Found your new Austin dream home? Congratulations! Moving to a new home is a great moment for a fresh beginning and fresh energy in your life. In a high vibe eclectic city like Austin, moving to a new place is an adventure all its own.
For many, the hard part is over after you find a place in Austin. The city is booming and housing is scarce, so you’ve likely put in some effort to land your next home. Now, you need to get there. If you’re considering a DIY move, try hiring a moving company instead. They’ll take the hard work off your hands so you can arrive home refreshed and ready to settle in.
Not all movers are created equal, of course, and there are many to choose from in Austin. How do you find the best moving company for you? Check out our tips for finding a mover in Austin.
Hire Local
For some, hiring a local mover is an obvious choice. Others get sucked in by the allure of online offers and businesses promising to do a lot for very little. In order to ensure a smooth move (and peace of mind), hire a reputable local moving company.
A local mover is a safe bet as they’re easy to verify. They’re also easy to find, as you may be able to get personal recommendations from people you know. Check with friends, family, and colleagues to see if anyone has had a good experience with a local mover. First-hand experience is a great place to start when looking for an Austin moving company.
Local movers also know the area and are able to schedule your move accordingly. A mover in Austin will know how the traffic patterns flow, and which roads are best to take to get you from your current home to your new one. They’ll also understand parking laws and any restrictions, so nothing will be left up to chance.
Do Your Research
The moving company you hire will have all of your most precious things in their possession. It goes without saying, you’ll want to hire someone you can trust.
Don’t get caught in a moving scam, and avoid broken items or damage to your current or future home due to inexperienced movers. Do your research to make sure the company you hire is experienced, reputable, and trustworthy.
Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to get info on a company these days. Start by getting online and checking the moving company’s own website. A professional company will have a professional site and will be very clear about its offerings. Check the location to ensure they’ve listed a proper business address. Call the phone number, and make sure the person who answers uses the business name in their greeting.
From there, check reviews of others who have used their services. Even if you have a personal recommendation, it’s best to see what others have to say about the moving company you’re considering. Google Maps and Yelp are great sources of personal reviews.
Check License and Insurance
Once you’ve ensured your moving company provides excellent service, confirm that they’re doing it legally. Check to be sure your mover is licensed – not just for driving, but for operating – and insured. There’s a chance that your apartment or condo building won’t allow your moving company to do the job if they don’t have a certificate of insurance (COI), so make sure your mover is covered.
You can go one step further and check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB keeps records of complaints against businesses and can provide a lot of insight into how your mover operates.
Understand What’s Possible
There are many great moving companies, but not all of them are great for you. Keep in mind that you not only need to find a trustworthy moving company but one that can handle the things you need them to do for your move.
When you start talking with movers, discuss your needs with them to ensure they can handle your things with care. If you have large items like a pool table, hot tub, piano, or antique furniture, you’ll need movers with special equipment and the right know-how to move them safely. Don’t want to pack? You’ll need a full-service mover who can pack (and unpack, of course) all of your things for you.
Look Out for Red Flags
The process of elimination also means keeping an eye out for red flags. If you notice that reviews include common and repeat complaints, pay attention. Customers often had surprise fees at the end of their move or often had damaged or broken items? Take it as a warning sign.
If you find a moving company challenging to communicate with, late to respond, or that they’re not thorough in asking and answering questions, they’re liable to be just as loose on moving day. There are plenty of great movers to choose from – keep looking for a great one that ticks all the boxes.
Your Local Austin Mover
When it’s time to move to Austin, FlatRate can help. The FlatRate moving team is now in the Austin area! With licensed, professional, experienced movers, we can take care of everything for you. We offer full-service moving and packing, giving you peace of mind for your next move.