Moving From Chicago To Denver: What To Expect

It’s a thousand miles to Denver, but iMoving can help you every step of the way. We’ll break down our top picks for Chicago to Denver movers, and introduce you to some must-do local experiences in your new hometown.

If you’re going to be dealing with snow and freezing temps, you may as well get some pretty scenery out of it - and you may as well live someplace that won’t kill you, either.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to Chiraq and pack your bags, your first step should be reading this guide. Your second step should be using iMoving to book your movers.

iMoving is an easy-to-use online platform, and we’re not just bragging when we say there’s no one else quite like us. We’re the only place where you can shop around for movers, compare prices, and book your move entirely online. No house calls or phone calls are required.

If you’re already desperate to get out of town, you can use iMoving to cut straight to booking your move. But if you’re trying to learn a little more about the Chicago to Denver route, read on to see what you can expect before, during, and after moving day.


How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers from Chicago to Denver?

It’ll cost you from $2,010 – $8,522 to move from Chicago to Denver. It may cost you a little more or a little less depending on a variety of different factors (more on those later), but for the most part, the price of a long-distance move depends on the distance you’re traveling, and the amount of stuff you’re hauling.

Chicago and Denver aren’t getting closer together anytime soon. There’s not much you can do about the 1,001.8 miles between point A and point B.

But, you can definitely cut down on your price by downsizing and getting rid of your unwanted stuff. Just keep in mind, a smaller haul doesn’t necessarily mean a faster haul…

Choose Item

1 Bedroom:$2,010 – $2,521

2-3 Bedroom:$3,212 – $4,814

4-5 Bedroom:$5,511 – $7,212

1 Bedroom:$2,222 – $2,823

2-3 Bedroom:$3,517 – $5,019

4-5 Bedroom:$6,210 – $7,820

1 Bedroom:$2,524 – $3,025

2-3 Bedroom:$3,821 – $5,524

4-5 Bedroom:$6,521 – $8,522


3 Best Movers from Chicago to Denver

You’ve braced your wallet and marked your calendar, but who do you choose to do the heavy lifting? We put together a list of some of our top picks for Chicago to Denver moving:

1. New City Moving

2. TTG Movers

3. King David Moving & Storage

1

New City Moving

Alternate Text
  • Disassembly and Reassembly
  • Custom Crating
  • Extensive Moving Services

New City Moving is a Chicago establishment. They got their start when their founder got fed up with other movers damaging his stuff, and ever since, they’ve been providing quality moves and careful packing.

They also offer a solid range of storage options, including on-site, document, and mobile storage.

New City Moving deserves a recommendation on its reputation alone, but we’ll talk them up a little more: Multiple storage options, a fleet of clean and tidy trucks, and a commitment to keeping your stuff safe.

What’s not to love? New City Moving is a great option for moving to Chicago and beyond.

Pros

  • Over 130 moving trucks
  • Storage available
  • Highly-trained moving teams
  • Chicago specialists
  • Last-minute moves available

Cons

  • Popular and in-demand
2

TTG Movers

Alternate Text
  • Professional Team
  • Customer-Centric Approach
  • Affordable Pricing

TTG (short for Trained to Go) Movers is based in Aurora, but they can handle moves all over Illinois and beyond. With a solid reputation and a broad menu of helpful services, they can help you get packed and get out of town. Their website’s a little 1.0, but we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to maintenance.

We’ve seen a lot of moving companies in our time, so TTG’s Yelp and Google ratings are pretty darn impressive. It’s not easy to find a mover that scores high with customers on both platforms, so we’re tempted to recommend them on reputation alone.

Fortunately, they offer custom crating and specialty moves (pianos, pool tables, gun safes, etc.) to back up their good reputation.

Pros

  • Solid reviews
  • Specialty moving services
  • Storage available
  • Custom crating
  • Commercial moving

Cons

  • Website’s kinda rough
  • Email or text form required for quote
3

King David Moving & Storage

Alternate Text
  • Storage Solutions
  • Free Estimates
  • Full-Service Logistics

TTG has a great rep, but King David Moving & Storage is pretty close on their heels. Positive reviews aside, where King David really shines is the convenience of getting a quote: You can fill out an inventory list on their website, and pick and choose the services you’ll need. Plus, when you’re visiting their website, you can read up on some helpful moving guides!

