Quick answer: A local move in Denver with two movers and a truck typically costs $110 to $160 per hour. Most local moves total between $300 and $2,500 depending on home size. Long-distance moves from Denver range from about $2,000 to $7,500 or more, based on distance and how much you’re moving.
According to a survey, the top reasons people move include housing-related needs (45%), family reasons (27%), and employment opportunities (21%). Regardless of the reason for your move, one key factor remains: the cost.
The logistics and expenses of moving make it a challenging experience. On top of that, relocating to an unfamiliar place can add to the stress. If you’re planning a move to Denver, you undoubtedly want to understand the average costs involved.
Knowing how much it will cost to move to Denver will help you plan in advance. Once you’ve budgeted for the move, you can begin looking for the right mover.
This post explores what movers in Denver charge for different types of moves and how to hire the best moving company. Read on to get informed.
Types of Moving Services in Denver
The type of moving service you choose will either be a local or long-distance move.
- Local Moves: These moves stay within about 100 miles and do not cross state lines.
- Long-Distance Moves: These include moves exceeding 100 miles, whether within Colorado or across state lines.
Regardless of the type of move, moving companies typically offer full-service and self-service options:
- Full-Service Move: Our team handles everything, including packing, loading, transporting, unloading, unpacking, and even furniture assembly.
- Self-Service Move: The client packs and unpacks their belongings, while movers handle only the loading and unloading.
How Much Do Movers in Denver Cost Per Hour?
Local movers in Denver charge by the hour, per mover. Here is what to expect:
- Two movers and a truck: $110 to $160 per hour. This is the standard crew for studios, one-bedroom and most two-bedroom homes.
- Three or more movers: Larger homes need bigger crews. The hourly rate rises with each mover, but the job finishes faster, so the total often evens out.
- Billing increments matter. Moving Proz bills in 15-minute increments. If the crew finishes at 5:15, you don’t pay until 6.
Long-distance moves are priced differently. They’re typically calculated by weight (pounds), volume (cubic feet) and distance, and quoted as a written flat estimate before loading.
Cost Breakdown Table
Moving costs can vary widely based on home size, distance, and additional services. Below is a breakdown of estimated costs for both local and long-distance moves:
Home Size | Local Move Cost (under 100 miles) | Long-Distance Move Cost (100+ miles) |
Studio | $300 – $600 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
1-Bedroom | $500 – $900 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
2-Bedroom | $800 – $1,500 | $3,500 – $5,500 |
3-Bedroom | $1,200 – $2,500 | $5,000 – $7,500 |
4+ Bedroom | $1,800+ | $7,500+ |
Small moves cost less. A studio, a single room or a handful of large items usually takes two movers just a few hours at the standard hourly rate, subject to a minimum. If you’re only moving a couch and a bed across town, tell us. We’ll staff it small and price it small.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Moving
Several factors can affect moving costs in Denver, including:
- Packing Services: If movers pack for you, they will charge for both labor and supplies (e.g., bubble wrap, tape, boxes).
- Stairs and Accessibility: Homes with multiple staircases or limited access may incur additional fees. Moving Proz does not charge stair or walking-distance fees.
- Home Size and Belongings: The more items you have, the longer the process takes, increasing costs.
- Insurance and Valuation Coverage: Full-value protection ensures that lost or damaged items are fully reimbursed, whereas released value protection covers only $0.60 per pound per article.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Extra fees for narrow hallways, stairs, or elevator use
- Charges for oversized items (pianos, safes, hot tubs). See our Denver piano movers page for how specialty moves are priced.
- Last-minute bookings and cancellations
- Additional fees for moving on weekends or during peak season, as demand is higher and moving companies may charge premium rates.
Moving Proz doesn’t charge fuel or mileage surcharges, stair fees, walking-distance fees or taxes on services. Extra stops are free when you tell us at booking.
How Much Do Movers Cost in the Denver Area?
