Real cost estimates, top mover picks, and key life differences for the 1,160-mile move from Memphis, TN to Colorado. Updated January 2026.
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If you're making the move from Memphis to Colorado, you're covering roughly 1,160 miles and stepping into a noticeably different financial reality — higher housing costs, a stronger job market, and a state income tax you didn't have in Tennessee. The trade-offs are real, but so is the upside.
This guide covers the five Memphis movers I'd look at first for this route, what the move will actually cost, and an honest look at what changes when you land in Colorado.
Out of 7 Memphis companies equipped for interstate work, these five stand out for long-haul moves to Colorado:
4690 Hungerford Road, Memphis, TN 38118 4.5 / 5
Yelp (14 reviews) · Google (197 reviews) · BBB: A+
91% positive out of 213 reviews analyzed.
Armstrong has been operating for 68 years and runs as a United Van Lines agent — both signals that this isn't a company cutting corners to get your booking. The review pattern is consistent: courteous, skilled crews who communicate well and handle long-distance moves without drama. A small share of feedback (around 7%) flags damaged items or frustrations with the claims process. That's a lower negative rate than most movers at this scale. For a 1,160-mile haul, this is the first name I'd call in Memphis.
DOT #: 1170867
Services: Local, interstate, international; packing/unpacking; pianos, art, antiques; storage; fragile-only packing; credit card accepted
3560 Sky Harbor Cove, Memphis, TN 38118 4.44 / 5
Yelp (44 reviews) · Google (644 reviews) · BBB: A+
78% positive out of 259 reviews analyzed.
The highest review volume on this list — 259 data points gives you a meaningful sample. Customers consistently praise efficient, professional crews and frequently report final costs coming in at or below the original quote. The 21% negative rate is worth noting: recurring complaints involve unexpected fees added after the quote and slow damage claim responses. If you hire TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, get everything in writing. That covers most of the documented complaints.
DOT #: 2527384
Services: Local, interstate; packing/unpacking; pianos, safes; storage; credit card accepted
3264 Democrat Road, Memphis, TN 38118 4.42 / 5
Yelp (7 reviews) · Google (218 reviews) · BBB: A+
90% positive out of 220 reviews analyzed.
Cord is a North American Van Lines agent with 104 years in business — the oldest mover on this list by a wide margin. That kind of longevity doesn't happen without operational consistency, and the reviews back it up: timely arrivals, polite crews, and clear communication before and during the move. The main critique in negative reviews is poor communication when delays occurred. Yelp volume is thin (7 reviews), so lean on the Google sample. A 90% positive rate across 220 entries is a genuinely strong signal.
DOT #: 181102
Services: Local, interstate; packing/unpacking; pianos, crating; offices; storage; credit card accepted
5454 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38134 4.44 / 5
Yelp (121 reviews) · Google (1,942 reviews) · BBB: A
63% positive out of 341 reviews analyzed.
The largest review sample on this list — and the lowest positive rate at 63%. Customers who had smooth moves genuinely liked this crew: efficient, careful, fast. The recurring problem is unexpected charges added after the original quote. That pattern shows up at All My Sons locations nationwide, not just Memphis. I wouldn't cross them off your list, but document every potential charge before you sign anything.
DOT #: 902281
Services: Local, interstate, international; packing/unpacking; pianos, antiques, crating; offices; storage, safes; credit card accepted; deposit required
4226 Clarke Road, Memphis, TN 38141 4.48 / 5
Yelp (17 reviews) · Google (184 reviews) · BBB: A+
89% positive out of 202 reviews analyzed.
Guardian operates as a Mayflower agent and has been running for 39 years. The review pattern tracks with what you'd expect from a major-network agent: consistent service, reliable crews, prompt arrivals. Nearly 9 in 10 customers left positive feedback. The 9% negative slice mentions property damage and occasional late deliveries. Worth noting: Guardian's 4.48 aggregate is second-highest on this list despite ranking fifth — the lower review volume affects how I weight it overall.