We’re happy to recommend King David Moving & Storage - you could say we’ve got a soft spot for anyone who offers helpful moving guides and an easy-to-use utility for booking movers.

They’ve got a slick website and a great menu of services, and their reputation keeps them competitive with other highly-rated companies.

Pros

  • Highly rated
  • Easy to get quotes
  • Storage available
  • Helpful online guides
  • Packing supplies available

Cons

  • Primarily Illinois specialists

How Long Does Moving Take?

A long-distance move typically takes between 2 and 21 days, and Chicago to Denver is no different.

Carriers are legally only able to travel 400 miles per day on the highway, so you’re looking at a 2-day minimum. Whether you’re waiting around for much longer really depends on how much is being transported.

Unfortunately, a smaller haul doesn’t mean a shorter waiting period. Carriers don’t like sending half-empty trucks all over the place.

Instead, they’ll bundle multiple moves in the same trailer, so you may have to wait as your carrier makes pickups and dropoffs along the way.


What Factors Affect the Cost of a Chicago to Denver Move?

Moving from Chicago to Denver can break the bank, or it can be downright affordable. Take a look at some of the biggest factors that go into your final price:

1. Distance

When you’re looking at a long distance move, the distance is probably the biggest factor behind your price. More miles mean more dollars, and since you can’t really change the distance between Chicago and Denver, you’ll just have to brace for impact and prepare your wallet accordingly.

2. Weight/Volume

Second, to the distance, the physical size of your move is probably the next biggest factor behind your final price. Fortunately, you can do something about it.

We always recommend downsizing as much as possible before shopping for a quote. Sell, donate, or just plain trash that stuff you’re not using anymore.

3. Packing

Packing is a pain, and it can cost you a few bucks, too. If you really want to cheap out, you can check liquor stores (yes, liquor stores - they usually have tons of sturdy boxes on hand), bookstores or nearby offices to see if they have any boxes they’d be willing to part with. But, if you want to save yourself the whole hassle, you can pay your movers to do the packing for you.

4. Time of Year

You probably thought you were pretty clever, thinking you’d move when the weather was warm and the kids were out of school. Unfortunately, that’s when everyone wants to move.

The summer months are when moving companies are in the highest demand, so avoid moving from June through August if you want to save some serious money. 

5. Access Fees

Does your apartment building have a ton of stairs and an elevator? Does your house have a long driveway? What about parking permits, narrow hallways, and gates? These are all obstacles that your movers will have to deal with, and they’ll charge you extra for the extra hassle.

You may not be able to wriggle out of paying these fees but mention the obstacles ahead of time to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

6. Insurance

It’s rare, but sometimes stuff gets broken. Moving companies offer a federally mandated minimum coverage, but it’s only good for $0.60 per pound.

That means if your 4-pound Macbook breaks, you’re only getting $2.40. Pay a little extra for full-value coverage, and enjoy a stress-free move with greater peace of mind.

7. Gratuity

Tipflation is real, so you’re probably rolling your eyes right now. Don’t worry, this isn’t some “35% tip for a Starbucks” extortion deal. Moving is really tough work, and tips have been accepted - and expected - in the industry since hunter-gatherer times.

Set aside some cash (we recommend 15% - 20% of the total price of your move) and divide it up between your whole moving team.


Why Do People Move from Chicago to Denver?

There are a lot of reasons to move from the Windy City, but why are people Denver-bound? Take a look at why people are making the move:

  • Less crime: Every time we (read: I) write about Chicago, we always mention the crime. Is it as bad as they say it is? Probably. Do you want to find out? Didn’t think so. Play it safe, get out of town, and move to Denver.
  • Booming Economy: Denver - for better or for worse - is some kinda Mecca for annoying tech bros. This means you’ll have to deal with pricier just-about-everything, but there’s also a tech sector that will help you pay for just about everything, too.
  • The Great Outdoors: You can go outside in Chicago, but then what? Do you look at a lake? The Midwest sucks and I’m tired of pretending Chicago isn’t part of that entire godforsaken region hahaha go to Colorado and climb a mountain or something instead
  • Smaller: Denver is also a much smaller city. You don’t have to go far to find some peace and quiet (assuming the Californians aren’t actively ruining things), and the city itself is a good blend of activity and tranquility.
  • A Different Vibe: Not only is Denver smaller and quieter, it also has a lot more people who came there for the same reasons: the great outdoors, the tech, and the serenity of living way up in the mountains. Your neighbors will probably have Tibetan prayer flags.

