If you're moving from Washington DC to Colorado, you're leaving one of the most expensive cities in the country for a state where the cost of living index is nearly 40% lower. That financial shift is real and worth planning around. So is the distance — roughly 1,725 miles, which puts this firmly in long-distance moving territory. You're not winging this one.
Below I've laid out what this move actually costs, which DC-area companies consistently deliver on interstate routes, and what you'll want to know before you land in Colorado.
Top Washington DC movers for a move to Colorado
Out of 82 Washington DC-area movers that handle interstate moves, these five consistently earn the strongest customer ratings for routes like this one.
- Olympia Moving & Storage — 4.64 / 5
- Bookstore Movers, LLC — 4.62 / 5
- My Pro Movers — 4.66 / 5
- Artisan Movers — 4.66 / 5
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. — 4.70 / 5
Olympia Moving & Storage
4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD 20781 84% positive reviews | 16% negative
Yelp (145 reviews) | Google (326 reviews) | BBB: A+
Thirty-two years in business and a DOD certification means Olympia has handled complicated, high-stakes moves before. Out of 383 reviews analyzed, 84% are positive — customers call out efficient crews, careful handling, and solid communication throughout. The DOD cert, in particular, is a signal that this company can execute under pressure.
The 16% negative reviews cluster around a few familiar patterns: estimates that balloon at final billing, items arriving damaged or going missing, and a claims process that frustrated people dealing with significant losses. If you're moving anything of real value, get full-valuation coverage in writing before signing. Don't rely on verbal assurances.
DOT#: 70719 | State license: 70719 | In business: 32 years Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage, DOD certified
(703) 566-4391
Bookstore Movers, LLC
5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781 96% positive reviews | 4% negative
Yelp (794 reviews) | Google (258 reviews) | BBB: A+
A 96% positive rate across 230 reviews is genuinely rare in the moving industry. What makes Bookstore Movers stand out isn't just that customers are happy — it's why they're happy. Estimates tend to hold. When what you're quoted reflects what you actually pay, that eliminates the single biggest complaint I see across this industry. Crews are described as fast, careful, and punctual.
The small slice of negatives mention damaged items, a rushed job or two, and some extra charges that weren't expected. One reviewer noted difficulty reaching management during the move. These exceptions exist, but compared to most movers in this market, the track record here is unusually clean.
DOT#: 2005212 | State license: 2005212 | In business: 19 years Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, storage
(202) 570-4697
My Pro Movers
8370 Greensboro Dr, Apt 817, McLean, VA 22102 93% positive reviews | 5% negative
Yelp (99 reviews) | Google (5,359 reviews) | BBB: A-
More than 5,000 Google reviews is a large enough sample to trust. At 93% positive, My Pro Movers earns that volume the right way — customers consistently cite efficient crews, responsive service, and careful handling that outpaces competitors. They're based in McLean and handle interstate routes well.
The complaint I see most often: the gap between quoted and final price. Multiple customers report significantly higher bills than expected. That's a red flag worth taking seriously. Push for a binding quote before you book, and get anything beyond the base service itemized in writing.
DOT#: 3116640 | In business: 7 years | Also known as: MyProMovers LLC Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing
(703) 310-7333
Artisan Movers
6219 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852 94% positive reviews | 5% negative
Yelp (41 reviews) | Google (309 reviews) | BBB: A+
A 94% positive rate across 259 reviews is strong for any mover, let alone one that's only been operating for eight years. Customers consistently mention professionalism, careful handling, and crews who communicate clearly and treat belongings like they matter. For a DC-area company, their Google volume is solid and the Yelp reviews, while fewer, back it up.
Negatives include some isolated damage reports and a few billing complaints. Nothing that looks like a systemic issue — more like the floor-level variance you'd expect from any high-volume operation.
DOT#: 2957382 | State license: 2957382 | In business: 8 years | Also known as: Artisan Movers Inc. Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage
(240) 570-8593
Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.
20 Southlawn Ct, Ste A, Rockville, MD 20850 91% positive reviews | 8% negative
Yelp (146 reviews) | Google (1,082 reviews) | BBB: A+
Zip Moving carries a 4.7 out of 5 average — the highest on this list — and backs it with over 1,000 Google reviews. At $125/hr, they're not the cheapest, but customers say you get what you pay for. Crews arrive on time, handle items carefully, and communicate well. Reviewers specifically mention pricing transparency and flexibility when plans change last-minute.