Rates don’t change much across the metro, but drive time, parking and building access do, and those show up in your total hours. Here is what moves that:
- Central Denver (Capitol Hill, Cherry Creek, Five Points): apartment buildings, elevator reservations and loading zones add time.
- South metro (Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Centennial): mostly single-family homes. Stairs and basements are the time factors, not parking.
- West metro (Lakewood, Arvada, Golden): foothill driveways and long carries can add crew time.
- North metro (Westminster, Thornton, Broomfield) and Boulder: straightforward access; Boulder’s August lease turnover spikes demand and booking lead times.
- East metro (Aurora): larger homes and longer internal carries.
For suburb-specific breakdowns, see our guides on Aurora moving costs and Lakewood moving costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Move From Denver to Another State?
Out-of-state moves from Denver are priced by distance, weight and season, then quoted as a flat written estimate. Using the table above as a guide, shorter interstate runs (Colorado to Kansas, Nebraska, Utah or New Mexico) land near the bottom of each range. Longer hauls (Colorado to California, Minnesota, Kentucky, Illinois or Missouri) land near the top, and cross-country moves can exceed it.
Common corridors we run include Colorado to Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Kentucky, Montana, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and California. Every long-distance move gets a dedicated crew and truck. We take a 50% deposit over two installments, and you know the full number before we load. Get details on our long-distance movers page.
When Do You Pay Movers?
Payment timing trips people up more than pricing does. Here is how it works at Moving Proz:
- Local moves: a 35% deposit at booking. The remaining balance is due at the end of your move, before the crew leaves.
- Long-distance moves: a 50% deposit, split over two installments. Balance due at delivery.
- Estimates are free. You’ll get a minimum and an hourly rate per mover based on your inventory, and we bill in 15-minute increments.
- Tipping is optional. For excellent service, a good rule of thumb is $5 to $10 per hour, per mover.
Best Time to Move in Denver
Choosing the right time to move can make a significant difference in cost and convenience. Understanding seasonal price fluctuations and scheduling accordingly can help you save money and avoid unnecessary stress.
- Peak Season (Summer): Higher demand, higher rates (~May-September). Moving companies are often booked out weeks in advance, so early scheduling is essential. Expect increased rates due to high demand.
- Off-Peak Season (Fall/Winter): Lower demand, potentially lower costs (~October-March). This period offers more availability and flexibility, making it easier to find discounted rates. However, weather conditions should be taken into account, especially for long-distance moves.
- Mid-Month & Weekday Moves: Lower costs compared to weekends and month-end rush. Since most leases end at the beginning or end of the month, demand spikes during those times, making mid-month moves a more budget-friendly option.
DIY vs. Hiring Movers in Denver
Renting a truck and moving yourself looks cheaper on paper. Add up the real costs before you decide:
- Truck rental plus per-mile charges, fuel and rental insurance.
- Equipment you’d need to rent or buy: dollies, straps, pads, boxes.
- Time. A DIY move of a two-bedroom home is usually a full weekend and a day off work. A crew of professionals does it in hours.
- Risk. Injuries, damaged furniture and damaged walls come out of your pocket. Licensed movers carry insurance and valuation coverage.
DIY makes sense for a studio with friends and a pickup truck. For anything bigger, the hourly cost of a crew usually beats the total cost of doing it yourself once you count everything.
How to Save Money on a Move to Denver
There are several strategies to cut moving costs:
- Prepare in Advance: Pack and organize your belongings before movers arrive to avoid hourly fees for delays. Decluttering beforehand can also reduce the number of items that need to be moved, potentially lowering costs.
- Hire Insured and Licensed Movers: This ensures your items are protected against damages. Always verify a moving company’s credentials to avoid hidden fees and unreliable service.
- Properly Tape and Label Boxes: Makes moving faster and more efficient. Clearly labeled boxes help movers place items in the correct rooms, speeding up the unloading process.
