How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Mover in Denver? (2024 Pricing Guide)
Meta Description: Planning a move in Denver? Our 2024 guide breaks down the real costs of hiring movers. Learn the key factors, get local price estimates, and see how to get an accurate quote.
Hiring professional movers in Denver for a local move can cost anywhere from $400 for a small apartment to over $3,500 for a large family home. The final price depends on the size of your home, the services you need, and the timing of your move.
So, You’re Moving in Denver. What’s the Real Cost of Hiring a Mover?
Budgeting for a move is often the most stressful part of the process. You’re asking the big question: “How much is this actually going to cost?” While there’s no single, one-size-fits-all answer, this guide will break down every factor so you can build a realistic budget and move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re moving from a Cap Hill apartment to a house in Highlands Ranch, or relocating to Denver from out of state, understanding the cost is your first step towards a stress-free move. With over 20 years of experience helping families and businesses across the Denver metro area, we at Abe Lincoln Movers believe in honest work and transparent pricing.
In this guide, we’ll cover the average moving costs in Denver, the key variables that affect your price, potential fees to watch out for, and how to get a transparent, accurate quote from a trusted local mover who knows this city inside and out.
Key Takeaways
- Local Denver Moves: Prices are typically hourly and range from $400 for a studio to $3,500+ for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Key Cost Factors: The final bill is determined by the size of your move, distance, required services (like packing), timing (peak vs. off-peak), and home accessibility.
- Transparency is Crucial: Reputable movers provide detailed, upfront quotes that explain all potential charges, including materials, valuation coverage, and specialty item fees.
- Experience Matters: A moving company with deep local knowledge, like Abe Lincoln Movers, can provide more accurate quotes by anticipating Denver-specific challenges like traffic and building logistics.
The Short Answer: Average Mover Costs in Denver
To give you a starting point, here are some typical price ranges for hiring professional movers in the Denver metro area. Remember, these are estimates. The only way to know your exact cost is to get a personalized quote.
Average Cost for a Local Denver Move (Under 50 miles)
Local moves are almost always billed at an hourly rate, which covers the movers and the truck. The total time includes the drive from the company’s office to your starting location, the loading, the drive to your new home, the unloading, and the return trip.
| Home Size | Estimated Hours | Estimated Crew | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bedroom Apt | 3 – 5 Hours | 2 – 3 Movers | $400 – $750 |
| 2-3 Bedroom Home | 6 – 9 Hours | 3 – 4 Movers | $800 – $1,800 |
| 4+ Bedroom Home | 8 – 12+ Hours | 4 – 5 Movers | $1,500 – $3,500+ |
Average Cost for a Long-Distance Move (To/From Denver)
Moves that cross state lines are priced differently. Instead of an hourly rate, long-distance moves are calculated based on two primary factors: the total weight of your shipment and the mileage between your old and new home.
- Example (Chicago to Denver, 7,000 lbs): A move of this size and distance could range from $4,500 to $7,000+, depending on additional services like packing and the time of year.
The 5 Key Factors That Determine Your Final Moving Bill
Understanding why costs vary is the key to controlling your budget. Here are the five main elements that influence the price of your move.
1. The Size of Your Move (How Much Stuff You Have)
This is the biggest factor. More belongings mean more time and labor. A minimalist one-bedroom apartment in Baker will take significantly less time and require fewer movers than a five-bedroom home in Cherry Creek filled with decades of furniture and possessions. When you request a quote, a moving coordinator will assess your inventory to estimate the hours and crew size needed. This is a great time to get rid of items you no longer need to potentially lower your cost.
2. Distance & Travel Time
For local moves, the clock is running. The hourly rate applies not just to the loading and unloading but also to the travel time for the crew. Navigating rush hour traffic on I-25 or dealing with road closures for a festival downtown can add time to the bill. An experienced local Denver mover will factor in typical traffic patterns to give you a more realistic time estimate. For long-distance moves, mileage is a direct component of the final price—the farther you go, the higher the cost.
3. Packing & Additional Services
Do you want to pack everything yourself, or would you prefer to have the professionals handle it? The level of service you choose has a major impact on the cost.
- Full-Service Packing: Our crew packs everything in your home. This is the most convenient and stress-free option, but also the most expensive.
