($678+) Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO Movers
The cost to move from Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO ranges from $1,135 to $8,475, with an average cost of $3,050. Moves can be as low as $678 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 $1,135 - $8,475 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,050, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 69% 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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,135 - $5,063 | $1,146 - $2,249 | $726 - $1,352 | $1,021 - $1,945 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,533 - $5,840 | $1,477 - $2,978 | $784 - $1,640 | $1,181 - $2,504 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,039 - $8,475 | $2,138 - $4,088 | $910 - $1,958 | $1,677 - $3,207 |
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 Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Hiring full-service movers from Irvine, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, costs between $1,135 and $8,475. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,078-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $436 - $2,908, 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 Irvine and Fort Collins. For a rough baseline, movers based in Irvine tend to start around $197 plus $75/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 Irvine to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,135 - $5,063
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,533 - $5,840
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,039 - $8,475
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.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Irvine movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fort Collins, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing77% of local movers | $727 - $7,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $291 - $1,745/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $436 - $3,490 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% 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 items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,454 - $3,635 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,163 - $5,089 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $436 - $2,181 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $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 offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Irvine, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Moving containers from Irvine, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, cost between $1,146 and $4,088. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Fort Collins. If you go over that window, storage in Irvine adds around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,146 - $2,249
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,477 - $2,978
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,138 - $4,088
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Irvine, CA and Fort Collins, CO. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,018 in Irvine, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $109 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $218 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,146. 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 $1,477 - $2,978.
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:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Irvine, CA to Fort Collins, CO
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,078 miles from Irvine, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, running $726 - $1,958. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $726 - $1,352
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $784 - $1,640
- 4+ bedrooms: $910 - $1,958
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $726 - $1,958 does not include fuel ($499 - $570), lodging ($218/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Irvine to Fort Collins typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $499 - $570 for the 1,078-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Irvine, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,018.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,078-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $218 per night, adding $436 - $654 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $73 and $436.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Irvine, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Fort Collins, Colorado.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,181 and $2,504.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,021 - $1,945
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,181 - $2,504
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,677 - $3,207
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $109 - $218 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Irvine, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,018.
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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Fort Collins quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
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 use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Colorado over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,078-mile move.
Our take
The 1,078-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Fort Collins, CO, costs between $1,135 and $8,475 with full-service movers, $1,146 - $4,088 with a moving container, and $726 - $1,958 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,533 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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
Is Fort Collins a safe place to live?
Fort Collins has a safety index of 72.86 out of 100 and a crime index of 17.0, compared to 68.99 and 31.01 in Irvine. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What are the best neighborhoods in Fort Collins?
For families, Old Town, City Park, and Huntington Hills are worth a look in Fort Collins. If you're moving solo or without kids, Old Town, City Park, and Ram's Village tend to be popular picks instead.
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 do local movers charge in Irvine?
Local movers based in Irvine typically start around $197 as a base rate, plus $75/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 Fort Collins run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.