Moving from Olympia, WA to Colorado: Costs, Movers & What to Expect
If you're moving from Olympia to Colorado, you're looking at roughly 1,394 miles between you and your new front door. That puts this solidly in long-distance mover territory — not something you want to approach without a real plan and at least a few solid quotes lined up.
Below, I've laid out actual cost ranges by move size and method, the top-rated Olympia movers that handle this specific route, and a straight comparison of what life looks like on both sides of the move. Before you start calling companies, use our moving cost calculator to build a baseline number. For a 1,400-mile interstate haul, it's also worth getting a quote from a national carrier alongside local operators — SafeShip Moving is one I'd point you toward for this type of cross-country route.
Local Moving Companies in Olympia
Out of 33 Olympia movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, here are the five I'd look at first for a move to Colorado:
- All Ready Moving & Storage — 4.64 / 5
- Mountain Moving & Storage — 4.58 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.52 / 5
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.50 / 5
- Move Northwest — 4.30 / 5
All Ready Moving & Storage
Address: 2900 37th Ave SW, Tumwater, WA 98512 Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Yelp (36 reviews) | Google (611 reviews) | BBB: A+ Positive reviews: 97% | Negative reviews: 2%
All Ready sits at the top of the Olympia market for good reason. Across 280 reviews, customers repeatedly call out fast service, professional crews, and careful handling of fragile and antique items. The phrase that comes up over and over is "faster than expected" — and in my experience, that's a genuine signal that a company isn't padding hours. The minority of complaints center on occasional item damage and some confusion around quoted versus final pricing, mainly on complex or multi-stop moves. Hard to argue with 97% positive.
DOT #: 2083124 | State license: 2083124 | Years in business: 21
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage, credit cards accepted.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Address: 1140 79th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Yelp (17 reviews) | Google (191 reviews) | BBB: F Positive reviews: 93% | Negative reviews: 6%
The BBB grade is worth flagging before anything else. An F doesn't automatically disqualify a company, but it warrants a direct conversation before you book — find out what's behind it. The customer review picture is considerably brighter: 93% positive across nearly 200 reviews, with crews consistently praised for efficiency, friendliness, and flexibility around last-minute changes. Some customers actually came in under original quoted time and cost, which is a good sign. Complaints cluster around unexpected price changes and occasional delays. This franchise operates locally as College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Gig Harbor. Note that their listed services don't include interstate moves — verify directly that they can handle Olympia to Colorado before booking.
DOT #: 3151264 | Years in business: 6
Services: Local, packing/unpacking, offices, storage, credit cards accepted.
Olympic Moving & Storage Inc.
Address: 935 Poplar Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Yelp (40 reviews) | Google (280 reviews) | BBB: A+ Positive reviews: 88% | Negative reviews: 11%
121 years in business tells you something. Olympic Moving has the longest track record on this list, and the reviews reflect real institutional competence — on-time arrivals, methodical packing, respectful crews. The 11% negative share is a bit higher than I'd like, and the complaints that do appear are on the more serious end: damaged items, communication gaps on long-distance moves, and difficulty resolving claims afterward. For a straightforward move, they're reliable. If you're shipping anything of significant value, ask pointed questions about their claims process before you sign.
DOT #: 586615 | Years in business: 121 | Also known as: Olympic Moving & Storage II, LLC
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, crating, storage, credit cards accepted.
Mountain Moving & Storage
Address: 9413 47th Ave SW, Bldg 14, Suite E, Lakewood, WA 98499 Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Yelp (33 reviews) | Google (159 reviews) | BBB: A+ Positive reviews: 84% | Negative reviews: 12%
62 years in business, DOD certified, and a service list that includes hot tubs, pool tables, safes, and art. Mountain is the call if your move involves anything unusual in terms of items or logistics. Their 84% positive rate is the lowest on this list, and the complaints follow a familiar pattern: item damage and communication issues when problems need resolving. For the right job — especially a complex or specialty move — they're a well-resourced operation. Also known as Mountain Trucking Co Inc.
DOT #: 885643 | State license: 885643 | Years in business: 62
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, safes, DOD certified, cash and credit cards accepted.
