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Pricing, explained

How moving companies charge in Austin

Most Austin movers bill labor by the hour, based on how many movers you need, with a minimum number of hours. Travel and materials are charged on top, and every company handles them a little differently. Your total comes down to your home, your stairs, your distance and your date.

Every move is different, which is why we give every customer a free, no-obligation quote built around their move.

Butter Brothers mascot holding a stopwatch
The 3 parts of a moving bill

What you're actually paying for

Almost every local moving quote in Austin is built from these three pieces.

1. Labor

Billed by the hour, by crew size. More movers cost more per hour but finish faster. Most companies have a minimum number of hours.

2. Travel

This varies a lot between movers. Some start the clock when the truck leaves their shop. Ours starts when the first item is moved.

3. Materials

Boxes, tape, wardrobe boxes and wrap are usually extra, and depend on what you need. Blankets and padding are often included.

What drives the total

6 things that change the cost of a move

Two moves of the same size can take very different amounts of time. These are the reasons.

Home size

More rooms and more furniture mean more time, and often a bigger crew or a second truck.

Stairs and elevators

Walk-ups, shared elevators, long hallways and far-off parking all add time.

Distance

A move across town takes longer than one down the street. Long-distance moves are quoted differently.

Packing

If you're fully packed when the crew arrives, the move goes faster. Packing help is quoted separately.

Specialty items

Pianos, gun safes and items over 300 pounds need extra care, gear and planning.

Date and season

Weekends, month-end and summer are the busiest times. Weekday moves are often easier to book.

How we bill

You pay for actual time

Our quotes are an estimate based on the details you share with our team, not a fixed price. You're billed for the time your move really takes, so a well-planned move costs less.

The clock starts when the first item is moved, not when the truck leaves our shop, and stops when the truck is empty at your new place.

Included

Included on every move

  • Moving blankets and paddingYour furniture is wrapped before it leaves the room.
  • Taking apart and putting back togetherBeds, desks, tables and shelves, as part of your moving time.
  • Basic protectionReleased value coverage at no cost, with upgrade options when you book. See how moving valuation works and how damage claims work.
  • Truck, dollies and toolsEvery crew comes fully equipped.
Save time, save money

3 ways to keep your move efficient

  1. Be packed and ready

    Boxes taped, labeled and stacked near the door.

  2. Reserve parking and elevators

    Ask your building for a loading zone and elevator time.

  3. Declutter first

    Every item you donate is one less item to carry. See more time and money savers.

Comparing quotes

Questions to ask every mover

  • When does the clock start? At dispatch, at arrival, or at the first item?
  • Is there a minimum? And how is time counted after it?
  • How is travel charged? Flat, hourly, or per truck?
  • What's included? Blankets, furniture disassembly, tools?
  • Is the quote binding? What could change the final bill?
  • Are they licensed and insured? Ask for a USDOT number. Ours is 4245790.

More tips in how to compare moving company quotes.

Pianos, safes and other heavy items

Pianos, gun safes and anything over 300 pounds get a custom quote. Send us photos and a few details, and a manager reviews it before we price it. How specialty quotes work

Long-distance moves

Moves outside the Austin area get a custom quote built around distance, drive time and your inventory. How long-distance moves work

FAQ

Moving price questions

How much do movers cost in Austin?

It depends on your move. Most Austin movers bill labor by the hour based on crew size, with a minimum, plus travel and any materials. 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.

Why don't you list prices online?

Because an online number is almost always wrong for your move. Two 2-bedroom apartments can take very different amounts of time. We'd rather give you a real quote for your move than a guess.

When does the clock start?

Our clock starts when the first item is moved, not when the truck leaves our shop. It stops when the truck is empty at your new place. Many movers start billing at dispatch, so ask every company you compare.

Is my quote a fixed price?

No. Local moves are billed on the actual time the move takes. Your quote explains the crew size, expected time and what's included, so there are no surprises.

Do I pay extra to take apart furniture?

No. Taking apart and putting back together standard furniture is part of your moving time.

How do I get a quote?

Get an instant quote online and book in a few minutes, or call (512) 676-5375 and a real person on our team builds your quote with you.

Butter Brothers mascot waving hello

Ready for a smooth move?

Tell us about your move for a free quote, or talk to a real person.