Posted on December 17th, 2025. 

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating across town or planning ahead for a bigger move, understanding what impacts your moving costs can help you stay in control of your budget.
At Swift Moves, we believe in transparency, efficiency, and helping our customers make informed decisions. Below, we break down the key factors that influence moving costs — and how you can lower them.
---
1. Distance of the Move
Distance plays a major role in pricing.
Local moves in the Austin metro area — including Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, Georgetown, Manor, and nearby cities — are typically charged by the hour.
Long-distance moves factor in mileage, fuel, travel time, and overall logistics.
Money-saving tip:
If your move is local and flexible, scheduling during off-peak hours can help reduce total cost.
---
2. How Much You’re Moving
The volume and weight of your belongings directly affect:
Truck size
Number of movers required
Total labor time
More items usually mean more hours.
How to lower costs:
Declutter before moving day
Donate or sell items you no longer use
Consider replacing bulky or inexpensive furniture instead of moving it
Less inventory = faster move = lower cost.
---
3. Labor & Services Requested
Moving costs also depend on the services you choose, such as:
Packing and unpacking
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Appliances and heavy items
Specialty handling
Example scenario:
A 1-bedroom apartment move in Austin typically takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on factors like stairs, elevators, parking distance, packing readiness, and the amount of furniture. Larger homes or moves with heavy items may require additional time and crew members.
Money-saving tip:
Having items packed, labeled, and furniture prepped before movers arrive can significantly reduce labor time.
---
4. Timing of Your Move
When you move matters more than most people realize.
Peak moving times often include:
Weekends
End of the month
Summer season
Holidays
During these periods, demand is higher and availability is limited.
Lower-cost options:
Weekday moves
Mid-month scheduling
Fall and winter moves
Flexibility can translate directly into savings.
---
5. Stairs, Elevators & Access Challenges
Certain property details can add time to a move, including:
Multiple flights of stairs
Long walking distances
Elevators or tight hallways
Limited parking access
Pro tip:
Providing accurate access details upfront allows movers to plan properly and helps prevent delays on moving day.
---
6. Planning Ahead Saves Money
Last-minute moves often cost more due to:
Rush scheduling
Limited crew availability
Fewer time options
Booking in advance allows you to:
Secure better availability
Avoid unnecessary fees
Reduce stress on moving day
---
Why Choose Swift Moves?
At Swift Moves, we focus on:
Honest, upfront pricing
Professional and efficient moving crews
Careful handling of your belongings
Reliable local and long-distance moving services
We proudly serve Austin and surrounding areas, providing customized moving solutions that fit your needs and your budget.
---
Ready to Lower Your Moving Costs?
If you’re planning a move and want a transparent, no-pressure estimate, Swift Moves is here to help.
👉 Get your free moving quote today
🌐 https://swiftmove.net
📞 Call or text to check availability and scheduling
Let Swift Moves make your next move smooth, efficient, and affordable.