Moving from New Orleans to Colorado: Cost, Movers & What to Expect
If you're moving from New Orleans to Colorado, you're swapping humidity and sea level for altitude and dry air — and, in most cases, landing in a job market that's significantly healthier than the one you're leaving. That combination is driving a lot of people out of Louisiana and into the Rockies right now.
The route covers roughly 1,355 miles. That's firmly long-haul territory, which means the company you pick matters more than it would on a local move. Below I've put together everything you actually need: what movers are charging, which New Orleans carriers are worth a call, and what the numbers say about the financial and lifestyle differences you're stepping into.
Local Moving Companies in New Orleans
Out of 8 New Orleans movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, here are the five worth putting on your shortlist for a move to Colorado.
- Atmosphere Movers — 4.62 / 5
- Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. — 4.38 / 5
- AD Movers — 4.28 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.3 / 5
- All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.34 / 5
Atmosphere Movers
1615 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 91% positive | Yelp (21 reviews) | Google (87 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
State license #6892 · DOT #1043891 · 25 years in business
Across 116 reviews, 91% land on the positive side — one of the stronger approval rates you'll find for a New Orleans-based carrier. Customers repeatedly mention polished crews, careful item handling, and moves that wrap up ahead of schedule. The fact that reviewers frequently tell friends and family to call them is a decent signal; that kind of organic word-of-mouth takes time to build.
Where things slip: a small number of customers report damaged or missing items, and several describe difficulty getting adequate resolution through the claims process. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's worth knowing before you hand over your grandmother's china.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, crating, storage | Credit cards accepted Phone: (504) 566-1919
Lee Moving & Storage, Inc.
13100 Carrere Ct, New Orleans, LA 70129 93% positive | Yelp (12 reviews) | Google (147 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
State license #5382-D · DOT #3372702 · 70 years in business
Seventy years in the business and a 93% positive rate across 166 reviews — that's a track record that's hard to manufacture. Reviewers call out efficient crews, furniture and fragile items arriving undamaged, and office staff who actually follow up. For an interstate move where the number of things that can go sideways multiplies with every mile, that kind of organizational consistency is what separates good movers from just available ones.
Complaints are rare (around 7%) and cluster around long-distance jobs: some delivery delays, occasional damage, and slow claim follow-through. Those are real issues, but the volume is low enough that this remains one of the stronger local options for this route.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, shipment tracking, storage, safes | Cash and credit cards accepted Phone: (504) 254-2950
AD Movers
3411 Coliseum Street, New Orleans, LA 70115 93% positive | Yelp (11 reviews) | Google (69 reviews) | BBB: Grade NR
10 years in business
AD Movers scores well on the fundamentals — punctual, organized, competitive pricing — with about 93% of 81 reviewers reporting a positive experience. The BBB "NR" (not rated) is worth flagging, though it usually reflects a company's age more than its conduct. The negatives here involve broken items, non-refundable deposits, and a handful of accounts where management handled complaints poorly. Nothing disqualifying, but go in with written agreements and don't rely on verbal assurances about pricing or coverage.
Note that AD Movers primarily handles local moves and doesn't list interstate moves as a service — confirm they can manage a Colorado run before requesting a quote.
Services: Local, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating | Credit cards accepted Phone: (504) 237-0855
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
1430 N Collins Blvd B, Covington, LA 70433 20% positive | Yelp (52 reviews) | Google (619 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
State license #7718 · DOT #2527384 · 38 years in business
I'll give you the honest picture here. Despite the 4.3 Google rating, only 20% of the 61 reviews I analyzed were actually positive — and 77% flagged genuine problems. Damaged belongings, final prices that climbed well above the estimate, and late arrivals dominate the complaints. There's also frustration directed at management's handling of damage claims and billing disputes.
The national TWO MEN AND A TRUCK brand maintains solid marks, but franchise quality varies significantly by location. This specific location collects an unusually high rate of dissatisfied customers. For a 1,355-mile move where accountability matters most, I'd want a cleaner track record before handing over my deposit.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes | Credit cards accepted Phone: (504) 345-1247
All My Sons Moving & Storage
150 James Dr E Suite 100, Saint Rose, LA 70087 65% positive | Yelp (55 reviews) | Google (752 reviews) | BBB: Grade A
State license #8348 · DOT #902281 · 26 years in business
All My Sons has the largest review sample here — 263 reviews, with 65% positive. On the upside: crews that work efficiently, handle items carefully, and stay professional under pressure. On the downside: a 35% negative rate built primarily on surprise charges, final bills that don't match quoted estimates, and damaged or lost items. That pricing pattern shows up at All My Sons locations nationally, so it's not specific to this branch.
