Denver movers cost anywhere from $339.17 to $1,190.92, depending on whether you’re hiring labor-only help or a local full-service crew. The actual price you pay can vary based on several factors, including the size of your home, how much stuff you have, the distance you’re relocating, and even when you move.
Denver is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. For example, according to our 2024-2025 Millennial Study, it ranks 11th among cities where millennials are moving at higher-than-average rates. Denver also earned recognition as one of the most pet-friendly cities in our 2024 study, making it an attractive destination for families with furry companions. This consistent influx of new residents keeps Denver’s moving industry busy year-round.
If you’re thinking about joining the migration to Denver, you can count on this guide to break down the typical cost of movers in Denver, explain what affects those prices, and share tips to help you save money on your move.
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How Much Do Movers Cost in Denver?
The average cost of a local full-service move in Denver is $1,190.92. For labor-only movers (who handle just the loading and unloading for you), you’ll pay an average of $339.17. When you break it down, the average hourly rate for moving services in Denver comes out to $81.51.
Unless otherwise noted, the cost figures in this report are based on proprietary data from HireAHelper’s internal database, which contains records from more than one million completed moves through our platform. This dataset reflects real-world costs paid by customers, making it one of the most reliable sources of U.S. moving price information available.
Here’s a quick look at the major differences between moving services in Denver, which is probably the biggest factor in pricing:
- Labor-only movers: handle the loading and unloading, while you manage transportation with your own rental truck or moving container.
- Full-service movers: provide the complete package — they bring the truck, handle all the heavy lifting, and manage transportation between your old and new home.
Factors That Affect Moving Costs in Denver
While the averages above provide a great starting point, several key variables influence the final price of your move, from the size of your home to the distance you’re traveling. Below, we’ll walk through each of these factors so you know what to expect and where you can control costs.
Size of Your Home
Larger homes typically mean extra furniture handling, additional packing, and more labor — all of which drive costs up. A 2-person crew can handle a studio or one-bedroom move in a few hours. A larger house may need 3 movers, extra equipment, and additional time for disassembly, careful wrapping, and longer walks to the truck.
To give you a clearer idea, we’ve broken down the average costs for both labor-only and full-service moves based on different home sizes in the Denver area. Moving from a house usually costs more than moving from an apartment with the same number of bedrooms because houses often include basements, garages, or attics.
Denver Movers Costs by Home Size
| Labor-Only | Local-Full Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $339.17 | $1,190.92 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | $305.48 | $729.10 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | $356.28 | $909.92 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment | $410.38 | $1,076.53 |
| 2 Bedroom House | $384.83 | $931.42 |
| 3 Bedroom House | $448.29 | $1,228.78 |
| 4 Bedroom House | $537.82 | $1,553.75 |
| 5 Bedroom House | $635.66 | $1,646.77 |
The Amount of Belongings You’re Moving
The amount of stuff you have contributes to labor costs, since it determines how many movers you’ll need and how many hours the job will take. If you hire too many movers, you’re paying for idle hands, while too few can slow things down and increase your hourly costs.
To help you estimate, here’s a general guideline for how many movers you’ll likely need based on your home size.
How Many Movers You’ll Need to Hire by Home Size in Denver
| Home Size | Average Number of Movers Needed |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 2 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | 2 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | 2 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment | 2–3 |
| 2 Bedroom House | 2 |
| 3 Bedroom House | 2–3 |
| 4 Bedroom House | 3 |
| 5 Bedroom House | 3 |
If you have heavy items, like a piano or a full gym setup, go for the higher number. And keep in mind that, in some cases, a 3-person crew can actually save money on larger moves by shortening the total hours compared to a 2-person team.
Distance of the Move
Distance is another key factor, especially for full-service moves where the moving company provides the truck. The further the crew has to travel, the more they will charge for fuel and the time spent in transit. Denver’s metropolitan area includes many neighboring cities, such as Westminster and Littleton, where short moves tend to cost about the same. But longer intercity moves, like Denver to Colorado Springs, are more expensive because of added drive time and the crew’s return trip.
The table below shows averages for common local routes to give you a sense of how distance and drive time can influence cost.
