With stats like 100 people relocate to Austin per day and rankings that show the city is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation year-after-year, moving companies are literally taking numbers as if it were the DMV.
Sure, there’s a lot of ebb and flow. And with dozens of services, you can always hunt around. But those crowded moving businesses are a tangible sign that it pays — in stress, time and money — to think ahead and have a few pro tips in mind as you prepare for your transition.
There’s no one size fits all approach to relocating to Austin. While one homeowner requires specialty cargo services to transport valuable art and luxury furniture, the next may want to refurnish their new home and need little more than a trailer to tow behind their car or a specialist to answer their questions about Austin’s varied neighborhoods.
For example, even if you aren’t ready to view homes, you can chat with a relocation specialist at Maxavenue who knows the nuances of the real estate market, school systems, neighborhood associations and nearby businesses and amenities.
Helpful Tips and Relocation Services
Once you have a handle on which part of the Austin area you’re moving to and have explored what your new neighborhood has in store for you, it’s time to start the moving process.
For many people who have landed jobs in the area, time is of the essence.
Start with an assessment of your needs by doing a basic inventory of your home. Do you have valuables that need special treatment? Do you need to move a pet? Own a boat or other large items that won’t fit on a traditional moving truck?
Austin-based uShip offers solutions for almost any relocation need. And they may be able to save you substantially compared to traditional moving companies because they take bids from movers in a reverse auction — sometimes saving up to 50 percent off the advertised rate.
They also have specialty transport services for things such as pianos, boats, cars, pool tables, RVs, pets and livestock. They also provide expert advice on how to pack unique items and specific room types.
Of course, there are dozens of other moving companies that may suite your needs. Austin has scores of local companies to help with in-town and out-of-town moves. (See a map of local moving companies here).
But also be sure to research whichever moving company you decide to work with because there have been many cases of fraud, theft, damaged property and other problems during moves. The U.S. Department of Transportation created a website to help people who are moving look out for red flags and to provide tips for a smoother transition to your new home.