Move Northwest
Address: 940 Poplar St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Yelp (8 reviews) | Google (113 reviews) | BBB: A+ Positive reviews: 94% | Negative reviews: 5%
Move Northwest — operating under the Bekins Moving & Storage / Northwest Movers, LLC umbrella — has the highest positive percentage on this list at 94%, even with a smaller Google review sample than some competitors. Customers specifically mention transparent estimates, and a few report the final bill coming in under quote. That kind of billing honesty earns repeat customers and referrals, and it's not something you take for granted in this industry. A handful of complaints involve damaged items and price overages on smaller jobs. At 12 years old, they're the newest operation here, but the Bekins affiliation provides national network support on long-distance moves.
DOT #: 2256609 | State license: 2256609 | Years in business: 12
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, credit cards accepted, DOD certified.
Local Moving Services in Olympia, WA
A quick snapshot of what the broader Olympia mover market offers across 33 companies:
| Capability | # of Movers | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 26 | 78.8% |
| Small moves | 10 | 30.3% |
| Antiques | 19 | 57.6% |
| Art | 22 | 66.7% |
| Pianos | 26 | 78.8% |
| Fragile-only packing | 3 | 9.1% |
Piano transport and antique handling are widely available here. Fragile-only specialists are the exception — only 3 in the area — so if that's a hard requirement, book early.
Cost to Move from Olympia, WA to Colorado
The table below covers average cost ranges based on a 1,394-mile move from Olympia to Colorado across three service types and home sizes.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,273 – $5,386 | $920 – $2,190 | $823 – $1,498 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,063 – $7,183 | $1,564 – $3,290 | $829 – $1,929 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,074 – $9,864 | $2,278 – $4,380 | $1,110 – $2,198 |
Based on pricing data as of January 2026. Your actual cost will vary with load size, extra services, access and parking logistics, fuel prices, and move date. Get multiple quotes before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Olympia to Colorado
A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,273 to $5,386 with a full-service mover. That wide spread reflects the real gap between budget carriers and premium operators — which is exactly why getting three or more quotes matters. Two- or three-bedroom moves land between $3,063 and $7,183. Four or more bedrooms, you're looking at $5,074 to $9,864.
Cost of Moving Containers from Olympia to Colorado
Moving containers are worth a serious look on a route this long. You pack and load at your own pace, the company hauls the container, and you unpack when you're ready. For a small move, that runs $920 to $2,190. A two- or three-bedroom home comes to $1,564 to $3,290. Four or more bedrooms lands between $2,278 and $4,380.
Cost of Truck Rentals from Olympia to Colorado
A rental truck is the lowest sticker price — but you're personally driving 1,394 miles and doing all the heavy lifting yourself. Make sure the savings justify the tradeoff honestly. Studio or one-bedroom: $823 to $1,498. Two or three bedrooms: $829 to $1,929. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,110 to $2,198. Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these figures.
Factors That Influence Moving Costs from Olympia to Colorado
These numbers are starting points. Here's what moves them:
- Move size: More stuff means more truck space, more labor, and more time on the road. Decluttering before you request quotes directly reduces your cost — don't skip it.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season for Washington movers. Rates go up and availability tightens. A fall or early spring move will likely run cheaper.
- DIY vs. professional: Handling it yourself cuts the bill, but 1,394 miles in a loaded rental truck is a real undertaking. Weigh the time, physical effort, and risk honestly against what you'd spend on a pro.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Olympia to Colorado
Compare Cost of Living: Olympia vs. Colorado
| Olympia, WA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,895 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $508,798 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $66,492 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 112 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.49% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zumper, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Numbeo
What these numbers actually mean for your budget:
- Rent is about 16% lower in Colorado than in Olympia. That's a genuine monthly improvement.
- Home prices run roughly 6% higher in Colorado, so if you're buying, expect a larger mortgage than you might anticipate coming from Olympia.
- Per capita income is around 32% higher in Colorado. If a job is driving this move, the math tends to work in your favor.
- Overall cost of living is about 19% lower in Colorado — your dollar stretches further once you're settled.
- Unemployment is 27% lower in Colorado than in Olympia, signaling a tighter, more active job market.
