($692+) Fort Collins, CO to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $692 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,294 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,170 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,072, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,294 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,275 - $4,143, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $692 - $1,988.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fort Collins, CO, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,729 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Fort Collins, CO to Modesto, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Fort Collins to Modesto: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,729 - $6,241. Containers cost roughly 46% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 73% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,170 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,170-mile route from Fort Collins to Modesto, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,072 - $5,200 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,275 - $2,159), rental truck ($692 - $1,455), or freight trailer ($1,070 - $2,044). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,729 - $6,241 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,294.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fort Collins, CO to Modesto, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Modesto, California, costs between $2,072 and $8,294. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,170-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $348 - $2,320, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Fort Collins and Modesto. For a rough baseline, movers based in Fort Collins tend to start around $301 plus $120/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Collins to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,072 - $5,200
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,729 - $6,241
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,503 - $8,294
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Fort Collins to Modesto.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Fort Collins, CO to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Fort Collins movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Modesto, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $580 - $5,800 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $232 - $1,392/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $348 - $2,784 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage16% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $1,160 - $3,480 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,900 - $11,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $869 - $1,651 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,160 - $2,900 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $928 - $4,060 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $348 - $1,740 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationally | $754 - $2,320 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $348 - $17,400+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $348 - $4,060+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fort Collins to Modesto?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Fort Collins, CO. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Fort Collins, CO to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,275 and $4,143. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Fort Collins typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Collins to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,275 - $2,159
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,486 - $3,101
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,116 - $4,143
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $87 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $174 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $812 in Fort Collins, CO, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Modesto, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Colorado to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,275. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,486 - $3,101.
What are the best moving containers Fort Collins to Modesto?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Fort Collins to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Fort Collins:
- Little Guys Movers (4.9/5), 34 years in business
- Choice Moving Company (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Two College Movers (4.8/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fort Collins, CO to Modesto, CA
Truck rentals from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Modesto, California, range from $692 - $1,988 for the 1,170-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $432 - $494
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Fort Collins daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Fort Collins to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $692 - $1,455
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $747 - $1,697
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,017 - $1,988
Pro tip: The base rate of $692 - $1,988 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Fort Collins to Modesto. Fuel ($432 - $494), lodging at around $174/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Fort Collins, Colorado, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $812.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $432 - $494 for the 1,170-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $70 and $377, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $174 per night for hotel stops on the 1,170-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $348 - $522.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fort Collins to Modesto?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Fort Collins, CO to Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Modesto, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,044 and $2,406.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Collins to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,070 - $2,044
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,213 - $2,406
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,727 - $3,215
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Fort Collins, Colorado, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $812.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $87 - $174 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Fort Collins to Modesto?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Fort Collins to Modesto, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Fort Collins, CO vs Modesto, CA
Fort Collins and Modesto land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 116 in Fort Collins and 116 in Modesto, and average rent is $1,750/mo vs. $1,800/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 37 vs 48 and safety scores are 72.86 vs 34.24.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Fort Collins, CO guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Colorado to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 278 movers in Colorado, so you have real options to compare for this 1,170-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Fort Collins, CO, to Modesto, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,072 - $8,294 on the 1,170-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,275 - $4,143 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $692 - $1,988 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,729 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Modesto, CA
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Fort Collins?
Local movers based in Fort Collins typically start around $301 as a base rate, plus $120/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Modesto run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What are the best neighborhoods in Modesto?
For families, Del Rio, Dutch Hollow, and La Loma are worth a look in Modesto. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Modesto, College Area, and McHenry Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Modesto?
Modesto has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 37 and 78 in Fort Collins. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Fort Collins movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Fort Collins handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.