The 8% negative reviews include damage claims and cost overruns — particularly on long-distance moves. If this is your pick for the DC-to-Colorado haul, nail down the long-haul pricing structure before you sign. Don't let "local rate" assumptions carry over to a 1,700-mile move.
DOT#: 3306591 | State license: 2586700 | In business: 9 years | Rate: $125/hr Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing
(855) 947-6543
Washington DC specialty moving services
Here's a quick snapshot of what's available across DC-area movers for specialty services:
| Service | # of Movers | % of DC Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 73 | 89% |
| Small moves | 46 | 56% |
| Antiques | 43 | 52% |
| Art | 45 | 55% |
| Pianos | 58 | 71% |
| Fragile-only packing | 23 | 28% |
If you have anything fragile, valuable, or awkward — a piano, antique furniture, high-end art — confirm capability and coverage before booking. "We can handle it" and "we have experience with it and will insure it properly" are different conversations.
Cost to move from Washington DC to Colorado
Before diving in, use our moving cost calculator to get a ballpark specific to your home size and situation. The table below shows typical ranges for this route by service type.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,182 – $4,707 | $988 – $2,639 | $944 – $1,870 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,919 – $6,232 | $1,854 – $3,898 | $1,010 – $2,270 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,482 – $9,692 | $2,382 – $4,832 | $1,300 – $2,750 |
Estimates based on a 1,725-mile move from Washington DC to Colorado, using pricing data compiled as of January 2026. Final costs vary based on move size, optional services, access challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Get quotes from at least three movers before booking.
Cost to hire movers from Washington DC to Colorado
For a studio or one-bedroom, professional movers on this route run $1,182–$4,707. A two- to three-bedroom home comes in at $2,919–$6,232. A four-bedroom or larger move typically lands between $5,482 and $9,692.
That's a wide spread. The difference between the low and high end of those ranges often comes down to how full your place actually is, whether you add packing services, and how competitive the quotes you gather are. Getting three estimates before you book is the single most consistent way to lower what you pay.
Cost of moving containers from Washington DC to Colorado
Moving containers — PODS and similar services — sit between full-service movers and DIY rentals on both cost and effort. You pack at your own pace; the company handles transportation. For a cross-country move of this length, that's a meaningful convenience.
Studio or one-bedroom: $988–$2,639. Two to three bedrooms: $1,854–$3,898. Four or more bedrooms: $2,382–$4,832.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Colorado
A rental truck is usually the cheapest option on paper — but keep in mind you're driving yourself across 1,700 miles, then doing all the loading and unloading on both ends. That's a serious physical and logistical commitment.
If that trade-off works for you: studio or one-bedroom, $944–$1,870; two to three bedrooms, $1,010–$2,270; four bedrooms or more, $1,300–$2,750. Fuel costs are factored into these estimates.
Factors that affect your moving cost from Washington DC to Colorado
Three things move the price most on this route:
- Move size. More furniture and boxes means more truck space, more labor hours, and more cost. Decluttering before your move isn't just practical — it directly reduces what you pay.
- Time of year. Summer is peak moving season. Rates go up, schedules fill faster, and delivery windows stretch. Moving in fall or early spring gives you pricing leverage and more options.
- DIY vs. professional movers. Going full-DIY saves money on paper but costs time and physical effort. If you're weighing that trade-off, check out affordable moving companies — the gap closes more than most people expect once you factor in truck fuel, packing supplies, and time.
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Colorado
Colorado is a real change from DC — financially, climatically, and in terms of day-to-day life. Here's what the data shows.
Cost of living comparison: Washington DC vs. Colorado
| Washington DC | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,400 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $594,337 | $541,072 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 151 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 5.49% |
Sources — Washington DC: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Colorado: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
A few things worth calling out:
- Rent is roughly 34% cheaper in Colorado. That's a significant monthly difference that compounds fast.
- Housing costs run about 9% lower — not a massive gap, but consistent.
- Income averages around 14% lower in Colorado. If you're job-hunting there, factor that into budget projections before you move.
