If you're making the move from Memphis to Colorado, you're covering roughly 1,160 miles and stepping into a noticeably different financial reality — higher housing costs, a stronger job market, and a state income tax you didn't have in Tennessee. The trade-offs are real, but so is the upside.
This guide covers the five Memphis movers I'd look at first for this route, what the move will actually cost, and an honest look at what changes when you land in Colorado.
Memphis movers for the Colorado run
Out of 7 Memphis companies equipped for interstate work, these five stand out for long-haul moves to Colorado:
- The Armstrong Company — 4.5 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.44 / 5
- Cord Moving and Storage — 4.42 / 5
- All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.44 / 5
- Guardian Moving Systems — 4.48 / 5
The Armstrong Company
4690 Hungerford Road, Memphis, TN 38118 4.5 / 5
Yelp (14 reviews) · Google (197 reviews) · BBB: A+
91% positive out of 213 reviews analyzed.
Armstrong has been operating for 68 years and runs as a United Van Lines agent — both signals that this isn't a company cutting corners to get your booking. The review pattern is consistent: courteous, skilled crews who communicate well and handle long-distance moves without drama. A small share of feedback (around 7%) flags damaged items or frustrations with the claims process. That's a lower negative rate than most movers at this scale. For a 1,160-mile haul, this is the first name I'd call in Memphis.
DOT #: 1170867
Services: Local, interstate, international; packing/unpacking; pianos, art, antiques; storage; fragile-only packing; credit card accepted
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
3560 Sky Harbor Cove, Memphis, TN 38118 4.44 / 5
Yelp (44 reviews) · Google (644 reviews) · BBB: A+
78% positive out of 259 reviews analyzed.
The highest review volume on this list — 259 data points gives you a meaningful sample. Customers consistently praise efficient, professional crews and frequently report final costs coming in at or below the original quote. The 21% negative rate is worth noting: recurring complaints involve unexpected fees added after the quote and slow damage claim responses. If you hire TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, get everything in writing. That covers most of the documented complaints.
DOT #: 2527384
Services: Local, interstate; packing/unpacking; pianos, safes; storage; credit card accepted
Cord Moving and Storage
3264 Democrat Road, Memphis, TN 38118 4.42 / 5
Yelp (7 reviews) · Google (218 reviews) · BBB: A+
90% positive out of 220 reviews analyzed.
Cord is a North American Van Lines agent with 104 years in business — the oldest mover on this list by a wide margin. That kind of longevity doesn't happen without operational consistency, and the reviews back it up: timely arrivals, polite crews, and clear communication before and during the move. The main critique in negative reviews is poor communication when delays occurred. Yelp volume is thin (7 reviews), so lean on the Google sample. A 90% positive rate across 220 entries is a genuinely strong signal.
DOT #: 181102
Services: Local, interstate; packing/unpacking; pianos, crating; offices; storage; credit card accepted
All My Sons Moving & Storage
5454 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38134 4.44 / 5
Yelp (121 reviews) · Google (1,942 reviews) · BBB: A
63% positive out of 341 reviews analyzed.
The largest review sample on this list — and the lowest positive rate at 63%. Customers who had smooth moves genuinely liked this crew: efficient, careful, fast. The recurring problem is unexpected charges added after the original quote. That pattern shows up at All My Sons locations nationwide, not just Memphis. I wouldn't cross them off your list, but document every potential charge before you sign anything.
DOT #: 902281
Services: Local, interstate, international; packing/unpacking; pianos, antiques, crating; offices; storage, safes; credit card accepted; deposit required
Guardian Moving Systems
4226 Clarke Road, Memphis, TN 38141 4.48 / 5
Yelp (17 reviews) · Google (184 reviews) · BBB: A+
89% positive out of 202 reviews analyzed.
Guardian operates as a Mayflower agent and has been running for 39 years. The review pattern tracks with what you'd expect from a major-network agent: consistent service, reliable crews, prompt arrivals. Nearly 9 in 10 customers left positive feedback. The 9% negative slice mentions property damage and occasional late deliveries. Worth noting: Guardian's 4.48 aggregate is second-highest on this list despite ranking fifth — the lower review volume affects how I weight it overall.
