Are you currently planning a relocation across town, the state, or just nearby? Are you overwhelmed with moving boxes and packing tape, unsure where to begin?
We’ve helped countless families through this process. Now, we’re helping you by sharing exactly what happens on moving day. Our moving house checklist covers everything you need to know, including Austin-specific challenges such as traffic and parking permits.
Let’s get you prepared.
Pre-Moving Day Preparation
The days leading up to moving day are crucial. Getting the following right determines how smooth and easy moving day actually is. Skip any of these steps, and you’re setting yourself up for extra stress you don’t need. So, here’s what to lock down before moving day arrives:
Confirm Your Moving Company or Truck Rental
Check in with your moving company 48 hours before your move. Confirm with them the time, address, and any special instructions you gave them. A quick call ensures everyone’s on the same page when moving day finally rolls around.
Alternatively, if you’re renting a truck, double-check your reservation. You should also verify the pickup location and time. Your driver’s license should be current, and you must have suitable insurance coverage.
Lastly, factor in extra time for pickup if you’re grabbing the rental truck during rush hour. Take it from us, Austin traffic is no joke!
Pack Strategically
We recommend you start packing at least two weeks before the moving date. That gives you enough time to actually think about what you’re taking instead of just throwing stuff in boxes at the last minute.
Remember to label every box with the room it’s meant to be in and its contents. Use a thick marker so movers can read it well. You should also pack one room at a time. Doing so keeps you organized and makes unpacking way less overwhelming.
When it comes to essential items, keep those separate. We’re talking toiletries, phone chargers, medications, and a change of clothes. Pack these in a bag you’ll keep with you, not on the moving truck.
The last step to do is to empty, defrost, and clean your fridge. Do this at least 24 hours before the move, as nobody wants to deal with that mess on moving day.
Notify Important Parties
Firstly, update your address with the post office at least two weeks out. You’ll have to set up mail forwarding so no important bills or mail gets lost.
Secondly, notify your utilities to schedule disconnection at your old place and connection at your new one. You’ll want to aim for the day before or the day of your move.
Additionally, update your address with banks, insurance companies, and subscription services. Only your voter registration and driver’s license can wait until after you move. Just don’t forget them entirely!
If you’re renting, notify your landlord or property manager of your exact move-out date.
Local Austin Moving Considerations
Moving locally in Austin isn’t like moving anywhere else. You already know this if you’ve lived here for any time at all. The city throws curveballs that you won’t find in other cities. From our experience, here’s what you should keep an eye out for:
Traffic Timing
The truth is, Austin traffic will make or break your moving day timeline. The I-35, for starters, turns into a parking lot between 7:00 and 9:00 AM and 4:00 and 7:00 PM on weekdays.
MoPac isn’t much better either. And don’t even think about moving during SXSW, ACL, or Formula 1 weekend unless you enjoy sitting still for hours.
As such, we recommend scheduling your move for mid-morning on a weekday. This way, you’ll miss rush hour chaos and have plenty of daylight to work with.
Parking Permits and Regulations
Did you know that downtown and some central neighborhoods require a moving truck permit?
You can’t just park a 26-foot truck wherever you want. You’ll also need to check with the city at least a week before your move. That’s because some areas require permits 72 hours in advance. Others, however, are more relaxed.
Finally, if you’re moving into a condo or apartment, reserve the freight elevator early. We’ve seen buildings book up fast, especially towards the end of a month.
Weather Considerations
You don’t need us telling you that Austin summers are brutal. You’ve likely experienced scorching temperatures (over 100 degrees) regularly from June through September.
So, if you’re moving in the summer, start planning early. Trust us, nobody wants to be hauling furniture and unpacking in Austin’s afternoon heat.
Spring, on the other hand, brings unpredictable thunderstorms. In this case, have a backup plan if rain’s in the forecast. Tarps and plastic wrap work perfectly in our experience.
Moving Day Timeline: What to Expect
What happens on moving day depends largely on how your morning starts. Luckily, most moves follow a predictable rhythm once things kick off. Here’s the typical flow so you know what’s coming:
Early Morning (6:00-8:00 AM)
Professional movers usually arrive between 7:00-8:00 AM. They’ll do a walkthrough of your home first to assess the job and plan their approach.
During this time, please remember to point out anything fragile or valuable that needs special attention. Mention also if certain items or boxes aren’t going on the truck.
With that out of the way, the crew will then lay down floor protection and start loading heavy furniture first. Couches, beds, and dresses go in before your boxes.
For an average-sized home, this initial phase takes around one to two hours.
Mid-Morning (8:00-11:00 AM)
Most loading occurs now, with movers stacking boxes to prevent shifting during transport.
Note: You should stay available, but out of their way. Answer questions as they come up, but never hover. Trust that the crew knows what they’re doing.
Remember to do a final walkthrough of each room as it empties. That means checking closets, cabinets, and under the beds. People tend to forget something.
More importantly, take photos of both properties before leaving. Document wall conditions and any existing damage for your records.
Midday (11:00 AM-2:00 PM)
If the previous two phases go well, you should be on the move by now. Travel time will vary wildly depending on distance and traffic. A cross-town Austin move might take 30 minutes or two hours.
Fortunately, most professional movers are familiar with shortcuts. In most cases, they’ve taken the route multiple times before. Use this window to grab lunch and decompress, as you’ll need your energy for what’s next.
Alternatively, if it’s a long-distance move, this is when the truck hits the road, and you get to follow your own timeline.
