($713+) Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $698 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,383 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,073 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 $2,333, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,383 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,255 - $4,371, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $698 - $2,018.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fort Collins, CO, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,824 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 Irvine, CA
Moving options from Fort Collins to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,824 - $6,279 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,073 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,073-mile route from Fort Collins to Irvine, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,333 - $5,408, container $1,255 - $2,383, rental truck $698 - $1,367, freight trailer $1,073 - $2,021.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,824 - $6,279, container $1,550 - $3,124, rental truck $793 - $1,707, freight trailer $1,331 - $2,653.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,355 - $8,383, container $2,051 - $4,371, rental truck $1,026 - $2,018, freight trailer $1,693 - $3,295.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,073-mile move from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Irvine, California, with prices running from $2,333 - $8,383. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $407 - $2,712 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Fort Collins and Irvine are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Fort Collins movers tend to run around $301 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Collins to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,333 - $5,408
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,824 - $6,279
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,355 - $8,383
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 Irvine.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Colorado to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Fort Collins movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Irvine, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $678 - $6,780 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Exodus Moving and Storage | $271 - $1,627/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $407 - $3,254 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,356 - $4,068 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,390 - $13,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,016 - $1,930 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,356 - $3,390 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Exodus Moving and Storage | $1,085 - $4,746 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $407 - $2,034 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $881 - $2,712 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $407 - $20,340+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $407 - $4,746+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fort Collins to Irvine?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,255 and $4,371. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Fort Collins runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Collins to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,255 - $2,383
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,550 - $3,124
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,051 - $4,371
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Fort Collins, CO, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $949, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $102 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $203 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Fort Collins, CO, and Irvine, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,255. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,550 - $3,124, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fort Collins to Irvine?
- 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:
- Exodus Moving and Storage (4.6/5), 26 years in business
- Johnson Storage & Moving (4.7/5), 126 years in business
- Choice Moving Company (4.9/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA
Plan on $698 - $2,018 for a rental moving truck on the 1,073-mile route from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Irvine, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $463 - $529
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- 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 Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $698 - $1,367
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $793 - $1,707
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,026 - $2,018
Pro tip: A rental truck from Fort Collins to Irvine looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $698 - $2,018. But once you factor in fuel ($463 - $529) , overnight lodging ($203/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $102 and $475.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $203.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $463 and $529 for the 1,073-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $949 for 2 movers in Fort Collins, Colorado, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fort Collins to Irvine?
- 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 Irvine, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Irvine, 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 $1,220 and $2,653.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Collins to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,073 - $2,021
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,331 - $2,653
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,693 - $3,295
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $102 - $203 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Fort Collins, Colorado, typically costs $949.
What are the best freight companies from Fort Collins to Irvine?
- 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.
- Sutherland Trucking (4.34/5 stars): Sutherland Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Irvine fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Fort Collins, CO vs Irvine, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Fort Collins on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fort Collins, CO | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 116 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,750/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $544,203 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $83,598/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 72.86/100 | 68.99/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Irvine, 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 81 movers in Colorado, so you have real options to compare for this 1,073-mile move.
Our take
A move from Fort Collins, CO, to Irvine, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,333 - $8,383 on the 1,073-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,255 - $4,371, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $698 - $2,018. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,824 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Irvine, CA
How much does it cost to move from Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,333 to $8,383, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,333 and $8,383, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Irvine?
Irvine has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 69, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($463 - $529), daily insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $203/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Fort Collins movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Fort Collins handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
