When you’re planning a move from Dallas to Austin, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. It may not be a cross country move, but there are plenty of hurdles and challenges along the way. Fortunately, Moving APT is here to help.
At Moving APT, we’ve spent over 20 years managing, organizing, and executing moves. We’ve also spent a lot of time learning the tools and tricks of the trade, all gathered from our insider sources and the best movers in the industry. Now, we’re giving you the knowledge you need to make your move a success.
If you’re ready to head to Austin, don’t pack your bags just yet – read on to see the rest of our guide, and learn how you can make your Dallas to Austin relocation as easy as possible.
Adams Van Lines
- Streamlined customer service
- Flat rate pricing
Native Van Lines
- Award winning mover
- Wide variety of services
Pricing Van Lines
- New York based
- Highly rated
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers from Dallas to Austin?
Hiring movers from Dallas to Austin will set you back between $900 and $7000, sometimes more, and sometimes less. It’s a pretty big window, but for good reason:
In the moving industry, there are local moves, and long distance moves. Anything over 100 miles (or across state lines) counts as a long distance move, and is charged by distance and volume of your belongings.
Since Dallas and Austin are about 195 miles apart, you’ll need to book your move with long distance movers.
While you can’t do much about the distance, it’s still a good idea to downsize before booking. Pawn off some of your stuff, give it away to family members and friends, or just plain donate it. Less stuff means a lower price tag – but it may mean a longer wait on moving day…
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| Dallas to Austin | $900 – $2500 | $1400 – $3500 | $2500 – $6000 |
| Dallas to Houston | $1000 – $2800 | $1500 – $3600 | $2700 – $6500 |
| Dallas to San Antonio | $1200 – $3000 | $1700 – $3800 | $3000 – $7000 |
How Long Does Moving Take?
Moving from Dallas to Austin should only take about 1 day or so, but we’ve seen cases that can take up to 10. It all comes down to how much you have to move – but not quite how you’d expect.
Movers don’t like to send half-empty trucks all over the place, even if it’s just a Dallas to Austin route. Instead, they’ll wait until they have a fully-loaded truck before sending it out, or they may make a detour or two for pickups or dropoffs along the way.
While your stuff will be safe, secure, and separated from the other moves in the truck, this practice does mean extra delays.
On the other hand, if you manage to fill an entire moving truck with just your belongings, expect it to be sent right away. If there’s no more room in the trailer, there’s no more room for pickups or dropoffs.
3 Best Movers from Texas to Colorado
Moving from Dallas to Austin is a pretty big job. Fortunately, we’ve got some top picks to help you get there:
Adams Van Lines carved a niche for themselves by prioritizing the safety and delicate handling of valuable belongings.
Their expertise doesn’t break the bank: Adams offers extra care for premium moves, while charging just a fraction of what the big name players will charge you. If you have any valuable, fragile, or just-plain-awkward items, Adams is your pick.
Pros
- White-glove moving services
- Antique and artwork specialists
- Secure storage options
- Packing and unpacking available
- Custom moves to fit specific needs
Cons
- Extra care comes at a price - but it’s worth it
Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines
We recommend Adams a lot, and for good reason. Choosing Adams Van Lines means entrusting your valuables to a team that has undergone rigorous vetting.
Their commitment to communication ensures clients are always in the loop, and they understand the specific care each item receives. It’s a meticulous approach, and it really sets them apart.
It can be stressful finding a good mover, but Native has the reputation to back them up. Their award-winning services have cemented their reputation in the industry – whether you’re moving local or long distance.
Beyond their accolades, Native’s true strength lies in their genuine dedication to customer service, and their broad menu of different services.
Pros
- Award-winning mover
- Excellent customer reviews
- Communicative and efficient staff
- Experienced moving teams
- Wide variety of services
Cons
- Limited availability during peak months
Why We Recommend Native Van Lines
For a seamless and worry-free moving experience, Native Van Lines stands out as a top recommendation.
Their attention to detail and customer satisfaction offers a level of peace of mind that’s hard to beat across the entire industry.
Whether you’re a moving novice or a seasoned relocator, Native promises a smooth journey every step of the way.
Pricing Van Lines is the go-to choice for budget-conscious movers who don’t want to compromise on quality of service.
They’ve mastered the art of delivering excellent moves (and rivaling those of major moving companies), but at a significantly reduced cost.
Their emphasis on balancing affordability with service makes them a great choice for Dallas to Austin moves.
