Moving From Chicago To Denver: What To Expect

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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!