($733+) Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO Movers
The cost to move from Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO ranges from $1,266 to $8,643, with an average cost of $3,150. Moves can be as low as $733 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,078 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Moving options from Irvine to Fort Collins fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,266 - $8,643 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,150, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,078 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,078-mile route from Irvine to Fort Collins, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,266 - $5,010, container $1,303 - $2,269, rental truck $755 - $1,462, freight trailer $1,072 - $2,187.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,577 - $6,644, container $1,533 - $3,254, rental truck $816 - $1,656, freight trailer $1,291 - $2,449.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,733 - $8,643, container $2,136 - $4,080, rental truck $945 - $1,914, freight trailer $1,796 - $3,570.
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 Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO
For the 1,078-mile move from Irvine, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, full-service movers cost between $1,266 and $8,643. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $436 - $2,908 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Irvine generally start around $197 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Irvine to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,266 - $5,010
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,577 - $6,644
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,733 - $8,643
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 Irvine to Fort Collins.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Colorado. 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 Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Irvine movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Fort Collins, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $727 - $7,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $291 - $1,745/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $436 - $3,490 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,454 - $4,362 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,635 - $14,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,089 - $2,069 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,454 - $3,635 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,163 - $5,089 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling35% of local movers | $436 - $2,181 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $945 - $2,908 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $436 - $21,810+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $436 - $5,089+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Irvine to Fort Collins?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Irvine, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Moving containers from Irvine, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, cost between $1,303 and $4,080. 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 Irvine typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,303 - $2,269
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,533 - $3,254
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,136 - $4,080
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 Irvine, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,018, 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 $109 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $218 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Irvine, CA, and Fort Collins, CO, 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 California to Colorado 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 $1,303. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,533 - $3,254, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Irvine to Fort Collins?
- 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 Irvine 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 Irvine:
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO
A rental truck for this 1,078-mile move from Irvine, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, costs between $755 and $1,914. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $499 - $570
- Daily insurance: $44/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Irvine daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Irvine to Fort Collins based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $755 - $1,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $816 - $1,656
- 4+ bedrooms: $945 - $1,914
Pro tip: The base rate of $755 - $1,914 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Irvine to Fort Collins. Fuel ($499 - $570) , lodging at around $218/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $109 and $509.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $218.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $499 and $570 for the 1,078-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 $1,018 for 2 movers in Irvine, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Irvine to Fort Collins?
- 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 Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Irvine, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado. 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 $1,309 and $2,449.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,072 - $2,187
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,291 - $2,449
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,796 - $3,570
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Irvine, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,018.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $109 and $218 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Irvine to Fort Collins?
- 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.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling 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 Fort Collins 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: Irvine, CA vs Fort Collins, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fort Collins, side by side with Irvine on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Irvine, CA | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 116 |
| Average rent | $4,000/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Median home value | $1,113,305 | $544,203 |
| Average income | $129,647/yr | $83,598/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 68.99/100 | 72.86/100 |
| 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 Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Colorado, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,078-mile move.
Our take
A move from Irvine, CA, to Fort Collins, CO, 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 $1,266 - $8,643 on the 1,078-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,303 - $4,080, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $755 - $1,914. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,577 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 Advanced Energy Industries and RIMROCK.
FAQs: Moving from Irvine, CA, to Fort Collins, CO
How do I know a mover is licensed in Colorado?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($499 - $570), daily insurance ($44/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $29) on top. Overnight stops can add another $218/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Fort Collins?
Fort Collins has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 78, compared to 43 and 69 in Irvine. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO?
Costs on this route range from around $1,266 to $8,643, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,266 and $8,643, 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