Pros
- Excellent pricing options
- Great customer service
- Vetted and verified moving teams
- Helpful and attentive staff
- Doesn’t sacrifice quality for affordability
Cons
- Some services may not be available in certain areas
- May be difficult to book a move during peak moving season
Why We Recommend Pricing Van Lines
We’re always happy to recommend Pricing Van Lines, not just for saving money, but for their quality moving services, too.
We still don’t know how they do it, but they manage to provide a whole menu of helpful options without completely bankrupting their customers. No wonder they made it onto our list.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Dallas to Austin Move?
Even though you’re staying within the same state, moving from Dallas to Austin can still hit you right in the wallet.
Fortunately, we put together a list of the factors behind your moving cost – some unavoidable, and some negotiable:
- Distance: Although Dallas to Austin is a relatively fixed distance, the exact mileage can vary based on the specific pick-up and drop-off locations. The farther the move, the higher the cost due to fuel and time considerations.
- Size of the Move: Moving a one-bedroom apartment will cost less than relocating a three-bedroom house. Along with the distance, the volume and weight of your belongings play a significant role in determining the price.
- Time of Year: Peak moving season is June, July, and August (with a little spillover in May and September). Moving during peak season means more demand, which means higher prices. Shoot for a mid-week, mid-month move, away from major holidays.
- Packing Services: If you decide to use the moving company for packing and unpacking, it’ll add to the total cost. You may end up paying a little extra, but the peace of mind and the convenience of not having to pack your own boxes is priceless.
- Special Items: Got pianos, art, or other heavy, awkward, or fragile stuff? Specialty hauling comes with an added price, but it’s worth the extra expense to know your tricky items are getting some extra TLC.
- Insurance and Valuation Coverage: Movers are legally required to provide a bare minimum of $0.60 per pound of items lost, damaged, or destroyed. If you want full-value compensation, you’ll need to pay extra for full-value coverage.
- Storage Needs: If you need temporary storage during the move, this will net you additional charges. Costs can vary based on the duration and size of the storage unit, but some movers offer 30 days free.
- Additional Services: Some moves may require extra services like disassembly and reassembly of furniture, shuttle services, or long carries. These can stack up pretty quick, so communicate with your movers about what services you’ll need beforehand.
- Access: If your residence is hard to access, for example, due to narrow roads or a lack of parking, you can expect additional fees. Similarly, moves involving stairs or elevators without easy access might come with added costs.
- Company Reputation and Service Quality: Not all movers are created equal, and it’s not always a good idea to go with the absolute cheapest option. We recommend getting at least three quotes from different companies to know the average price.
- Contract Type: The nature of your moving contract, whether it’s a binding estimate, non-binding estimate, or a not-to-exceed estimate, can influence the final costs. Look over your contract to make sure you’re not getting charged for services you don’t need.
- Labor Costs: Depending on the number of movers required and the estimated hours for completion, labor costs can vary. Local regulations or company policies might also play a role in setting minimum labor hours or costs.
A lot of factors go into the cost of your move. Fortunately, with a bit of advance planning (and a bit of DIY work on your end) you can take some steps to significantly reduce the price you pay for your Dallas to Austin relocation.
Why Do People Move from Dallas to Austin?
Everyone has their own reasons for moving. Here are a few selling points that make Austin attractive for soon-to-be-former Dallas residents.
- Cultural Vibe: Austin is renowned for a vibrant music scene, an overall artsy vibe, and a plethora of festivals like SXSW. If you want a city with a strong cultural and artistic pulse, you might be drawn to Austin.
- Employment Opportunities: Austin, dubbed the “Silicon Hills,” has seen significant growth in the tech industry. The whole area attracts professionals seeking jobs in startups and established tech giants.
- Educational Institutions: The University of Texas at Austin and other renowned institutions draw both students and academics. If you’re seeking higher ed, you can’t go wrong with Austin.
- Lifestyle & Environment: Austin has plenty of outdoor spaces, lakes, and trails, as well as a unique blend of urban life with accessible outdoor activities. Austin is also surprisingly bike-friendly.
- Change of Scenery: Sometimes, you just want a fresh start or a change of pace. Dallas and Austin may just be a few hours away, but making the move can satisfy that need for something different.
Austin has a lot to offer, and there’s plenty of reasons people are making the move – not just from Dallas, but from all over the country. And of course, once you get there, there’s plenty to keep you occupied…
Things to Do in Austin
Austin is often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” but it offers a huge mix of cultural, recreational, and culinary experiences. Here’s a snapshot of what the city has in store for you:
- Live Music: Austin’s bustling music scene is legendary. Dive into local bars on Sixth Street or visit iconic venues like the Continental Club to experience the city’s musical soul.