- Partial/Fragile-Only Packing: A popular middle ground. You pack clothes, books, and other durable items, and we professionally pack your kitchen, artwork, and other breakables. This is a great way to ensure your most prized possessions are safe.
- Unpacking, Debris Removal, & Storage: These services can be added on for extra convenience and will be itemized in your quote.
4. The Timing of Your Move
The moving industry has peak and off-peak seasons, just like any other service industry.
- Peak Season (May-September): Summer is the most popular time to move. Higher demand means higher hourly rates and less flexibility.
- Weekends vs. Weekdays: Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days of the week, often commanding a premium. If your schedule allows, moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday can often save you money.
- Beginning/End of the Month: Most leases turn over around the 1st or 31st, creating a surge in demand. A mid-month move can sometimes be more affordable.
5. Complexity & Accessibility
The unique challenges of your home’s layout and location also play a role. A ground-floor apartment with a dedicated loading dock is much quicker to move than a fifth-floor walk-up. Factors that can add time and cost include:
- Stairs and Elevators: Navigating multiple flights of stairs takes more time and effort. Booking a freight elevator in a high-rise is essential.
- Long Carries: If the truck has to park far from your front door—a common scenario in dense neighborhoods like LoDo or Capitol Hill—it adds significant time.
- Special Handling: Hoisting a sofa over a balcony or maneuvering an oversized armoire through a tight hallway requires extra time and expertise.
Watch Out for This: Decoding “Hidden” Costs and Fees
A major source of moving anxiety is the fear of surprise charges on moving day. A reputable company will be upfront about all potential costs. Here’s what to look for in your estimate.
Packing Materials
Ask if the cost of boxes, tape, packing paper, and wardrobe boxes is included in the packing service fee or if it’s a separate line item. A transparent quote will clearly state the cost per box or provide a flat rate for materials. Having a complete moving supplies checklist can help you budget for this.
Valuation Coverage (Moving Insurance)
By law, all licensed movers must provide basic “Released Value Protection.” This coverage is minimal, typically offering only 60 cents per pound per item. For a 100-pound flat-screen TV, that’s only $60 of coverage. For true peace of mind, you should opt for Full Value Protection, where the mover is liable for the replacement value of any lost or damaged item. This will cost extra, but it’s crucial for protecting your belongings.
Specialty Item Fees
Standard moving rates don’t cover oversized, fragile, or extremely heavy items that require special equipment and expertise. Be sure to tell your moving coordinator if you have any of the following:
- Pianos
- Gun safes
- Hot tubs
- Pool tables
- Large sculptures or artwork
Hiring professional piano movers, for example, is a separate, specialized service that ensures your instrument is moved safely.
Long Carry & Stair Fees
Some companies charge specific fees for carrying items over a set distance (e.g., 75 feet) from the truck to your door, or for each flight of stairs. At Abe Lincoln Movers, these factors are typically built into our hourly rate, ensuring a simpler, more transparent pricing structure. Always ask how a potential mover handles these situations.
The Abe Lincoln Movers Difference: Honest Pricing and Peace of Mind
After more than two decades in the business, we’ve built our reputation on trust, reliability, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve. When you choose us, you’re choosing a partner dedicated to making your move a success.
20+ Years of Denver Moving Experience
We don’t just know moving; we know Denver. Our experience means we provide accurate quotes because we understand the logistics of moving in our city, from LoDo high-rises to suburban homes in Littleton. We are the best movers in Denver because our local knowledge translates into a smoother, more efficient move for you.
A Transparent, Upfront Quote
Our process is designed to eliminate surprises. We provide a detailed, easy-to-understand estimate so you know exactly what you’re paying for. No hidden fees, just honest work. We believe an informed customer is a happy customer.
Service Backed by Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews
Don’t just take our word for it. Our reputation is built on providing peace of mind to hundreds of families and businesses across the Denver area. Our reviews reflect our commitment to handling your belongings as if they were our own.
Professional Crews for Any Move
Whether it’s a simple residential move, a complex commercial relocation, or a delicate specialty item, our professional, trained crews have the expertise to get the job done right, safely and efficiently.
Your Next Step: Get Your Free, Accurate Denver Moving Quote
Ready to find out exactly how much your move will cost? It’s easy. Click the button below or give us a call. Our moving coordinators will walk you through the process and provide a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs.