 3 movers |
| 2-bed house | 5–8 hrs | 3 movers |
| 3-bed house | 6–9 hrs | 3 movers |
| 4+ bed house | 7–10 hrs | 4 movers |
Want a real number for your move? Get a free quote. A real person on our team looks at your home, your stairs and your date and prices your move, not an average. The basics are on our how movers charge in Austin page.
How Austin movers charge
Almost every local mover in Austin bills by the hour for a crew and a truck. The hourly rate is only part of the story, though. Four billing rules matter just as much:
- When the clock starts. Many movers start billing when the truck leaves their shop. At Butter Brothers, the clock starts when the first item is moved and stops when the truck is empty at your new place.
- The minimum. Most movers have a minimum number of hours. Ask what it is.
- How time is rounded. Some movers round up to the next half hour or hour. We bill in 15-minute steps after the minimum.
- Travel. Travel charges vary a lot between movers. Some bill drive time from their shop, some charge a flat fee. Ask how it works, and make sure it's on your quote.
Most local estimates are non-binding. That means you pay for the actual time, not the number on the estimate. A careful, honest estimate matters more than a low one.
The 7 things that change the price of your move
1. How much stuff you have
Home size is a starting point, but it's really about how much is in it. A packed 2-bedroom with a full garage can take longer than a sparse 3-bedroom. Count the big pieces: beds, dressers, sofas, tables and anything heavy.
2. How many movers you book
More movers cost more per hour but finish faster. If 2 movers would need 7 or more hours, we suggest a 3rd so you're not paying for a long, slow day.
3. The day you move
Weekends, the end of the month and summer are the busiest times to move. Many movers, including us, charge a little more on busy days, and weekday dates are easier to get.
4. Stairs, elevators and the walk to the truck
Every trip from your door to the truck is billed time. Stairs, a shared elevator at a busy hour, or a long walk across an apartment complex all add up. Reserving the elevator and getting a close parking spot are the easiest wins. Our apartment moving page covers this in detail.
5. How ready you are
This is the one you control most. If boxes are packed, taped and closed when the crew arrives, they start loading right away. If not, you're paying movers to wait. If you'd rather not pack, our packing services are quoted separately.
6. Heavy and specialty items
Pianos, gun safes and anything over 300 pounds need the right people and gear. We give these a custom quote after a manager reviews photos and details. See specialty item moving.
7. The distance between homes
The drive from your old home to your new one is part of the move time. A move across town takes less time than one from Austin to Georgetown.
What's included, and what costs extra
Usually included: the crew, a box truck, dollies, moving blankets and tools, wrapping and padding your furniture, taking apart and putting back together standard furniture, and basic released value protection (60 cents per pound per item, the Texas minimum).
Usually extra: packing labor, the packing materials we actually use, upgraded protection if you choose it, and custom-quoted specialty items.
Why we don't post a price online
Two 2-bedroom apartments can be very different moves. One is on the ground floor, fully packed, with the truck by the door. The other is on the 3rd floor with no elevator and half the kitchen still in cabinets. The second one can take hours longer. A posted price would be wrong for one of them, so we give every customer a free, no-obligation quote built around their move.
How to compare moving quotes
The cheapest hourly rate isn't always the cheapest move. Before you pick a mover, ask each one:
- When does the clock start and stop?
- What's the minimum, and how is time rounded after that?
- How is travel charged?
- How many movers are you sending, and how long do you expect it to take?
- Is furniture disassembly included?
- Are you licensed and insured? (Ours: DOT# 4245790.)
How to keep your moving cost down
- Pick a weekday if you can.
- Be fully packed before the crew arrives.
- Reserve elevators and loading docks at both ends.
- Make sure the truck can park close to your door.
- Get rid of what you don't want before moving day, not during it.
- Follow a plan. Our Austin moving checklist goes week by week.
Moving cost questions
How much do movers cost per hour in Austin?
It depends on your move. Most movers bill by the hour based on crew size, with a minimum. Home size, stairs, distance, packing, specialty items and your date all change the total. Every move is different, which is why we give a free, no-obligation quote.
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house in Austin?
A 3-bedroom house usually takes 6–9 hours with 3 movers and a second truck. Stairs, packing and distance change that, so the best way to know is a free, no-obligation quote.
How much does it cost to move a 1-bedroom apartment in Austin?
Most 1-bedroom apartment moves take 3–5 hours with 2 movers. Your cost depends on that time, your date and any packing, so we give a free quote for your move.
Is it cheaper to move on a weekday?
Often, yes. Many movers, including us, charge a little more Friday to Sunday, and weekdays tend to have more open dates.
Do movers charge for travel time?
Most do, in different ways. Some start the clock when the truck leaves their shop. Ours starts when the first item is moved. Ask every mover how travel works and make sure it's on your quote.
Why do moving quotes vary so much?
Movers start the clock at different times, use different minimums and rounding, and charge travel differently. Compare the full picture, not just the hourly rate. See how to compare moving quotes.
Ready for a smooth move?
Tell us about your move for a free quote, or talk to a real person.