Services: Local, interstate; packing/unpacking; pianos, art, antiques, crating; offices; storage; credit card accepted
Memphis moving service availability
Before you start calling for quotes, here's how Memphis's 7 interstate movers stack up on specialty capabilities:
| Service | Available |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 7 of 7 (100%) |
| Piano moving | 7 of 7 (100%) |
| Antiques | 5 of 7 (71%) |
| Art moving | 4 of 7 (57%) |
| Small moves | 4 of 7 (57%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 2 of 7 (28%) |
If you need fragile-only packing or specialized art transport, don't assume — ask directly and confirm before booking.
Cost to move from Memphis to Colorado
All estimates below are based on the ~1,160-mile Memphis-to-Colorado route using pricing data current as of January 2026. Use the moving cost calculator to refine these numbers for your specific home size and move date.
| Move size | Hiring movers | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,145 – $4,665 | $825 – $1,954 | $723 – $1,282 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,733 – $6,073 | $1,583 – $2,959 | $751 – $1,540 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,251 – $7,824 | $2,039 – $3,793 | $923 – $1,955 |
Estimates reflect verified price points across service tiers. Rental truck figures include estimated fuel costs.
Hiring movers for the Memphis-to-Colorado trip
Full-service movers for a studio or one-bedroom will run $1,145 to $4,665. Two-to-three bedrooms: $2,733 to $6,073. Four-plus bedrooms: $4,251 to $7,824. Those are wide ranges, and they're wide for a reason — the gap between a budget carrier and a full-service long-distance mover is real. Get at least three quotes before you commit to anyone.
Using a moving container from Memphis to Colorado
Moving containers work well for this route if your Colorado arrival date has some flexibility. You load on your timeline; the carrier handles the 1,160-mile transport. Studio or one-bedroom: $825 to $1,954. Two-to-three bedrooms: $1,583 to $2,959. Four-plus bedrooms: $2,039 to $3,793.
The main advantage over full-service movers: you're not locked into their delivery schedule. If your Colorado housing situation is still getting sorted, that flexibility has real value.
Renting a truck from Memphis to Colorado
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper. Studio or one-bedroom: $723 to $1,282. Two-to-three bedrooms: $751 to $1,540. Four-plus bedrooms: $923 to $1,955. Fuel is factored into those estimates.
What isn't factored in: loading and unloading yourself, driving 1,160 miles including mountain terrain as you approach Colorado, and getting it done without physical backup. For a small apartment with reliable help, it can pencil out. For a full household, the savings close faster than you'd expect.
Factors that move your cost up or down
- Volume: The difference between a studio and a 4-bedroom is enormous — both in truck space and labor hours. Be accurate when you describe your inventory.
- Season: Summer is peak season. Rates are higher, availability is tighter, and delivery windows stretch. Moving between October and April often means better prices and more scheduling options.
- How much you handle yourself: Packing your own boxes cuts cost. Look into affordable movers who offer transport-only pricing if you're willing to do the pack-up work.
What to know before moving from Memphis to Colorado
Cost of living: Memphis vs. Colorado
One of the sharpest financial shifts when leaving Tennessee is state income tax — you're going from zero to Colorado's 5.49%. That's the headline number. But the full comparison is more nuanced:
| Memphis, TN | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,299 | $1,594 |
| Average home price | $143,715 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $48,090 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 0% | 5.49% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zumper, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation
The practical takeaways:
- Rent runs about 23% higher in Colorado. Lock down your budget before signing a lease remotely.
- Home prices are roughly 276% higher — Colorado's housing market is a different category entirely. Get pre-approved before you move if you're planning to buy.
- Salaries average about 82% higher in Colorado, which absorbs a significant chunk of the cost increase.
- Overall cost of living is only about 6% higher statewide — the salary premium tends to cover it for most employed residents.
- Unemployment in Colorado sits at 4.1%, nearly half the Memphis rate of 8.0%. That matters if you're arriving without a job offer already in hand.
- Income tax will reduce your actual take-home. It's not devastating, but plan for it when you negotiate compensation.