Average Price for Movers in Denver by Move Distance
| Moving Route | Labor-Only Average Cost | Full-Service Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Within Denver, CO | $339.17 | $1,190.92 |
| Denver, CO to Aurora, CO | $360.32 | $1,461.75 |
| Denver, CO to Westminster, CO | $359.70 | $1,236.75 |
| Denver, CO to Commerce City, CO | $399.79 | $1,315.92 |
| Denver, CO to Littleton, CO | $351.53 | $1,234.67 |
| Denver, CO to Arvada, CO | $356.36 | $1,245.09 |
| Denver, CO to Colorado Springs, CO | $359.71 | $1,482.59 |
Timing and Seasonality
When you choose to move can have a large impact on the cost. Moving companies determine prices based on supply and demand, so the cost increases when more people want to move. And according to our proprietary data on the best time of year to move, 45% of all moves in the United States happen between May and August. This peak season means higher demand and, consequently, higher prices. Moving on a weekend, especially at the end of the month, is also more expensive than moving on a weekday in the middle of the month.
“If a quote is far lower than the rest, it’s usually missing travel charges, equipment fees, or adequate staffing. And in the worst-case scenario, it could be a scam.”
For Denver specifically, our data shows that the cheapest time of day to book movers is early morning, between 7 am and 8 am. This is likely because you can avoid traffic, and crews can finish more efficiently. The most affordable day of the week to move is Sunday, and bucking the national trend, the cheapest month to move in Denver is June.
Services Requested
The type of services you need will also affect your moving costs. With labor-only help, you rent your own truck or moving container, and the crew simply handles the heavy lifting to load and unload your belongings. Full-service movers charge more, but they take care of everything from start to finish: bringing the truck, loading your items, transporting them to your new home, and unloading them.
Many movers offer add-on services, including professional packing and unpacking. You might also need specialty item handling for delicate or oversized objects like pianos, antique furniture, or valuable artwork. Each additional service adds to the total cost but significantly reduces the stress and physical toll of moving.
Additional Moving Expenses in Denver
Beyond hourly labor rates, movers in Denver may charge for packing, storage, travel, and fuel. These additional expenses are easy to overlook, so make sure to include them in your budget.
Packing Services and Supplies
Let’s be honest, packing is often the most dreaded part of moving. It’s time-consuming, tedious, and requires a certain level of organization. This is why many people end up hiring professional packing services. For an additional fee, your moving crew will arrive to securely pack all of your belongings. In Denver, you can expect this service to cost around the average hourly rate for movers, which is $81.51 per hour. The total cost will depend on how much stuff you have and how many packers you need.
Even if you decide to pack yourself, you’ll still need to budget for supplies. The cost of boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers can add up. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 for a small studio apartment to several hundred dollars for a large family home.
Storage Fees
Sometimes, your moving timelines don’t perfectly align. You might need to be out of your old place before your new one is ready, or maybe you’re downsizing and need a place to store extra items. In these situations, a self-storage unit can be incredibly useful. Denver has plenty of storage facilities, but the costs can vary based on size and location.
Storage facilities in downtown Denver or along major routes like I-70 typically charge higher rates, while locations further from the city center offer better value for longer-term storage needs. It’s a good idea to shop around for the best rates. Below are the average monthly costs for storage units of different sizes in the Denver area:
Average Cost of Storage Units in Denver
| Storage Unit Size | Average Monthly Storage Fee |
|---|---|
| 5’ × 5’ | $49.15 |
| 5’ × 10’ | $64.31 |
| 10’ × 10’ | $119.10 |
| 10’ × 30’ | $297.29 |
Source: SelfStorage.com
The 5′ x 5′ units work well for small apartments or just storing essential items temporarily, while the largest units at 10′ x 30′ can hold contents from three- to four-bedroom homes.
Travel Fees and Fuel Surcharges
For full-service moves, travel fees and fuel surcharges are standard practice. The moving company needs to account for the time and fuel it takes to get their truck from their office to your old home, then to your new home, and finally back to their office. In Denver, rush hour on I-25 or I-70 can add significant time to your move, which translates into higher costs. We recommend scheduling your move outside peak traffic hours to save money.
