How I Cut My Cost of Moving to Denver by Almost Half

Moving to Denver is exciting but the cost of moving to Denver can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. When I first planned my move, I was shocked by how quickly the expenses added up, from hiring movers to renting a truck and buying packing supplies. I knew Denver was becoming a popular relocation destination but I didn’t expect the moving costs to be so steep. Determined not to overspend, I researched every possible way to save money and ended up cutting my moving costs by almost half.

In this blog post, I’ll share the exact steps I took to make my move to Denver affordable without sacrificing convenience. You’ll discover how to find affordable moving companies in Denver, compare moving quotes, and choose between DIY moving and professional services. I’ll also break down the cost differences between moving during peak season and off-season, how I scored free packing supplies from local sources, and which discounts made the biggest impact on my final moving bill.

Whether you're planning a local move within Denver or relocating from another state, this guide will give you practical tips to reduce your moving expenses. You’ll learn how to navigate moving truck rentals, avoid hidden fees, and use moving cost calculators to estimate your budget accurately. By the end of this post, you'll have a clear strategy to make your move to Denver much more affordable while avoiding common pitfalls.

Understanding the Average Cost of Moving to Denver

When I first started planning my move to Denver, I had no idea how much it would cost. I figured I’d just book a moving truck, pack up my stuff, and hit the road. But once I started getting moving quotes, I quickly realized the cost of moving to Denver can be surprisingly high, depending on where you're coming from, how much you’re moving, and what kind of services you use.

For a long-distance move to Denver, professional moving companies quoted me anywhere from $3,500 to $6,000, depending on whether I wanted full-service packing and unpacking. Even moving locally within Denver can cost between $1,200 and $2,500 for a two-bedroom apartment if you hire movers. The estimates were overwhelming, and I knew I needed a plan to cut costs.

I also learned that moving during peak season, usually summer, can increase prices by 20% or more. Movers are busiest between May and September, and many charge higher rates for weekend moves. I realized I could save money just by being flexible with my moving date, and that was the first step toward reducing my expenses.

My 6 Proven Strategies to Cut the Cost of Moving to Denver

After hours of research and a few conversations with people who’d already moved to Denver, I came up with a game plan. Here’s exactly what worked for me.

Downsizing Before the Move

One of the biggest cost factors for any move is the total weight of your belongings. Most moving companies charge based on either weight or cubic feet. So, I decided to downsize.

I went through every closet, drawer, and storage bin and asked myself a simple question: Do I really want to pay to move this? Denver’s known for its outdoor lifestyle, and I realized I didn’t need to bring half the stuff that was cluttering my old apartment. I sold some furniture on Facebook Marketplace, donated clothes I hadn’t worn in years, and even hosted a garage sale.

By the time moving day arrived, I had cut my belongings down by nearly 40%. This alone lowered my moving quote by over $800.

Choosing the Right Time to Move

I originally planned to move in late June, but after reading about peak-season moving costs, I decided to wait until October. It turns out, the off-season is one of the best times to move to Denver if you’re looking to save money.

Many moving companies in Denver offer lower rates during the fall and winter when demand drops. I scheduled my move for a weekday in mid-October, avoiding the higher weekend rates. By moving during the off-season and choosing a weekday, I shaved an additional $500 off my total moving cost.

Comparing Multiple Moving Quotes

I can’t stress this enough: never settle for the first moving quote you get. I reached out to five moving companies in Denver and nearby areas like Aurora, Lakewood, and Littleton. The price difference was shocking.

One company quoted me $4,200 for a long-distance move, while another offered the same services for $2,900. Both companies had solid reviews, but one was simply more affordable. I also discovered that some movers offer price matching if you show them a competitor's quote.

Getting multiple quotes saved me around $1,300, and it only took an extra hour or two of research.

Opting for a DIY Move

After comparing professional movers with the cost of a DIY move, I realized I could save even more by renting a moving truck. I looked into U-Haul, Penske, and Budget, and ended up choosing a 20-foot truck from Penske, which had the best long-distance rates for my route to Denver.

Renting the truck, paying for gas, and handling the move myself ended up costing me about $1,000—less than half of what professional movers would have charged. Of course, the trade-off was the extra work, but with the help of a few friends and some careful packing, it was manageable.

Finding Free or Cheap Packing Supplies

I was surprised at how quickly packing supplies can add up. Boxes, bubble wrap, and tape can easily cost $300 or more, especially if you buy them from a moving company. Instead, I got creative.

I found free moving boxes on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Many people in Denver post their used boxes after they’ve unpacked, and I picked up nearly 40 boxes from someone who had just moved into a nearby neighborhood.

For padding, I used towels, blankets, and even clothes to wrap fragile items. I bought a few rolls of packing tape, but everything else was either free or repurposed. This small step saved me at least $200.

Taking Advantage of Discounts and Tax Deductions

I also discovered that many moving companies offer discounts for students, military members, and seniors. While I didn’t qualify for these, I found a first-time customer discount with the truck rental company I used. It wasn’t huge, but every bit helps.

Additionally, if you’re moving for work, some moving expenses may be tax-deductible. I kept all my receipts and consulted a tax professional after the move. While tax laws can be tricky, I was able to deduct a portion of my moving costs, which effectively lowered my overall expenses.

Making Your Move to Denver Affordable and Stress-Free

Moving to Denver doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By downsizing your belongings, choosing the right time to move, comparing quotes, and exploring DIY options, it’s entirely possible to cut the cost of moving to Denver by a significant margin. My own experience showed me that with careful planning and a little creativity, you can save thousands without compromising the quality of your move.

Beyond the financial savings, following these strategies also made the moving process less stressful. I wasn’t scrambling at the last minute or dealing with unexpected fees because I had taken the time to research my options and make smart choices. Whether you're moving across the country or just relocating within Colorado, understanding how to navigate moving expenses can make all the difference.

If you're ready to start planning your move and want to keep costs under control, reach out to Careful Carriers Moving today. Their team can help you find affordable solutions tailored to your needs, making your move to Denver smooth, efficient, and budget-friendly. Don’t let high moving costs hold you back from your next adventure, contact Careful Carriers Moving now and get a personalized moving quote to start saving.