re: Moving Costs

If you're willing to pay a mover, I'd first just offer the money to your friends. They also have small moving companies that would probably do Houston to Austin. Get a quote from Two Guys One Truck and anyone like them.

A van line can be quite pricey, but if you're willing to shell out the money it is the worth it IMHO. Everyone knows that moving sucks; however, when I took a new job the relocation package included the van line, and it was incredible. They even packed for us (they are required to because they insure all of your belongings for the move) and all you need to move is your firearms and cleaning products.

I'd stay away from Craigslist if that idea crossed your mind. Good luck.