How life changes when you make this move
| Memphis, TN | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 5,877,610 |
| Political lean | Democratic (51–46) | Democrat (54–46) |
| Summer high | 91°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 30°F | 13°F |
| Annual rainfall | 54" | 16" |
| Annual snowfall | 3" | 63" |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
What stands out:
- Summers are similar on paper — 86°F in Colorado versus 91°F in Memphis — but humidity is the real difference. Colorado's dry heat is genuinely more comfortable for most people who've lived in the South.
- Winters hit harder. Lows of 13°F versus Memphis's 30°F. That means a different wardrobe, higher heating bills, and learning how to drive in real snow. The upside: 63 inches of annual snowfall means you're living near actual ski country.
- Rain drops sharply — 16 inches annually in Colorado compared to 54 in Memphis. Your sinuses will notice within the first week. The drier climate takes real adjustment, but most people who move there prefer it.
- Crime index is significantly lower in Colorado at 36.4, versus 77.49 in Memphis. Urban cores in Denver and elsewhere have their own challenges, but statewide the safety picture is meaningfully better.
- Both cities leaned Democratic in the last presidential election — Colorado at 54–46, Memphis at 51–46 — so the political environment won't feel dramatically different.
Other things to handle before and after the move
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates intrastate movers. If any portion of your move involves a Colorado-licensed carrier for in-state transport, verify their license is active.
- Parking permits: Colorado doesn't require a statewide moving permit, but some municipalities and dense neighborhoods have restrictions for large vehicles. Check locally before moving day.
- HOA rules: If you're moving into a community governed by an HOA, confirm their move-in policies — some restrict move days or require advance notice.
- Elevator reservations: Multi-unit buildings in Denver and other Colorado cities often require you to book the freight elevator before moving day. Don't assume it'll be available.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move date so mail forwarding starts without a gap.
- Moving insurance: All interstate movers are required to offer Released Value Protection at no cost — but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. For anything valuable, ask about Full Value Protection or purchase a third-party policy before the truck rolls.
- Moving checklist: Use the MoveFinders moving checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks on either end of this move.
Things to do in Colorado
Once you're settled, here's what the state has going for it.
Museums in Colorado
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
Parks in Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Sports teams in Colorado
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
Universities in Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
- University of Colorado Denver
FAQ
How long does a move from Memphis to Colorado take?
Most interstate movers complete this 1,160-mile haul within two to eight days. Exclusive-use loads run faster; shared consolidated shipments push toward the longer end. Summer moves tend to stretch due to high demand — ask your mover for a specific delivery window and get it documented before you sign.
Can I find movers in Memphis that build custom crates?
Yes — four of the seven Memphis movers offer custom crating. That's the right option for artwork, antiques, and anything that needs more protection than blankets and boxes. When requesting quotes, ask specifically about crate construction specs, padding materials, and how far in advance they need to build.
What's the best way to ship a car from Memphis to Colorado?
Auto transport is usually the right call for a move this long. Driving it separately adds time and mileage to the vehicle. Get quotes from two or three registered carriers and verify their FMCSA status. Our guide to car shipping companies covers what to look for and what to avoid.
Why are people moving from Memphis to Colorado?
The two main pulls: the job market and the mountains. Colorado's unemployment rate is roughly half of Memphis's, average incomes are substantially higher, and for anyone who wants access to skiing, hiking, and year-round outdoor recreation, the Front Range is hard to argue with. The financial trade-offs — higher home prices, state income tax — are real, but for most people who land a job in Colorado, the salary premium covers it.
Where do I find long-distance movers in Memphis?
The five companies I profiled above are the ones I'd start with. For a broader look at national carriers operating on this route, see the MoveFinders guide to interstate movers.
Can I pay cash for a Memphis-to-Colorado move?
Two Memphis movers accept cash, but it's not the industry norm. Most companies prefer card, ACH, or cashier's check — and you want a paper trail on a long-distance move. Expect to put a deposit down at booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery depending on the company. Confirm payment policy before you sign anything.
Ready to get actual numbers? Run your Memphis-to-Colorado estimate based on your home size and moving date.