Services: Local, interstate; packing/unpacking; pianos, art, antiques, crating; offices; storage; credit card accepted
Before you start calling for quotes, here's how Memphis's 7 interstate movers stack up on specialty capabilities:
| Service | Available |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 7 of 7 (100%) |
| Piano moving | 7 of 7 (100%) |
| Antiques | 5 of 7 (71%) |
| Art moving | 4 of 7 (57%) |
| Small moves | 4 of 7 (57%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 2 of 7 (28%) |
If you need fragile-only packing or specialized art transport, don't assume — ask directly and confirm before booking.
All estimates below are based on the ~1,160-mile Memphis-to-Colorado route using pricing data current as of January 2026. Use the moving cost calculator to refine these numbers for your specific home size and move date.
| Move size | Hiring movers | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,145 – $4,665 | $825 – $1,954 | $723 – $1,282 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,733 – $6,073 | $1,583 – $2,959 | $751 – $1,540 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,251 – $7,824 | $2,039 – $3,793 | $923 – $1,955 |
Estimates reflect verified price points across service tiers. Rental truck figures include estimated fuel costs.
Full-service movers for a studio or one-bedroom will run $1,145 to $4,665. Two-to-three bedrooms: $2,733 to $6,073. Four-plus bedrooms: $4,251 to $7,824. Those are wide ranges, and they're wide for a reason — the gap between a budget carrier and a full-service long-distance mover is real. Get at least three quotes before you commit to anyone.
Moving containers work well for this route if your Colorado arrival date has some flexibility. You load on your timeline; the carrier handles the 1,160-mile transport. Studio or one-bedroom: $825 to $1,954. Two-to-three bedrooms: $1,583 to $2,959. Four-plus bedrooms: $2,039 to $3,793.
The main advantage over full-service movers: you're not locked into their delivery schedule. If your Colorado housing situation is still getting sorted, that flexibility has real value.
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper. Studio or one-bedroom: $723 to $1,282. Two-to-three bedrooms: $751 to $1,540. Four-plus bedrooms: $923 to $1,955. Fuel is factored into those estimates.
What isn't factored in: loading and unloading yourself, driving 1,160 miles including mountain terrain as you approach Colorado, and getting it done without physical backup. For a small apartment with reliable help, it can pencil out. For a full household, the savings close faster than you'd expect.
One of the sharpest financial shifts when leaving Tennessee is state income tax — you're going from zero to Colorado's 5.49%. That's the headline number. But the full comparison is more nuanced:
| Memphis, TN | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,299 | $1,594 |
| Average home price | $143,715 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $48,090 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 0% | 5.49% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zumper, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation
The practical takeaways:
| Memphis, TN | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 5,877,610 |
| Political lean | Democratic (51–46) | Democrat (54–46) |
| Summer high | 91°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 30°F | 13°F |
| Annual rainfall | 54" | 16" |
| Annual snowfall | 3" | 63" |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
What stands out:
Once you're settled, here's what the state has going for it.
Most interstate movers complete this 1,160-mile haul within two to eight days. Exclusive-use loads run faster; shared consolidated shipments push toward the longer end. Summer moves tend to stretch due to high demand — ask your mover for a specific delivery window and get it documented before you sign.
Yes — four of the seven Memphis movers offer custom crating. That's the right option for artwork, antiques, and anything that needs more protection than blankets and boxes. When requesting quotes, ask specifically about crate construction specs, padding materials, and how far in advance they need to build.
Auto transport is usually the right call for a move this long. Driving it separately adds time and mileage to the vehicle. Get quotes from two or three registered carriers and verify their FMCSA status. Our guide to car shipping companies covers what to look for and what to avoid.
The two main pulls: the job market and the mountains. Colorado's unemployment rate is roughly half of Memphis's, average incomes are substantially higher, and for anyone who wants access to skiing, hiking, and year-round outdoor recreation, the Front Range is hard to argue with. The financial trade-offs — higher home prices, state income tax — are real, but for most people who land a job in Colorado, the salary premium covers it.
The five companies I profiled above are the ones I'd start with. For a broader look at national carriers operating on this route, see the MoveFinders guide to interstate movers.
Two Memphis movers accept cash, but it's not the industry norm. Most companies prefer card, ACH, or cashier's check — and you want a paper trail on a long-distance move. Expect to put a deposit down at booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery depending on the company. Confirm payment policy before you sign anything.
Ready to get actual numbers? Run your Memphis-to-Colorado estimate based on your home size and moving date.