If you go with them, get every cost detail in writing before they load the first box. Don't assume the quote is the final number.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, antiques, crating, storage, safes | Credit cards accepted | Deposit required Phone: (504) 732-1601
Local Moving Services in New Orleans, LA
A quick breakdown of specialty services available across New Orleans interstate movers:
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 6 of 8 (75%) |
| Small moves | 4 of 8 (50%) |
| Antiques | 3 of 8 (37.5%) |
| Art | 2 of 8 (25%) |
| Pianos | 7 of 8 (87.5%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 0 of 8 (0%) |
Cost to Move from New Orleans, LA to Colorado
At roughly 1,355 miles, this is a serious long-haul job. Use the table below as a ballpark — your actual number will shift based on home size, time of year, and which services you add. To get a sharper estimate right now, plug your details into the moving cost calculator.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,162 – $4,776 | $876 – $2,238 | $788 – $1,598 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,749 – $6,027 | $1,583 – $3,196 | $843 – $1,755 |
| 4+ BR | $4,778 – $8,331 | $2,259 – $4,293 | $1,082 – $2,098 |
Estimates based on a ~1,355-mile move from New Orleans, LA to Colorado, using pricing data as of January 17, 2026. Your final quote will vary based on move size, access and parking conditions, optional services, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare at least three quotes before booking.
Cost to Hire Movers from New Orleans to Colorado
A studio or one-bedroom move runs $1,162–$4,776 with a full-service carrier. Two to three bedrooms typically lands between $2,749 and $6,027. Larger homes — four bedrooms or more — land in the $4,778–$8,331 range.
Those are wide windows, which is why getting multiple quotes matters. Seasonal demand and how full a carrier's schedule is can move your price significantly within that range. If you're flexible on dates, avoiding summer peak season is one of the easiest ways to cut costs on long-distance movers.
Cost of Moving Containers from New Orleans to Colorado
Moving containers offer a middle ground — you pack on your own timeline and the company handles transport. For a small load, expect $876–$2,238. Two to three bedrooms runs $1,583–$3,196. Larger households land in the $2,259–$4,293 range. Compare container companies before committing, since pricing varies more than most people expect.
Cost of Rental Trucks from New Orleans to Colorado
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper — but remember, you're covering 1,355 miles yourself. You're responsible for loading, driving, and unloading. A studio or one-bedroom typically runs $788–$1,598. Two to three bedrooms: $843–$1,755. Four bedrooms and up: $1,082–$2,098. Fuel costs are included in these estimates.
Factors Influencing Moving Costs from New Orleans to Colorado
Three variables move the needle most on this route:
- Move size: More rooms and more belongings mean more truck space and more labor hours. It's the biggest single driver of your final bill.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season for moving in Louisiana. Movers charge more and availability tightens when demand spikes between May and August.
- DIY vs. professional: Doing it yourself cuts costs but adds physical effort and personal time across 1,355 miles. That's a real trade-off, especially if you're managing a larger household.
What You Should Know Before Moving from New Orleans to Colorado
The financial comparison here has some useful nuance. Rent is about 9% cheaper in Colorado, which gives you room to breathe if you're renting. But if you're looking to buy, home prices in Colorado run roughly 134% higher than in New Orleans — a major difference that catches some people off guard after they've made the move.
Cost of Living: New Orleans vs. Colorado
| New Orleans, LA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,755 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $231,649 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $51,116 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 102 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 5.49% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
Here's what those numbers mean in practice:
- Rent is about 9% lower in Colorado — real monthly savings if you're renting.
- Home prices in Colorado are roughly 134% higher. Buying after this move means a much larger mortgage.
- Per capita income in Colorado runs about 71% higher — a meaningful gap for long-term financial planning.
- Cost of living overall is about 11% lower in Colorado, which helps offset the housing premium.
- Unemployment sits at 4.1% in Colorado vs. 11.0% in New Orleans — the job market difference is substantial.
- State income tax is higher in Colorado (5.49% vs. 4.25% in Louisiana), so take-home pay takes a modest hit.