“A 2-person crew can handle a studio or one-bedroom move in a few hours. A larger house may need 3 movers, extra equipment, and additional time for disassembly, careful wrapping, and longer walks to the truck.”
Fuel surcharges are another common cost to keep in mind. According to AAA data, Denver gas prices hover around $2.90 per gallon as of late summer 2025. Summer months typically see the highest fuel costs due to higher demand for travel, potentially adding $25-50 to full-service moves depending on the distance.
Tips to Save Money When Hiring Movers in Denver
Looking to cut costs? A few simple steps can help you reduce expenses while still getting reliable service. Here are some tips to consider:
- Get multiple quotes: We recommend requesting estimates from at least 3 movers. On HireAHelper’s Denver marketplace, you can compare prices, customer reviews, and availability all in one place. Best of all, you don’t need to provide any personal information to get an accurate quote.
- Declutter before your move: A longstanding rule of moving is that the less stuff you have, the faster and cheaper your move will be. Before you even think about packing, go through your belongings and decide what you really need. Denver has plenty of donation centers and thrift stores, like the Denver Rescue Mission, that will happily take gently used furniture and clothing.
- Rent your own truck: Opting for labor-only movers and renting a truck is almost always cheaper than a full-service move. You take on the responsibility of driving, but the savings can be significant.
- Look for well-rated, budget-friendly movers: In Denver, companies like Unloading Services Inc and LeDoux Moving Solutions, LLC consistently earn strong reviews while keeping prices competitive. Checking verified customer feedback ensures you’re not sacrificing quality for cost.
- Help make your movers’ day more efficient: Reserve elevator times in high-rises around downtown Denver, and secure a loading zone or a temporary parking permit if you need curb space. Shorter walks to the truck cut time and cost.
- Be flexible with your moving date: If you can, have several moving days you’d be able to schedule on. You’d be surprised how much you can save if you move your move a few days later or earlier.
How to Get Accurate Quotes From Denver Movers
A common frustration people face when moving is getting a quote that doesn’t match the final bill. The good news is that you can avoid this and get an accurate estimate by using the following tips:
- Compare your options: The best place to get reliable quotes for your move in Denver is through HireAHelper’s marketplace. Our platform is designed to give you an accurate price from the start for several movers or timeslots. This allows you to skip the hassle of making multiple phone calls and trying to compare quotes that might not include the same things.
- Be as detailed and honest as possible: When you use a tool like the HireAHelper marketplace, you’ll be asked for specifics like your home size, the number of large furniture items, and any access challenges like stairs. Don’t underestimate your belongings to get a lower initial quote; it will only lead to delays and extra charges later. Be sure to mention everything, including items in the garage, basement, or a separate storage unit.
- Book early: Prices can rise as moving dates fill up, especially in busy months. Locking in your movers ahead of time ensures you get the rate you were quoted.
- Avoid suspiciously low quotes: If a quote is far lower than the rest, it’s usually missing travel charges, equipment fees, or adequate staffing. And in the worst-case scenario, it could be a scam. Instead, look for companies with consistent pricing and verified reviews.
- HireAHelper’s best price guarantee: HireAHelper will match the price for the same date and services if you find a lower one on our platform. You can book with confidence knowing you’re getting the lowest available rate for the services and time you choose.
FAQs About Moving Costs in Denver
How much does it cost to hire movers in Denver?
The cost varies based on the type of service. For a labor-only move where you provide the truck, the average cost is $339.17. For a local full-service move that includes the truck and transportation, the average is $1,190.92.
How much to move a 2,000 sq ft house?
A 2,000-square-foot house typically has three or four bedrooms. Based on our data for Denver, you could expect to pay between $448.29 and $537.82 for labor-only services. For a full-service move, the cost would likely be between $1,228.78 and $1,553.75.
What are the hidden costs of 2-hour movers?
Two-hour minimums are common. If your move takes longer, you’ll pay for the extra time. Travel time from the crew’s office to your home, equipment fees, and long-carry or stair fees can also apply.
Is $20 enough to tip movers?
It depends on the size of your move. For small jobs, $20 per mover is fine. For larger moves, consider tipping between $40 and $50 per mover. You can adjust this average up or down based on difficulty and service.