Afternoon (2:00-5:00 PM)
In our experience, unloading the truck goes faster than loading it. The only lag occurs when placing furniture, so make sure you’re decisive about where you want everything to go. Moving a couch three times slows down the process and frustrates everyone.
The moving crew will also have to reassemble any furniture they had to take apart earlier. Check that everything arrived in good condition before you tell them to leave.
We suggest you do another walkthrough together and note any damage immediately on the paperwork.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards)
Here’s when the movers finish up and collect the final payment. If the service was solid, remember to tip—15 to 20% is standard.
Now surrounded by boxes, you may be tempted to unpack everything in one night. However, we advise against that. Instead, focus only on the bag of essentials you brought with you and setting up your bed. The rest can wait until you’re ready.
Common Moving Day Challenges in Austin
Austin’s heat and humidity top the list of common moving day challenges. Summer temperatures regularly hit triple digits, making physical work dangerous. Movers will need frequent water breaks, which extends your timeline. Plan for this.
That said, what constantly catches people off guard is the parking restrictions. As we mentioned before, many neighborhoods have permit-only zones or narrow streets where trucks barely fit. Further, downtown high-rises have strict loading dock schedules you must follow.
Another unexpected challenge that arises is the last-minute apartment rules. Suddenly, you need insurance certificates or specific moving hours you didn’t know about. As such, always confirm building requirements a week ahead.
By chance, are you moving to West Austin? If so, keep in mind that the hill country terrain makes moves particularly tricky. Steep driveways and tight turns increase the risk of your fragile items or boxes tumbling around. Larger trucks sometimes can’t access certain properties at all.
Austin Moving Day Checklist
Morning of the Move
Wake up early and eat a solid breakfast.
Confirm movers are on schedule.
Do a final walkthrough of all rooms, closets, and storage spaces.
Gather important documents, valuables, and my essentials backpack/bag.
Double-check all boxes are sealed and labeled.
Have the agreed-upon payment method ready (i.e., cash, check, or card).
(If applicable) Keep pets secured in a separate room or with a friend.
During the Move
Stay available to answer mover questions.
Take photos of both properties for my records.
Check each room as it’s emptied.
Lock windows and doors at the old place.
Turn off the lights and adjust the thermostat.
Leave keys as arranged with the landlord or new owners.
At My New Place
Verify utilities are connected and working.
Direct movers on where the furniture should be placed.
Check all items for damage before the movers leave.
Test appliances and light switches.
Locate the water shutoff and circuit breaker.
Sign paperwork and tip movers.
Expert Moving Day Tips
We’ve been in the moving business for over a decade. Trust our expertise when we tell you that you should:
- Start earlier than you think necessary. Everything takes longer than planned, especially in Austin traffic.
- Keep your essentials bag with you at all times.
- Label one side and the top of every box, so movers can read labels no matter how the boxes get stacked.
- Take photos of electronics before disconnecting them. This way, you’ll remember how everything plugs back in.
- Clear a path before movers arrive. Remove obstacles from doorways and hallways.
- Have cold water and snacks handy. Hydrated movers will work faster and more carefully.
- Protect your floors even if movers bring materials. Extra precaution never hurts.
After the Move: Essential Tasks for a Smooth Start
Sadly, you can’t collapse on your comfortable couch just yet. A few quick tasks now will save headaches later:
Unpack your essentials first. Set up beds, hang shower curtains, and stock the bathroom. You’ll need these ready first thing tomorrow morning.
Next, check that utilities work properly. Run faucets, test the AC, and flip light switches. Report any issues to your landlord or previous owner immediately.
More importantly, change your locks if you own your new place. You don’t know who has keys from before, so this step is about basic security. Additionally, locate emergency shutoffs for water, gas, and electricity.
Last but not least, update your address officially. Driver’s license, voter registration, and car registration all need your new address within 30 days in Texas. If you can, also meet your neighbors. A quick introduction goes a long way when emergencies arise.
FAQs
What time do movers usually start in Austin?
Most professional movers arrive between 7:00-8:00 AM. Early starts help you avoid peak heat and traffic. Some companies offer afternoon slots, but morning moves typically finish faster and run smoother overall.
How long does a typical move in Austin take?
In our experience, a one-bedroom apartment takes 3-4 hours. Two to three-bedroom homes need 5-7 hours. Larger houses can take 8-10 hours or more. Distance, stairs, and traffic all affect timing significantly.
Do I need a parking permit for my moving truck in Austin?
It depends on your neighborhood. Downtown and central areas often require permits. Always check with the City of Austin parking department at least 72 hours before you move to avoid fines or delays.
What should I pack in my “moving day essentials” box?
Simple. Include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, important documents, snacks, water bottles, basic tools, toilet paper, and paper towels. Again, keep this box on your person, and not on the moving truck.
Do Austin movers disassemble and reassemble furniture?
Yes, most professional movers handle furniture disassembly and reassembly as part of their service. After all, beds, tables, and large items need to be broken down for transport. If you’re not sure, confirm this service is included while booking your move.
Can movers handle traffic delays in Austin?
Experienced Austin movers plan for traffic and know alternative routes to avoid jams. They account for buffer time in their estimates. That said, unexpected delays are often unavoidable and will extend your moving timeline.
How can I make moving day easier for Austin movers?
For starters, clear pathways before they arrive and have everything packed and ready. Remember to provide cold water throughout the day and stay accessible without micromanaging their work. If necessary, reserve elevator time in advance.
When should I book a moving company in Austin?
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for summer moves, which are peak season. Spring and fall need 2-3 weeks’ notice. Winter moves can be scheduled with less lead time. Avoid month-end dates when demand spikes.