How Life Changes When You Leave New Orleans for Colorado
| New Orleans, LA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 383,997 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51–46 | Democrat 54–46 |
| Summer high | 92°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 45°F | 13°F |
| Annual rainfall | 64″ | 16″ |
| Annual snowfall | 0″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 67.31 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, Walk Score, AirNow
A few things worth calling out specifically:
The weather shift is bigger than most people expect. New Orleans summers hit around 92°F with 64 inches of rain. Colorado summers are milder — around 86°F and only 16 inches of annual rain — less humidity, more sun, and more usable outdoor days. But Colorado winters are a different conversation. Lows can reach 13°F, and the state averages around 63 inches of snow annually. If you've never had to budget for heating bills, winter gear, and snow removal, add those to your planning now.
Crime drops significantly. Colorado's crime index (36.4) is well below New Orleans's (67.31). That gap matters when you're evaluating neighborhoods and schools, especially if you're relocating with a family.
Both states lean Democratic, with Colorado's margin slightly wider. Not a dramatic political shift for most people making this move.
Other Considerations When Moving to Colorado
Once you've picked your mover, there's a logistics checklist worth working through before move day:
- HOA rules: If you're moving into an HOA-governed property, review their moving restrictions before scheduling your crew — some have specific days, hours, or elevator protocols.
- Elevator reservation: Many buildings in Denver and other Colorado cities require advance elevator reservations for move-in. Confirm with your building manager.
- Parking permits: Some municipalities require advance permits for oversized moving vehicles. Check local rules a week or two before your move date.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates intrastate movers in Colorado. Verify any company you hire is properly licensed with the COPUC before signing a contract.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move date so mail follows you from day one. You can set a future effective date on the form.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection is free but only pays 60 cents per pound per item — not nearly enough coverage for anything of real value. Full Value Protection costs more but covers repair or replacement at current market value. For a 1,355-mile move, it's worth the premium, or at minimum worth a conversation with a third-party insurer.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist covers the steps most people miss in the weeks before move day — use it to stay ahead of the timeline rather than catching up to it.
Things to Do in Colorado
Before you finalize your new neighborhood, it helps to know what Colorado actually offers beyond the landscape.
Museums
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Parks
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Sports Teams
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
- Denver Barbarians
Universities
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
- University of Colorado Denver
FAQ
How long does a move from New Orleans to Colorado take?
Typically three to eight days from pickup to delivery, depending on the carrier and how full their schedule is. Summer moves often run toward the longer end of that range. Confirm delivery windows with your mover in writing before signing — "three to eight days" is not a guarantee, and you don't want to be sleeping on the floor waiting for your stuff.
How many New Orleans movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Six of the eight New Orleans movers that handle interstate jobs offer custom crating for fragile or irregularly shaped items. If you have specific pieces that need it — artwork, antiques, electronics — confirm those capabilities when you get quotes. Don't assume it's included in a standard packing quote.
What's the best way to get a car from New Orleans to Colorado?
For a move this long, professional car shipping is the right call for most people. It saves wear on your vehicle and eliminates the logistics of driving two cars 1,355 miles. Get quotes from multiple auto transport carriers, confirm they're FMCSA-registered, and check recent customer reviews before booking.
Why are people moving from New Orleans to Colorado?
The job market is the biggest pull. With unemployment at 4.1% in Colorado versus 11% in New Orleans, and per capita income roughly 71% higher, the economic case is real. For people who prioritize outdoor recreation — skiing, hiking, mountain access — Colorado is hard to argue with on lifestyle grounds too.
Where can I find long-distance movers in New Orleans?
Our roundup of the best long-distance movers covers top-rated carriers that handle interstate routes from Louisiana. Cross-reference those national options with the local company profiles above to decide whether a regional carrier or a national van line makes more sense for your move.
Do New Orleans movers accept cash?
Only one of the eight New Orleans movers reviewed here accepts cash. Most carriers operate on traceable payment — credit cards are standard. Plan on a deposit to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due at pickup or delivery. Get the exact payment schedule and accepted methods in writing before your move date.
The range between low and high estimates on this route is wide enough that shopping around can save you real money. Get at least three quotes, compare them against these numbers, and use the moving cost calculator to calibrate your expectations before you start the conversation with any carrier.