10 best movers in Lakewood, Colorado

The best interstate mover for relocating out of Colorado is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Lakewood area.

Long-distance movers in Lakewood

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or to a different state. Check that the moving company you hire has the right federal licensing when moving across state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

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

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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?

Moving within or out of Lakewood is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Lakewood is higher than 91.6% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

These additional factors can cause your total cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, fragile or very large items. These common items can be more expensive to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as transportation emergencies, traffic, a lack of supplies and inclement weather. These can increase your moving costs and extend your timeline. Be prepared for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Lakewood.

Be communicative

Prevent unexpected charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory.

While small items can usually be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed in advance. The movers may need to charge more for those items and won’t start your move until you’ve consented to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, affordable movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to save some money and still book your preferred moving company.

Movers are the most booked from May through September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving service.

One alternative is handling the move yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between a professional moving company and moving yourself:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Hiring movers is beneficial if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack, which can be less expensive. However, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Lakewood

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers tackle all aspects of the moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only include loading and moving your belongings. The cost can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to the packing supplies costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving can get you better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are generally only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you're planning an interstate move, check the company's USDOT and MC numbers on 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?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best moving time is 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 avoid moving in the winter as well, since Colorado's low temperatures and possible snowfall could have an adverse effect on your move.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

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

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

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

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.