So you're thinking about moving long distance out of Colorado, or maybe you're relocating to the state from somewhere across the country. Either way, you're probably wondering what this whole thing is going to cost you. I get it—moving is expensive, and long distance moves can really add up fast.
I've been in the moving business for years, and I've helped tons of families move from Denver to California, from Texas to Fort Collins, and everywhere in between. The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all price tag. Your costs depend on a bunch of factors, and I'm going to walk you through all of them so you can get a realistic idea of what you're looking at for your move.
Let's start with the baseline numbers. For a long distance move in Colorado during 2025, you're typically looking at costs between $4,000 and $12,000 for a household move. That's a pretty wide range, I know, but stick with me and I'll explain why.
A typical long distance move from Denver to another state might run you somewhere in the $5,000 to $9,000 range if you're moving a two to three-bedroom home. If you're relocating from Aurora or Colorado Springs to a destination outside Colorado, you might see similar pricing. The distance matters, obviously—moving from Denver to Las Vegas is going to be cheaper than moving from Denver to New York City.
Your exact price also depends on whether you're doing a full-service move (where the movers pack everything), a partial move (you pack, they load and transport), or just renting a truck and doing it yourself. Full-service moves from Fort Collins to California, for example, could easily run $10,000 to $15,000 or more depending on how much stuff you have.
Understanding these costs helps you figure out your budget. First, there's the weight of your belongings. Most long distance movers charge by the pound (or sometimes by the cubic foot). If you've got a packed three-bedroom house in Colorado Springs, you're probably looking at 8,000 to 12,000 pounds of stuff. At current rates of around $0.50 to $1.50 per pound, that adds up quick.
Distance is another huge factor. Moving from Denver to Phoenix is roughly 600 miles. Moving from Fort Collins to Seattle is about 1,500 miles. That extra mileage definitely affects your bill. Most companies charge between $3,000 and $5,000 for that Phoenix move, and $6,000 to $10,000 for the Seattle route, just for the transportation alone.
Then there's the timing. If you're moving during peak season (May through September), you'll pay more. Moving during winter or mid-week? You'll likely save 10 to 20 percent. I've had customers move from Aurora in February and save nearly $1,500 compared to what they would've paid in July.
Don't forget about additional services either. If you need your belongings packed, that's extra. Short-term or long-term storage? That costs money too. Some moves require special handling for pianos, art, or antiques. Expedited delivery also bumps up your price.
Let me give you some specific examples. Denver moves are typically on the higher end because of the higher cost of living and the volume of moves from that area. A full-service long distance move from Denver to California will probably run you $8,000 to $14,000.
Colorado Springs is a bit south, so moves from there might be slightly cheaper, around $7,000 to $12,000 for a similar distance move. Aurora moves are comparable to Denver—figure $7,500 to $13,000. Fort Collins is up north, and moves from there tend to be fairly similar to Denver pricing, maybe $8,000 to $13,000.
These are ballpark figures, though. The size of your move really matters. A young couple with minimal furniture is going to pay way less than a family of five with a whole house full of stuff.
Here's the practical stuff that actually helps. First, declutter before you move. Every pound you don't move is money in your pocket. I've seen people reduce their moving costs by $1,000 or more just by selling or donating stuff they didn't want to take anyway.
Get multiple quotes. Call around, get written estimates, and compare. Prices vary between companies, and you might find better deals than you expect. Be honest about what you have and where you're moving to—accurate information leads to accurate quotes.
Consider a partial move. Maybe you pack your own boxes but have the movers handle the loading, transportation, and unloading. This typically runs 20 to 30 percent less than full-service moves.
Book during off-peak times if you possibly can. Moving mid-week or in the winter is significantly cheaper.
Typically three to seven business days depending on your destination. Moves to nearby states like Utah or New Mexico might happen faster than moves to the East Coast.
Yes. Ask about discounts for off-peak moves, military status, seniors, or if you're flexible on dates. Some companies offer volume discounts for multiple shipments too.
Usually transportation, labor for loading and unloading, and basic equipment. Packing materials, packing services, storage, and specialty handling are almost always extra.
Ready to get started with your long distance move? Call us today at (888) 712-7514 for a free, no-obligation quote. We'll discuss your specific situation and give you an honest estimate of what your move will actually cost.
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