($665+) Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $665 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,825 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,072, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,825 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,207 - $3,806, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $665 - $1,866.
- 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 $2,534 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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,534 - $6,108 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 70% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,073 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,072 - $4,709 | $1,207 - $2,248 | $665 - $1,237 | $1,096 - $1,965 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,534 - $6,108 | $1,568 - $3,037 | $755 - $1,610 | $1,243 - $2,310 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,279 - $7,825 | $2,056 - $3,806 | $903 - $1,866 | $1,629 - $3,171 |
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 Irvine, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,073-mile move from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Irvine, California, with costs ranging from $2,072 - $7,825. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $407 - $2,712. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Fort Collins and Irvine. Local movers in Fort Collins typically start around $301 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Collins to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,072 - $4,709
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,534 - $6,108
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,279 - $7,825
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.
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 Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Fort Collins movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Irvine, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $678 - $6,780 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $271 - $1,627/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $407 - $3,254 |
| 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 | $1,356 - $4,068 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,390 - $13,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,016 - $1,930 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,356 - $3,390 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,085 - $4,746 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $407 - $2,034 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationally | $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?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Fort Collins, CO, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,207 and $3,806. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Fort Collins typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Collins to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,207 - $2,248
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,568 - $3,037
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,056 - $3,806
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $949 in Fort Collins, CO. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $102 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $203 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Irvine, CA, destination before booking.
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 $1,207. 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 $1,568 - $3,037.
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:
- 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 Irvine, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,073 miles from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Irvine, California, running $665 - $1,866. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $665 - $1,237
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $755 - $1,610
- 4+ bedrooms: $903 - $1,866
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $665 - $1,866 when pricing out a rental truck from Fort Collins to Irvine. Fuel alone runs $463 - $529, and overnight lodging ($203/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $203 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $88 and $441 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $463 - $529 in fuel for the 1,073-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $949 in Fort Collins, Colorado, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Fort Collins, Colorado, 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 Irvine, California.
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 $1,243 and $2,310.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Collins to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,096 - $1,965
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,243 - $2,310
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,629 - $3,171
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $102 - $203 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Fort Collins, Colorado, for about five hours typically runs $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.
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 Irvine 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: 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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to California, 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 278 movers licensed in Colorado, useful context for sizing up this 1,073-mile move.
Our take
The 1,073-mile move from Fort Collins, CO, to Irvine, CA, costs between $2,072 and $7,825 with full-service movers, $1,207 - $3,806 with a moving container, and $665 - $1,866 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 $2,534 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 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Irvine, CA
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 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 Irvine run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $665 to $7,825, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,072 and $7,825, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Fort Collins, CO to Irvine, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $755 - $1,610. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.