Moving from California to Colorado isn’t just about a change of address. It’s an entire adventure, and it’s important to prepare accordingly. With the right moving pros on your side, you’ll be able to focus more on your fresh start, and less on the stressful stuff.
Fortunately, Moving APT is on your side. We have over 20 years of experience handling interstate moves of all shapes and sizes, including the California to Colorado route. During all those years of working with the best in the business, we picked up some tips, tricks, and insider info that can really help your relocation.
If you’re ready to pack your bags, don’t grab your boxes and tape just yet. Read on to see our California to Colorado moving guide, and make moving easy!
Adams Van Lines
- Streamlined customer service
- Flat rate pricing
Rockstar Pro Movers
- Award winning mover
- Wide variety of services
Roadway Moving
- New York based
- Highly rated
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers from California to Colorado?
The cost of hiring movers from California to Colorado ranges from $1,500 to $16,000, but we’ve seen some moves that were a little more or a little less. With a long distance move (anything that crosses state lines or exceeds 100 miles), it all comes down to how much you’re hauling, and how far you’re traveling.
California is a big state. So is Colorado. If you’re moving a studio apartment from Needles to Grand Junction, it’ll be a lot cheaper than moving a five-bedroom home from San Diego to Burlington.
We always recommend downsizing and pawning off all your unused or unwanted stuff before you book a move. This way, you’ll save cash when your movers size up how much they have to haul. Just keep in mind, a smaller move may actually take longer than you expect…
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| Los Angeles to Colorado Springs | $1,500 – $4,000 | $3,000 – $7,000 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| San Diego to Aurora | $1,700 – $4,500 | $3,500 – $8,000 | $7,000 – $14,000 |
| San Francisco to Denver | $1,900 – $5,000 | $4,000 – $9,000 | $8,000 – $16,000 |
How Long Does Moving Take?
A California to Colorado move will typically take between 1 and 10 days, but we’ve seen some rare cases that take as long as 21. Like the price of your move, it really comes down to how much you have to transport, and how far you have to travel.
While most people think that a smaller move will be finished faster, it’s sadly far from the truth. As it turns out, professional moving companies don’t like to send half-empty trucks all over the place. It’s just inefficient. Instead, they’ll combine multiple smaller moves in one semi trailer, which can mean delays for drop-offs and pickups along the way.
On the other hand, if you manage to fill an entire moving truck with just your stuff, expect it to be hauled much faster. If there’s no more room on a truck, there’s no reason to make any stops for other clients.
Weirded out about sharing a trailer?
If you’re worried that your PS5 will be accidentally swapped with some grandma’s toaster, you can relax. When movers bundle several moves together in the same trailer, they’ll take precautions to keep everything secure and separate.
3 Best Movers from California to Colorado
There’s a lot of ground between California and Colorado, and a lot of movers, too. Fortunately, we made the search a little easier for you by narrowing it down to our top 3…
Adams Van Lines excels in moving delicate items. From pianos to fine art and antiques, they go the extra mile to deliver your stuff with top-notch care.
While their specialized service does come with a higher price, it’s still way more affordable than big-name movers. Plus, you can choose specific services to fit your needs.
Pros
- White-glove moving services
- Antique and artwork specialists
- Secure storage options
- Packing and unpacking available
- Custom moves to fit specific needs
Cons
- Extra care comes at a price - but it’s worth it
Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines
We recommend Adams Van Lines often, and for good reason: They’re ideal for hauling fragile items or when extra care is needed, and they’re competitively priced when you compare them to other premium movers.
They have a broad network of vetted and verified specialists that can help you with your relocation, and they only work with the best of the best.
Rockstar Pro Movers is a staple in California, but they’re also a great choice for out of state relocations. While they’re based in SoCal, their in-house teams can get you to Colorado no problem.
Each Rockstar Pro moving team is well-versed in the ins and outs of residential moving, and to sweeten the deal, they offer some awesome discounts.
Pros
- Communicative and efficient staff
- Experienced moving teams
- Wide variety of services
- Helpful and informative website
- Discounts available
Cons
- Limited availability during peak months
Why We Recommend Rockstar Pro Movers
We love recommending Rockstar Pro. They have some serious history with California-based relocations, and they handle moves all over the West Coast – including inland to Colorado.
This regional background means they know the best routes and the local laws, and they’ll keep you up-to-speed through the whole process. Plus, take a look at their website. Pretty slick.
Roadway Moving may be from New York originally, but those East Coast origins don’t stop them from handling the California to Colorado route.
Roadway is a great choice if you want a personalized, punctual move – plus their customer service is really communicative and helpful. Their in-house teams will get your stuff moving, and get your stuff delivered on time.