- Disassemble and Assemble Furniture Yourself: If you’re on a budget, handling furniture breakdown and setup yourself can save on labor costs. Additionally, transporting small or valuable items in your own vehicle can prevent potential damages and added fees. (With Moving Proz, assembly and disassembly are included.)
- Compare Multiple Quotes: Reach out to different moving companies to get estimates and negotiate pricing. Some companies offer discounts for off-peak moving times or for paying in cash.
- Avoid Peak Moving Seasons: If possible, schedule your move during off-peak months (fall and winter) when demand is lower, and prices tend to be more affordable.
Moving Checklist
- Declutter and donate/sell unnecessary items
- Research and book a moving company early
- Gather packing supplies (boxes, tape, labels, bubble wrap)
- Label boxes by room for easy unpacking
- Notify utilities, subscriptions, and address change services
- Set aside essentials (medications, toiletries, important documents)
Proper preparation and organization will help ensure a smooth moving experience in Denver. By following this checklist, you can minimize stress and keep everything on track for a hassle-free relocation.
How to Choose the Right Moving Company
Finding a reliable mover in Denver involves several critical steps to ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation. Choosing the right moving company can prevent unexpected costs, delays, and damage to your belongings. Follow these essential tips:
- Start Early: Booking in advance secures better pricing and availability, especially during peak seasons.
- Read Reviews & Ask for Referrals: Check Google, Yelp, and social media for insights into a company’s reliability.
- Hire Experts for Specialty Items: Ensure movers have experience handling delicate items like pianos, antiques, and artwork.
- Get Multiple Estimates: Compare at least three quotes, preferably based on in-home or virtual surveys.
- Check What’s Included: Clarify whether packing materials, fuel, and additional services like storage or furniture assembly are covered.
- Balance Cost and Quality: The cheapest option isn’t always best. Choose licensed, insured movers with solid reputations.
- Understand Contract Terms: Read all conditions carefully to avoid hidden fees, cancellation penalties, or inadequate insurance.
- Verify Certifications: Ensure the company is FMCSA-registered and has a valid USDOT number for interstate moves. Membership in industry associations adds credibility. In Colorado, in-state movers must also hold a household goods permit from the Colorado PUC. Moving Proz holds permit HHG-00680.
Denver Moving Cost FAQs
How much does Moving Proz charge for residential moving services in Denver?
Local moves bill hourly, per mover, in 15-minute increments. A two-mover crew with a truck typically runs $110 to $160 per hour. You get a written estimate with a minimum and hourly rate before booking, and a 35% deposit reserves your date.
Are there hidden fees with Moving Proz?
No. We don’t charge fuel or mileage surcharges, stair fees, walking-distance fees or taxes on services. Extra stops are free when you tell us at booking. The only add-on fee is for stops we didn’t know about in advance.
How much do movers cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver?
Typically $500 to $900 for a local move. That’s a two-mover crew for a few hours at standard hourly rates. Elevator buildings and long carries push toward the top of the range.
What is the cheapest day to hire movers in Denver?
Weekdays in the middle of the month. Demand peaks on weekends and at month-end lease turnover, and rates and availability follow demand. Fall and winter are cheaper than summer.
Do movers charge for estimates?
Moving Proz doesn’t. Quotes are free and no-obligation. Be wary of companies that charge for estimates or won’t put numbers in writing.
How much does packing service cost?
Packing bills at the same hourly structure as moving, plus supplies. Packing a full home adds crew hours; packing a kitchen adds one or two. We also sell boxes and supplies if you’d rather pack yourself. See our packing services page.
How much does it cost to store furniture with a moving company?
Storage is priced by how much you store and for how long. If your closing dates don’t line up, ask us to quote storage with your move so you get one number for both.
Ready to Make Your Move to Denver?
Moving to Denver should be an exciting new chapter, not a stressful experience. Let the experts at Moving Proz take the hassle out of your relocation. At Moving Proz, we offer packing, residential, and business moving services with experienced professionals who handle all items including delicate instruments.
Contact us today for a free quote and let us help make your move stress-free!