Things to Do in Denver

  • Lower Downtown: The locals may or may not call this area LoDo, depending on whether or not you want to believe the marketing materials. Whatever it’s called, this neighborhood has tons of breweries, boutiques, and cafes. Bring your Platinum Card.
  • Microbreweries Galore: Denver is pretty big on microbreweries. In a couple of months, you’ll be rocking a flannel and “enjoying” an IPA with the best of them. Don’t worry - some of these spots have unironically good brews, and the food’s great, too.
  • Red Rocks Amphitheater: It’s a concert venue, but it’s also carved outta giant rocks for impeccable acoustics. Tons of famous acts have played here, from the Beatles to Depeche Mode. Better book your tickets.
  • Rocky Mountain National Park: This is a HUGE national park that’s a day trip away from Denver. People come from all over the world to soak it all up. 415 square miles of mountains, lakes, forests, and wildlife. Beat that, Chicago.
  • Denver Botanic Gardens: If Rocky Mountain National Park is too far away for you or you’re just feeling like keeping it local, you can visit the Botanic Gardens for a little slice of greenery in the big(ish) city. 
  • Meow Wolf Denver: It’s a little hard to describe this one. Part art gallery, part interactive exhibit, part acid trip, Meow Wolf is a psychedelic experience that definitely warrants a visit. Just check it out and see for yourself.

Chicago to Denver FAQ

The median home price in Denver is about $560,000. On the other hand, the median home price in Chicago is about $280,000.

Chicago is a lot cheaper, but you’ll find that as soon as people get enough money to get out, they jump at the opportunity. It may be pricier in Denver, but at least you’re not getting shot at wherever you go shopping.

Look, I’m just not gonna call it LoDo. It’s Lower Downtown. That’s a good spot. Pricey, but lots to do. And I’m not gonna call it LoHi either. That’s Lower Highlands.

That place is alright, too, assuming you can afford it. RiNo? You gotta be kidding me. Look, just choose a neighborhood with an annoying nickname and you’ll be safe and happy.

The cheapest way to move long distances is to DIY the whole process, but this comes with a pretty big asterisk. When you DIY your move, you still need to rent a truck, pay for the packing materials, and shell out for gas.

You’re probably going to have to pay out of pocket for food and lodging, too - not to mention the missed work hours from your little DIY adventure. Sometimes, it’s just worth the extra few bucks to hire the pros.

Every carrier has its own no-go list for moving long distances. These lists can vary, but there’s a fast-and-loose rule that can help you plan ahead: Nothing flammable, nothing pressurized, nothing perishable, and nothing alive.

If you’re feeling iffy about any of your items, it’s a good idea to communicate with your movers ahead of time. Don’t be afraid to call them.

You shouldn’t have to pay your movers the whole bill before they pick up your stuff.

A small percentage as a down payment is pretty standard, but if your movers ask you to pay for the whole thing, you should run the other way. It’s a common scam tactic.


Moving from Chicago to Denver? Tell us more and let’s get packing!

You’ve seen our top picks for Chicago to Denver moving, and you’ve seen what you can expect from the Mile High City. If you’re ready to leave town and head to the mountains, iMoving can help.

We made it easier than ever to shop around and book your movers. Just tell us more about your move, and let’s get you packed!


Harrison Gough

Harrison has been writing for real estate and moving companies for the past three years, but his knowledge isn't just from behind a desk. Having moved over a dozen times himself, sometimes with professional help and sometimes on his own, he's learned firsthand what makes moving smooth and what makes it stressful. When he's not writing, he's looking into ways to make his next move simpler.

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