10 best movers in Fort Collins, Colorado

The best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Colorado is International Van Lines. For a local move in the Fort Collins area, use the filters below to find other movers that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Fort Collins

A long-distance move means relocating more than 50 miles away or to another state. Hiring a mover with the right federal licensing is essential if you're crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Fort Collins is higher than the national average, making it a relatively costly process. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Fort Collins is higher than 90.9% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly depending on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:

• Junk removal
• Storage
• Packing
• Professional labor
• Supplies
• Fuel

Your final moving bill may also be impacted by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are valuable, fragile or particularly large. The following items typically cost more to move:

• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Pianos

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's customary to tip if they provide good service. For long-distance moves, a standard tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as a lack of supplies, transportation emergencies, traffic and inclement weather. These can inflate your moving costs and extend your timeline. You can't avoid unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can lower your moving costs in Fort Collins.

Be communicative

To avoid unexpected charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

Small items may not pose a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and affordable movers are highly sought after, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to save some money while still hiring your preferred movers.

Movers are busiest between May and September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding an affordable moving company that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

Move by yourself is one option. Before choosing this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system needed for a self-move, employing movers is a worthwhile investment.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Fort Collins

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will manage every part of the moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking everything for you.

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. The price can be justified, considering the time and labor packers save you, in addition to the packing materials costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should confirm a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Colorado are also required to have a license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (Public Utilities Commission).

How does moving insurance work?

Review what insurance policies your movers provide. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The peak time to move occurs from May to September, creating high demand for moving teams and considerably elevated pricing nationwide for all moves. The inflated summer rates may deter you from a move at that time of year. However, you may want to steer clear of moving in the winter as well, since Colorado's cold temperatures and possible snowfall could present a challenge to your move.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your personal car. We also recommend keeping valuable technology with you while moving.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're worried about possible loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

• Fertilizers
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Aerosols
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Perishable foods and produce
• Plants
• Batteries
• Fuel sources
• Compressed tanks or gas

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.