- Overall cost of living is about 40% lower in Colorado than DC. That's one of the larger index gaps I see on East-to-West routes.
- Unemployment in Colorado runs about 41% below DC's rate — a meaningful indicator of the health of the job market.
- State income tax is nearly identical: Colorado's 5.49% vs. DC's 5.75%. No shock to your paycheck from that direction.
How life changes when you move from Washington DC to Colorado
| Washington DC | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49–48 | Democrat 54–46 |
| Summer high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 27°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 14″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 36.4 |
Sources — Washington DC: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Colorado: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.
- Politically, Colorado voted Democrat in the last presidential election while DC leaned Republican. That's a noticeable cultural shift depending on where you land in the state.
- Summers are similar temperature-wise — 86°F vs. 89°F — but Colorado is dramatically drier. Most people from DC notice this immediately, usually in a positive way.
- Winters are colder. Colorado's lows hit 13°F vs. DC's 27°F. Budget for heating and proper gear — but you're also closer to some of the best skiing in the country.
- Rain drops from 43 inches annually to just 16 inches. Clearer skies, more outdoor time.
- Snow jumps from 14 inches to 63 inches per year. The mountains drive most of that, but Denver proper gets real winters too. Plan accordingly.
- Crime is meaningfully lower in Colorado, with an index of 36.4 vs. 60.37 in DC. Safer neighborhoods across most of the state.
Other logistics to handle before your move to Colorado
Don't close on a mover until you've worked through this list:
- HOA rules. If you're moving into an HOA community, check for restrictions on move-in days, hours, or which entrances trucks can use.
- Elevator reservations. Many apartment buildings require advance booking for freight elevators on move day. Confirm this early — it can affect your scheduling.
- Truck parking permits. Some Colorado cities require permits for large moving vehicles. Check with your destination municipality before move day.
- State licensing. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate movers. Verify any mover you hire is properly licensed — a quick lookup on the state's regulatory site.
- Moving permits. Colorado doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking regulations vary. Confirm with your city before your movers arrive.
- Change of address. File your USPS change-of-address form at least one week before you move. Set your official start date and mail will follow you to Colorado automatically.
- Moving insurance. Released Value Protection is the default with most movers, but it only pays 60 cents per pound per item. For anything of real value — a TV, a piece of furniture, art — that's inadequate. Ask about full-valuation coverage or look into third-party moving insurance.
- Moving checklist. Keep everything organized from booking through the first week in your new place with a solid moving checklist.
Things to do in Colorado
Colorado has a lot going for it beyond cost of living. Here's a quick orientation.
Museums in Colorado
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
Parks in Colorado
- 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 in Colorado
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
Universities in Colorado
- 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 Washington DC to Colorado take?
Plan for four to fifteen days depending on the service you choose and the time of year. Full-service movers typically give you a delivery window, not a guaranteed date. Summer moves often stretch toward the longer end due to demand. Confirm the delivery timeline explicitly when you book — don't assume.
How many Washington DC movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
53 DC-area movers offer custom crating for delicate items — artwork, antiques, electronics. If you have specific pieces that need it, verify the mover's actual capability before you sign. "We do crating" and "we've built custom crates for a 19th-century armoire and can insure it properly" are different things.
What's the best way to move a car from Washington DC to Colorado?
Auto transport is usually the right call for a 1,700-mile move — driving your own vehicle that distance while coordinating a full household move is a lot. Our car shipping guide covers vetted options for the Maryland-to-Colorado corridor.
Why are people moving from Washington DC to Colorado?
Lower cost of living is the most common financial driver. Beyond that, Colorado attracts people with its job market — particularly in tech, energy, and outdoor industries — and its access to mountains and outdoor recreation. The combination of economic opportunity and quality of life is hard to match on the East Coast at this price point.
Where can I find the best long-distance movers for this route?
The five companies listed above have strong track records on interstate moves from the DC area. For a broader comparison that includes national carriers, our best long-distance movers guide is a good place to start.
Do Washington DC movers accept cash?
Yes — 31 DC-area movers accept cash. That said, cash is unusual for a reason: there's no paper trail if something goes wrong. Most movers require a deposit to hold your booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods before signing anything.
Compare quotes from multiple movers before committing. The range on this route is wide enough that a few hours of research can easily save you $1,000 or more.