- Barton Springs Pool: Located in Zilker Park, this natural spring-fed pool is a refreshing retreat, particularly during Texas’s hot summers.
- Texas State Capitol: Admire the stunning architecture, and take a trip into the state’s history with a guided tour of one of Austin’s most iconic buildings.
- South Congress Avenue (SoCo): This trendy area boasts eclectic shops, restaurants, boutiques, and occasional street performances. Austin has a lot of unique charm, and it’s on full display in SoCo.
- Lady Bird Lake: Whether you prefer paddle boarding, kayaking, or just enjoying a scenic stroll, Lady Bird Lake offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
- Food Truck Dining: There’s plenty of great restaurants and bars in Austin, but sometimes you just need a food truck fix. Fortunately, you can find everything from gourmet donuts to spicy Tex-Mex, all offered by convenient roadside vendors.
- Mount Bonnell: If you’re still searching for outdoorsy adventures, Mount Bonnell is a great spot. Climb to this city viewpoint for a panoramic view of Austin and the Colorado River.
- Austin Bats: And of course, no list of Austin attractions would be complete without the bats. Hang out around Congress Avenue Bridge around dusk, and you’ll see North America’s largest urban bat colony take flight.
There’s plenty to do and plenty to see in Austin, and if we wanted to expand this list, we’d run out of megabytes. Fortunately, we’ve left plenty for you to discover on your own. Whether you’re searching for some good eats or searching for some nightlife, Austin has you covered.
Here’s How We Rank Our Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in long distance moving, and we do real business with movers to get data that’s more in-depth and reliable than anything else online.
Our rating methodology is based on the following:
Reviews
- Reputation: Reviews and profiles show if movers are highly-rated and experienced.
- Industry-Insider Info: We see what the best companies in the industry are doing.
- Mystery Shopping: We call and pose as complete strangers to keep movers honest.
Licensing and Accreditation
- Arbitration Program: We ensure movers provide arbitration for lost or damaged items.
- Active Claim Department: We monitor how quickly movers help with compensation.
- Safety Record: We get up-to date safety information about accidents and inspections.
- Moving Insurance: We make sure movers provide full or released-value protection.
Client Feedback
- Video and phone reviews: Client testimony tells us which movers are worth your time.
- Online surveys: We read about each completed move to see how movers perform.
As a moving broker, Moving APT deals with movers on a daily basis. We negotiate for our clients, and we ensure movers always honor their contracts. It’s how we help you get moved, and it’s how we maintain clear communication between clients and moving companies.
More customers for better movers If a mover is exceeding expectations, we send them more business. If a mover needs to improve, we don’t. It’s simple.
Dallas to Austin FAQ
What is the cost of living like in Austin compared to Dallas?
Austin is a little more expensive than Dallas. If you’re shopping for a house, expect to pay around $650,000 for a home in Austin (compared to just $500,000 in Dallas). While the price difference may seem inconvenient, keep in mind there’s a lot of high-paying work you can find in Austin to offset the price.
What are the best neighborhoods or cities to live in if I’m moving to Austin?
Austin’s top neighborhoods include Tarrytown, Hyde Park, Barton Hills, and Circle C Ranch. These areas all offer a mix of suburban feel, accessibility, good schools, and local amenities. If you’re looking for a more urban vibe, the downtown area or neighborhoods like South Congress are probably more your speed.
What is the cheapest way to move long distances?
A DIY move is always going to be the cheapest way to move long distance, but the savings may not be what you’d hope. Between the price of the truck rental, the price of the gas, and the price of food, board, and the time you’ve taken off from work, your move (and the associated hassle) can really eat into your surplus funds.
How far in advance should I hire movers in Austin?
Ideally, you should start researching and contacting moving companies at least 2-3 months before your planned move date. During peak seasons, like summer, it’s advisable to book even earlier to ensure availability.
Do you pay movers before or after?
Most reputable moving companies will require a deposit to secure your moving date. However, a legit mover should never ask you to pay the entire price up front. If they ask for payment up up front, or anything that seems excessive for a deposit, be prepared to walk away and take your business elsewhere.
Ready to Head from Dallas to Austin? Get Packing and Let’s Get Started!
You’ve seen the guide, and by now hopefully you’ve learned a thing or two about what to expect from your move to Dallas. If you’re ready to get packing, check out our printable moving checklist to get started, and best of luck with your move!
PS: Don’t forget to check back in with Moving APT for more tips, tricks, and insider info to make moving day even easier!