Pros
- Emphasis on punctuality
- Great customer service
- East Coast specialists
- Helpful and attentive staff
- Variety of in-house services
Cons
- Broad reach, but some locations may be pricier than others
Why We Recommend Roadway Moving
Roadway gets featured in a lot of our “Best Of” lists. With an emphasis on excellent customer service and timely deliveries, the Roadway team is a great choice for California to Colorado moves.
We’re also big fans of their wide range of different moving services. It means you get a totally tailored move, and you don’t get charged for stuff you don’t need.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a California to Colorado Move?
There’s a lot that goes into the final price of your California to Colorado relocation. Take a look at a few of the more notable factors:
- Distance Traveled: The distance between your current and new home is one of the biggest factors behind the final cost of your move. Longer distances mean higher fuel consumption and more hours on the road, so prepare your wallet accordingly.
- Volume and Weight of Belongings: Along with the distance, the quantity and weight of all your stuff plays a big role in determining your final price. Out of state movers charge by weight, so try to downsize and reduce clutter before you book.
- Moving Services Required: Full-service moves include packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly, and reassembly. This naturally costs more due to the additional labor and time involved. It may mean paying extra, but it’s the best path to a stress-free move.
- Time of Year: Seasonality affects moving costs. Peak moving season (June through August) often sees higher prices due to increased demand. Try to schedule a mid-week, mid-month move, far away from major holidays or vacation times.
- Specialty Items: Items that require special care or handling, such as pianos, antiques, or artwork, will require additional expertise and equipment. All that custom packing and crating will cost you more, but you can’t beat the peace of mind.
- Insurance and Liability Coverage: Standard moving insurance is only good for $0.60 per pound of items lost, damaged, or destroyed. If you want to be reimbursed the full value of your goods, you’ll need full value insurance.
- Storage Needs: If your move requires temporary storage, whether for a few days or several months, this will add to your total moving expenses. Costs vary based on the size of the storage unit and the duration of use.
- Packing Materials: Quality packing materials are a must-have, but they can add to your expenses. Professional movers often offer these at a premium. Alternatively, sourcing materials yourself might save money but requires extra time and effort.
- Stairs and Accessibility: Long driveway? No elevators? Multiple flights of stairs? These can all rack up extra fees. If your movers will have to navigate an obstacle course, talk to them well in advance so they know what they’re getting into.
- Expedited Service: Express moving is possible in some cases, but it’s usually not a freebie. Expedited services require the moving company to allocate resources specifically for your move, which means premium pricing.
- Geographical Challenges: This one’s especially relevant if you’re heading to Colorado. Moving to or from locations with challenging geography (such as mountainous areas or remote locations) requires extra prep and planning.
Every move is different, and so is every moving company. It’s important to get in touch with your movers ahead of time to discuss the services you need. This will allow you to budget accordingly, and it’ll cut down on any surprises on moving day.
Why Do People Move from California to Colorado?
Everyone has their own reason for getting out of Cali. Here’s why some folks are calling Colorado their new home:
- Cost of Living: Colorado isn’t the cheapest state, but have you seen home prices in California? In Colorado, you can actually find houses you can afford – not a million-dollar teardown a block from skid row.
- Outdoor Lifestyle: California has some great natural sights, but it’s hard to beat Colorado when it comes to natural beauty. With scenic landscapes and a wide range of activities, the Centennial State is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Employment Opportunities: Colorado’s growing economy offers robust job opportunities, particularly in industries like technology, aerospace, and renewable energy. This economic growth attracts Californians who are looking for new career prospects.
- Quality of Life: Many people are drawn to Colorado for its overall quality of life. This includes a more relaxed pace, and much less traffic congestion compared to major California cities. There’s a also a strong sense of community in the cities and towns.
- Climate: California has great weather, but only if you like the heat. On the other hand, Colorado’s climate appeals to anyone who enjoy experiencing all four seasons. The state has sunny summers, snowy winters, colorful autumns, and vibrant green springs.
- Lower Taxes: It’s not hard to beat California when it comes to taxation. Colorado offers a more favorable tax environment compared to California. This includes lower property taxes and a lower state income tax – great for if you’d actually like to enjoy your earnings.
While the above list is by no means complete, it paints a good picture of why people are moving to Colorado. Of course, once you get out there, you’ll still have plenty to do…
Things to Do in Colorado
There’s plenty of reason to move to Colorado, and once you get to the Centennial State, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Here’s just a few points of interest you can check out and enjoy:
- Explore Rocky Mountain National Park: This iconic park offers stunning mountain views, wildlife spotting, and countless hiking trails. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Colorado is home to world-class ski resorts like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge. These all offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in the country.