- State income tax: Washington has none. Colorado charges 5.49%. That's a real change in your take-home pay — build it into your budget before you commit.
How Life Is Different in Olympia vs. Colorado
| Olympia, WA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,605 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 58–39 | Democrat 54–46 |
| Summer high | 78°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 33°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 53″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 6″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 27.95 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth calling out directly:
- Summers are noticeably hotter. Colorado peaks around 86°F versus Olympia's 78°F. More sunshine, but budget for cooling costs.
- Winters are significantly colder. Average winter lows of 13°F compared to 33°F in Olympia — that's not a minor difference. If you haven't dealt with real cold before, plan accordingly and budget for heating.
- Rain drops dramatically. You're going from 53 inches of annual rainfall down to 16 inches. Your sinuses and your car will both have opinions about the dry air.
- Snow increases sharply. Olympia averages 6 inches a year; Colorado averages 63 inches. Those aren't remotely similar conditions. Get snow tires. Clear your schedule after big storms. It's part of the deal.
- Crime index is higher in Colorado at 36.4 versus Olympia's 27.95. Worth researching specific neighborhoods before you land on a ZIP code — city-level averages can mask wide variation.
- Politics: Both lean Democrat, with Colorado at 54–46 being somewhat more competitive than Olympia's 58–39.
Other Considerations When Moving to Colorado
This is the stuff that gets overlooked in the excitement of planning:
- HOA rules: Check your destination community's move-in policies. Some restrict hours or require advance notice. Find out before move day.
- Elevator reservation: Moving into a multi-story building? Reserve the elevator in advance — assuming it's available on your day is a mistake you only make once.
- Truck parking permits: Some Colorado municipalities require permits for moving trucks parked on public streets. Check with the relevant city or county before you show up.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) licenses intrastate movers. Verify your mover's license before you sign anything — it's a quick check that protects you from unlicensed operators.
- Moving permits: Colorado doesn't require moving permits statewide, but local parking rules still apply. Confirm restrictions at your specific destination address.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date. Select your official move date when you file so forwarding starts on time.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection comes included with your move but only covers $0.60 per pound per item — essentially nothing on electronics, artwork, or quality furniture. If you have anything of real value, ask your mover about Full Value Protection or look into a third-party policy before you hand over the keys.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to track the weeks leading up to your move. The details that fall through the cracks are usually the expensive ones.
Things to Do in Colorado
Colorado isn't a hard sell as a destination. A few highlights once you're settled:
Museums
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
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 Avalanche (NHL)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
Universities
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- University of Colorado Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
FAQ
How long does a move from Olympia to Colorado take?
Expect three to eight days on average, depending on your method and load size. Summer moves run toward the longer end of that range — peak demand means fuller truck routes and longer delivery windows. Ask your mover for a specific delivery estimate before you book.
Do movers in Olympia offer custom crating services?
28 Olympia movers list custom crating. It's worth considering for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items that standard packaging won't adequately protect. Ask any mover you're vetting about their crate specs and whether they'll customize the build for your specific items.
What's the best way to get a car from Olympia to Colorado?
Don't drive a second vehicle across 1,400 miles if you don't have to. Use a dedicated auto transport company with documented experience on the Washington-to-Colorado corridor. Get quotes from at least two carriers and verify their FMCSA registration before you hand over keys.
Why are people moving from Olympia to Colorado?
Mostly economic: per capita income in Colorado runs about 32% higher than in Olympia, and the overall cost of living index is lower despite higher home prices. The outdoor recreation angle is real too — if you're trading Pacific Northwest rain for Rocky Mountain snow, you're probably doing it with skiing, hiking, and climbing in mind.
Where can I find long-distance moving companies that service Olympia?
Start with our guide to the best interstate movers and filter based on reviews specific to the Washington-to-Colorado route. Get at least three quotes and compare delivery windows, not just price.
Can I pay cash for a move from Olympia?
Currently 11 Olympia movers accept cash payment. That said, cash is the exception — most carriers want traceable payments and digital receipts. Standard practice is a deposit to lock your date and crew, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm acceptable payment methods and exact timing before you sign anything.
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