5 Factors to Consider when Moving in to Your Austin Apartment

Austin is a great city and with the many available options your Austin apartment will undoubtedly be a terrific place to live. However pleasant the surrounding city, though, moving is still stressful. There are five factors to consider when moving into your Austin apartment.

1. Choose the Right Location

As the Capitol, Austin is a booming metropolis and university town. As such, there is a constant flow of inhabitants into and out of the city.  Relocating to Austin is made easier by the numerous residential options the city offers. Consider your lifestyle and what you want surrounding your home to aid you before searching specific neighborhoods for an apartment. Living downtown provides easy access to campus and sixth street but is often more expensive. South Austin offers eclectic restaurants, older and often refurbished homes and closeness to downtown.  North and West Austin offer more of a suburban feel and proximity to Lake Travis.

Traffic in Austin is tricky and typically backs up during rush hour. While not as large as other Texas towns, the city is spread out and your commute should be another major factor in your decision.

2. Make a Budget

As with any move you must consider what you can spend. While Texas as a whole often has a lower cost of living than other states, because of its desirability Austin is often reported as having higher costs than the state’s other major cities. Because of the many available apartments in the city, as a renter you have significant footing to negotiate your costs. Often, because of the mass exodus of students in May, apartment complexes and private owners will be willing to reduce move-in costs or rent to fill their vacant residences.

Your budget should also include your moving and storage costs. Make sure to incorporate the costs of boxes and other supplies and the moving company and storage, if needed, in your costs. The good news is that Austin prides itself on its local businesses, which extends to moving companies and storage facilities. You should be compare and negotiate these company’s services and charges.

3. Consider the Time of Year

As a college town, the population of Austin fluctuates with the school year. In addition to the other high-move times of the year, moving during these times may make it more difficult for you to schedule your move. However, if you are moving into Austin as students leave you may be able to negotiate significant reductions in move-in costs and storage.

4. Do Not Ignore the Texas Weather

It is well known that the Texas summer months are scorchingly hot, but few know that Austin also has rainy and winter months where it can actually snow. As hilly as Austin is, it may be difficult for your household goods to be delivered if it is severely rainy or cold. Keep in mind, though, that the Texas weather notoriously changes in the blink of an eye and is therefore never completely predictable.

5. Take Advantage of Texas Hospitality

Whether or not you are new to Austin you will be happy to know that Austin residents are friendly and helpful. Of course, be courteous in your request. You may find that service providers are willing to go the extra mile to help you with your move.

The many options for both apartment locations and moving companies may make moving to Austin easier than anticipated. The city’s support of local businesses and university population gives you ample negotiating room for your costs.  Most important, though, is to get into the mood to have some fun, because that is what Austin is all about!