Colorado’s moving market shifted from net-gain to net-loss in 2024-2025. United Van Lines ranked Colorado 5th highest for outbound moves in 2025, a reversal of the 2010s pattern when the state added a net of 41,540 residents annually. The U.S. Census Bureau recorded a net domestic population decrease of approximately 9,500 people for Colorado in the year ending June 2025. The primary driver is housing cost: Denver home prices have tripled since 2000, and Colorado ranked last among states in a recent affordability index. Outbound movers skew older – residents aged 55-64 and 65+ account for roughly 60% of departures – while younger adults continue to move in. Top inbound sources are Texas (13.5%), California (11.7%), and Florida (7.8%). Top outbound destinations are Texas and Florida.
Within the state, the move pattern divides sharply: Denver-Aurora generates the highest outflow of any metro (roughly 60,800 outbound in 2024), while Fort Collins remains one of the few metro areas with consistent net inbound movement. Pueblo ranked among the top ten highest-outbound metros nationally. I-25 defines the primary north-south corridor for intrastate moves between Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. I-70 carries the east-west load and is the main route for moves to Kansas and Missouri. Denver to Colorado Springs is approximately 70 miles; Denver to Fort Collins is about 65 miles – distances that keep most Colorado moves within the intrastate or short long-distance category rather than overnight logistics.
Intrastate movers in Colorado must register with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) under Title 40, Article 10.1, C.R.S., and obtain a Household Goods Mover permit. The annual filing fee is $332 (updated November 2025). Movers must carry liability and cargo insurance, display their PUC permit number on all advertising and vehicles, and provide written estimates and contracts. Consumers can verify mover registration through the PUC Mover Permit Lookup tool at puc.colorado.gov. Complaints are filed through the PUC Consumer Advocate office at 303-894-2070 or 1-800-456-0858. Local moving hourly rates in Denver run approximately $85-$120 per mover, with a full local move for a two-bedroom home averaging around $1,175.
Top-Rated Movers in Colorado
Movemasters
Address: 745 Lipan Street, Denver, CO 80204
Website: https://movemastersdenver.com
USDOT: #1290433
PUC Permit: HHG-00038
Family-owned since 1981 and under consistent management for 27 years, Movemasters is one of Denver’s longest-established independent movers – and one of the few to hold the Westword “Best of Denver Hall of Fame” distinction, earned through multiple consecutive Gold Star Award wins. The company handles local and interstate residential moves, packing and unpacking, designer receiving and delivery (for furniture and artwork shipped from vendors), and climate-controlled storage. Movemasters holds an A+ BBB rating and serves primarily the Denver metro area for local moves, with full interstate authority for statewide and out-of-state relocations.
Amazing Moves Moving & Storage
Address: 4740 Florence St, Denver, CO 80238
Website: https://amazingmoves.com
USDOT: #1187573
PUC Permit: HHG-00102
Founded in 2003 and BBB-accredited since 2004, Amazing Moves is a full-service moving and storage company with statewide reach across Colorado. The company handles local, interstate, and international moves for both residential and commercial clients, with climate-controlled storage available at their Denver facility. Service markets include Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Durango, Fort Collins, and points statewide. With approximately $15.8 million in annual revenue and a team of 22 employees, Amazing Moves is one of the larger locally owned operators in the Denver metro.
Little Guys Movers (Fort Collins)
Address: 1807 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: https://www.littleguys.com/fort-collins
USDOT: #1931566
Little Guys Movers is a regional moving company with a Fort Collins location serving Northern Colorado, one of the state’s few consistently growing metro areas. Services include local and long-distance residential and commercial moves, specialty item handling, and moving supplies. Reviews for the Fort Collins location run 96% positive across 277 verified reviews, with consistent mentions of crew efficiency, professionalism, and careful handling. Primary coverage is Northern Colorado – Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and the Boulder corridor.
Moving Companies in Colorado: Common Questions
Is my mover required to be licensed in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires all household goods movers to register with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) under Title 40, Article 10.1, C.R.S., and obtain a Household Goods Mover permit. The annual filing fee is $332 (as of November 2025). Licensed movers must display their PUC permit number on all advertisements and vehicles, carry liability and cargo insurance, and provide written estimates before every move. You can verify a mover’s current permit status using the PUC Mover Permit Lookup tool at puc.colorado.gov or by calling the PUC Consumer Advocate office at 303-894-2070. Interstate movers must additionally hold FMCSA authority, searchable at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does a local move typically cost in Colorado?
Based on 2025 market data from Denver, local hourly rates run approximately $85-$120 per mover. A studio or one-bedroom move with a two-mover crew typically runs $420-$875; a two-bedroom home averages around $1,175; a three-bedroom home with a four-mover crew for eight hours runs approximately $2,380-$2,632. Full packing services add an average of $1,000 to most jobs. Peak season (May through September) typically carries higher rates due to demand pressure, particularly in Denver and Boulder. Moving in January through March generally yields better availability and sometimes lower rates.
How does Colorado’s geography affect moving timing and costs?
Colorado’s elevation and weather create seasonal constraints that few other states share. I-70 mountain passes – including Vail Pass and Eisenhower Tunnel – can close on short notice due to snow, ice, or high winds, particularly from October through April. A Denver-to-Grand Junction move on I-70 can extend by hours or become impassable without warning. Moving trucks over a certain weight must comply with chain laws and may be prohibited on mountain roads during severe weather. Even along the Front Range, winter storms can delay or cancel moves scheduled in the October-April window. The practical peak for reliable statewide moves is May through September, though this is also when rates are highest.
What is a binding estimate and how does it protect me under Colorado law?
Colorado PUC regulations require household goods movers to provide written estimates before beginning any move. A binding estimate fixes your total price – the mover cannot charge more than the agreed amount regardless of actual weight or time taken. A non-binding estimate is only an approximation and can be adjusted on delivery. Colorado law also requires movers to give you a Consumer Advisement document at pickup explaining your rights. If a dispute arises over charges, Colorado’s arbitration process under Section 40-10.1-507, C.R.S., governs resolution. Get any estimate in writing and confirm whether it is binding before signing.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in Colorado?
Complaints against Colorado intrastate movers are handled by the Colorado PUC Consumer Advocate office. You can file online through the PUC’s consumer complaint portal at puc.colorado.gov, or by calling 303-894-2070 or 1-800-456-0858. The PUC has authority to investigate violations of the Household Goods Mover Act, issue penalties, and require arbitration in refund disputes under Colorado Revised Statutes. For complaints involving interstate moves (crossing state lines), file separately with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at fmcsa.dot.gov or by calling 1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238). Keep all written estimates, contracts, and receipts as supporting documentation.