Moving From San Antonio to Austin: What to Plan

Moving from San Antonio to Austin may feel like a fairly simple trip. The cities are connected by I-35, and plenty of people travel between them every day. Moving an entire household along that route, however, is different from throwing a few bags in the car and heading north.

You have to coordinate two properties, get everything packed, account for traffic, and make sure the movers can get into both locations. Working through those details early can save you from sorting them out while a loaded truck is waiting outside.

Start With the Details at Both Homes

When you request an estimate, the moving company will need information about the home you are leaving and the one you are moving into.

The number of bedrooms is a good place to start, but it is not enough by itself. A lightly furnished apartment and a packed two-bedroom house will not require the same amount of work.

Tell the movers about:

• Furniture in each room
• Boxes and storage containers
• Garage, patio, attic, or shed contents
• Appliances included in the move
• Stairs at either property
• Elevators or loading docks
• Gated entrances
• Limited parking
• Large or unusually heavy items
• Stops you need to make along the way

Not sure whether a detail matters? Mention it anyway. The crew would rather know ahead of time than discover a tight stairway or full garage when the truck arrives.

Check the Move-In Rules at Your New Address

Your new apartment, condo, or gated community may have its own process for moving in, so give the office a call before moving day. Ask about:

Call the property manager and ask:

• Do I need to reserve the service elevator?
• Are moves limited to certain days or hours?
• Where can the moving truck park?
• Is a gate code or access card required?
• Does the building need documentation from the mover?
• Are floors, walls, or elevators required to be covered?
• How far is the loading area from my unit?

Some buildings require move-in arrangements well in advance. Finding that out the morning of your move could leave the crew waiting outside or carrying your belongings much farther than expected.

You should also check the rules at the San Antonio property you are leaving. The truck needs suitable access at both ends of the move.

Plan for I-35 Traffic

San Antonio and Austin are relatively close, but drive time on I-35 is not always predictable. Construction, weekday traffic, accidents, and busy stretches around New Braunfels and San Marcos can all slow things down.

Your movers will plan the route, but it is still a good idea to leave some room in your schedule. Avoid scheduling something immediately after the time you expect to arrive. Even when loading goes according to plan, traffic may have other ideas.

Make your own plans for getting to Austin, and keep your phone nearby in case the crew needs to reach you along the way.

Decide What Will Travel With You

Some belongings are better kept in your own vehicle. Set them aside before the movers arrive so they are not packed or loaded by mistake.

Your personal items may include:

• Medication
• Identification and financial documents
• Keys and access cards
• Phones, laptops, and chargers
• Jewelry
• Cash
• A change of clothes
• Basic toiletries
• Items your children will need
• Pet food, leashes, and carriers
• Anything you may need before the truck is unloaded

Put these items in your car ahead of time or keep them in one closed area. Let the crew know that nothing in that space is going on the truck.

Be Honest About How Much Packing Is Left

Packing often takes longer than expected, especially when you reach the kitchen, garage, or closets. If moving day is getting close and half the house is still unpacked, call the moving company instead of hoping you will somehow finish the night before.

Getting It Done Right Movers offers packing services and can help with part or all of the home. If you realize you need packing help, let us know before moving day so we can bring enough materials and schedule time for it.

If you are packing yourself, close and tape every box before the crew arrives. Use boxes that can hold their shape when stacked, and do not make them so heavy that they are difficult to carry.

Labeling each box with its destination room will also help once you reach Austin. “Kitchen,” “primary bedroom,” or “upstairs office” is more useful than writing “miscellaneous” on everything.

Point Out Furniture That May Need to Come Apart

A bed frame that fit through the door of your San Antonio home may not fit through the hallway or stairwell at your new place. The same goes for dining tables, desks, shelving, and other large furniture.

Show the movers which pieces may need to be disassembled. Getting It Done Right Movers provides furniture disassembly and reassembly, so our crew can take apart many common furniture pieces and put them back together at your new home.

If an item has unusual hardware or special assembly instructions, keep that information nearby. It is also helpful to mention furniture that was assembled inside the room and has never been moved in one piece.

Talk About Heavy Items Before Moving Day

Pianos, hot tubs, and other oversized belongings require more planning than an ordinary box or chair. Their weight is only part of the concern. The crew also needs to consider doorways, stairs, tight turns, flooring, and access to the truck.

We handle specialty-item moving, but we need to know what you have before moving day. We may ask for photos, measurements, and details about where the item is located at both addresses.

Do not leave a piano, hot tub, or another oversized item off your inventory because you assume it can simply be added when the crew arrives.

Think About the Texas Heat

Moving is physical work, and the Texas heat can make a long day feel even longer. A hot car is also not the best place to leave medication, candles, food, or electronics while the truck is being unloaded.

Keep medication, candles, food, electronics, and other heat-sensitive items out of a hot vehicle whenever possible. Make sure the electricity and water will be on when you reach the new home, especially during the summer.

Children and pets should have a cool, secure place away from open doors and busy walkways. If possible, ask a friend or family member to watch them until most of the loading or unloading is finished.

Make Sure Your Estimate Covers the Whole Move

A useful moving estimate should reflect more than the mileage between San Antonio and Austin. The company also needs to account for the amount being moved, the work at both properties, and any additional services you request.

Before booking, ask:

• Is the quote hourly or flat rate?
• Which services are included?
• Are packing materials included?
• Does the estimate cover furniture disassembly and reassembly?
• How are extra stops handled?
• Could stairs, elevators, or long walks affect the cost?
• What happens if I add furniture or boxes?
• When and how is payment collected?

Getting It Done Right Movers offers hourly or flat-rate quotes depending on the move. We also provide free in-home or in-business estimates when we need a closer look at what the job involves.

Give Yourself Time to Settle In

You do not have to unpack the entire house the moment everything is delivered. Start with what you need for the first night.

Set aside bedding, towels, toiletries, basic kitchen items, pet supplies, and anything needed for work or school the next day. Clearly mark those boxes so you can find them without opening every container in the house.

Before the crew leaves, walk through the home and check that furniture and boxes are in the correct rooms. It is much easier to move a heavy dresser while the crew is still there than after the truck pulls away.

Moving Between San Antonio and Austin?

Getting It Done Right Movers has served San Antonio families and businesses since 2016. Our family-owned moving company handles local and long-distance moves, including relocations along the I-35 corridor from San Antonio to Austin and beyond.

Our crew can handle the packing, heavy lifting, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and specialty items such as pianos and hot tubs. Hourly and flat-rate quotes are available depending on the details of your move. GDR also offers moving-service discounts for military personnel, students, teachers, and senior citizens.

Contact Getting It Done Right Movers for a free estimate and tell us what you are moving, where you are headed, and when you need to be there.