- Visit Denver: Denver is the state’s capital. The whole area is a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Take some time to check it out – there’s a vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and sports events.
- Attend Music Festivals at Red Rocks Amphitheatre: This is a naturally-formed outdoor venue, and there’s not many other places like it. Red Rocks hosts a variety of concerts and events against a backdrop of astonishing natural beauty.
- Hot Springs: Want a soothing and scenic experience? Relax in Colorado’s numerous natural hot springs, like Glenwood Springs or Pagosa Springs.
- Garden of the Gods: Located in Colorado Springs, this natural landmark offers breathtaking sandstone formations, hiking trails, and rock climbing opportunities.
- Historic Train Rides: If you’re a history buff or you just want to try something old-school, experience Colorado’s history and scenic landscapes with a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
- Wine Tasting in Palisade: Known for its vineyards, Palisade offers a delightful wine tasting experience in more of that beautiful Colorado scenery.
- Explore Mesa Verde National Park: Mesa Verde is a must. There’s mind-blowing Puebloan cliff dwellings that are almost 600 years old, and you can see them all in this historically rich national park.
- Biking and Hiking Trails: Colorado’s numerous trails cater to all levels, offering everything from gentle family-friendly paths to challenging mountain trails.
Colorado is more than just natural beauty. There’s history, arts, culture, and tons of fun activities to keep you occupied in your new home. If we wanted to make a full list, we’d have to use way more megabytes – and besides, we wanted to leave a little for you to discover, as well!
Here’s How We Rank Our Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in long distance moving, and we do real business with movers to get data that’s more in-depth and reliable than anything else online.
Our rating methodology is based on the following:
Reviews
- Reputation: Reviews and profiles show if movers are highly-rated and experienced.
- Industry-Insider Info: We see what the best companies in the industry are doing.
- Mystery Shopping: We call and pose as complete strangers to keep movers honest.
Licensing and Accreditation
- Arbitration Program: We ensure movers provide arbitration for lost or damaged items.
- Active Claim Department: We monitor how quickly movers help with compensation.
- Safety Record: We get up-to date safety information about accidents and inspections.
- Moving Insurance: We make sure movers provide full or released-value protection.
Client Feedback
- Video and phone reviews: Client testimony tells us which movers are worth your time.
- Online surveys: We read about each completed move to see how movers perform.
As a moving broker, Moving APT deals with movers on a daily basis. We negotiate for our clients, and we ensure movers always honor their contracts. It’s how we help you get moved, and it’s how we maintain clear communication between clients and moving companies.
More customers for better movers If a mover is exceeding expectations, we send them more business. If a mover needs to improve, we don’t. It’s simple.
California to Colorado FAQ
What is the cost of living in Colorado compared to California?
The median home price in Colorado is about $520,000. On the other hand, the median home price in California is about $740,000 – but we all know it’s closer to a million unless you’re okay with living in Bakersfield. Colorado is cheaper than California, but be warned: The more transplants come in, the higher prices will get.
Where are the best places to live in Colorado?
Popular choices include Denver for its vibrant city life, Boulder for its outdoor activities and strong sense of community, and Colorado Springs for a more laid-back atmosphere. Most people think Colorado is all mountains and snow, but you’d be surprised to learn that eastern Colorado looks a lot like Kansas. If you’re into the whole farmsteading scene, it’s worth a look.
What is the cheapest way to move long distances?
Renting a moving truck and DIYing your move is always going to be the cheapest option. Unfortunately, after you factor in the price of gas, lodging, and food, your savings may dry up pretty quick – especially if you subtract the hours of work you’re missing to pack, load, and haul your stuff.
How far in advance should I hire movers for a California to Colorado move?
We recommend booking your movers 2 to 3 months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to tie up loose ends, prepare for moving day, and communicate with your movers about what services you may or may not need. Plus, scheduling far in advance can help you avoid peak moving season (June, July, and August) and peak moving prices.
What items can’t be moved long distances?
Nothing pressurized, nothing flammable, nothing perishable, and nothing alive. These are the four big ones. Every mover has their own no-go list, so make sure you ask them for the specifics before they show up.
Ready to Head from California to Colorado? Get Packing and Let’s Get Started!
Moving from California to Colorado is an exciting adventure, and with the help of some pro movers, you can focus on what really matters, rather than wrangling all your boxes into a truck. It’s a fresh start in a beautiful state, so make sure you’re able to start off on the right foot.
If you’re ready to get packing, let’s get you started. Check out our moving checklist and moving cost calculator, and get in touch with one of our recommended movers today!
PS: Need more moving hacks? Keep up with Moving APT for more tips and tricks to make moving day even easier.
