Moving from Plano, TX to Colorado — Top Movers & Cost Guide
If you're moving from Plano to Colorado, you're looking at roughly 814 miles — a solid long-distance haul that'll take two to seven days depending on the mover and season. I've reviewed the top operators in the Plano area, and here's what actually stands out when it comes to moving interstate.
Best Moving Companies from Plano to Colorado
Out of 68 Plano-area movers that handle interstate relocations, I've narrowed it down to five that consistently deliver on time and keep your stuff intact. These companies all have solid track records for the Colorado route:
- Element Moving and Storage — 4.86 / 5 stars
- Evolution Moving Company — 4.58 / 5 stars
- AB Moving — 4.7 / 5 stars
- Two Men and a Truck — 4.52 / 5 stars
- Around the Block Moving — 4.52 / 5 stars
Element Moving and Storage
Rating: 4.86 / 5 (251 reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
Phone: (972) 805-0988
Element stands out. Ninety-two percent of customers reported positive experiences, and they do it with efficiency — clients consistently mention fast turnarounds, professional crews, and careful handling of belongings. They handle interstate moves, packing, storage, and specialty items like pianos. The main complaints I've seen center on damage claims resolution and how they handle valuables on longer moves, but those instances are rare.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
AB Moving
Rating: 4.7 / 5 (867 reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
Phone: (214) 644-6683
AB Moving has been around for 24 years, and it shows. Nearly 70% of reviews praise fast service and respectful crews. They're transparent on pricing, which matters. The flip side: about 29% of negative reviews mention damaged items and delays, plus costs that crept above the initial quote. That spread is wider than I'd like to see, but when they get it right, customers are genuinely happy.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano and antique moving, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Evolution Moving Company
Rating: 4.58 / 5 (271 reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
Phone: (682) 651-5505
Ninety-six percent positive feedback — that's legitimately strong. Customers describe professional, polite crews who finish ahead of schedule and keep communication clear. You'll pay transparent pricing and experience minimal surprises. The rare complaints mention damaged items or hidden fees, but that's typically how moving goes across the board.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, artwork, crating, storage.
Two Men and a Truck
Rating: 4.52 / 5 (225 reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
Phone: (972) 210-2619
Ninety percent of reviews come back positive. The company delivers speed and professionalism consistently — customers notice the contrast when they compare to slower movers. Occasional complaints about property damage and difficulty reaching staff post-move, but most say the process was straightforward.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage.
Around the Block Moving
Rating: 4.52 / 5 (259 reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
Phone: (214) 433-6747
This outfit's been in business for 31 years. Fast, friendly, organized crews who handle bookings clearly. About 85% positive feedback — solid, if not exceptional. Watch for unexpected charges and property damage claims; a few customers reported surprises on the final bill. Pin down all pricing details upfront.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, storage.
What Movers in Plano Can Actually Do
Plano has deep bench strength for specialty services. Here's what's available across the 68 companies I've reviewed:
- Interstate moves: 72% of companies
- Piano moving: 68%
- Antiques: 54%
- Art: 49%
- Crating: Offered by 41 companies
- Fragile-only packing: 25% of the market
If you need custom crating for artwork or antiques, ask about lead times and padding specifics when you get a quote.
Cost to Move from Plano, TX to Colorado
Here's what you're actually looking at. These estimates are based on the 814-mile distance and pulled from real moving data:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,108–$4,170 | $704–$1,850 | $557–$1,000 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,177–$5,418 | $1,306–$2,624 | $602–$1,213 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,668–$7,537 | $1,841–$3,255 | $747–$1,500 |
What these ranges include:
Rental truck costs include estimated fuel. Moving company prices assume standard delivery to Colorado and don't account for add-ons like specialty packing or storage. Your actual price depends on move size, services selected, parking challenges, fuel rates, and how busy the season is.
Get a more precise estimate with our moving cost calculator.
Full-Service Moving vs. Containers vs. DIY
Hiring a mover costs more upfront but you're not driving or loading. Ideal if you want professionals handling your stuff. Expect to pay the most here, especially for long-distance, but you get speed and typically insurance coverage.
Moving containers (PODS, U-Pack, etc.) sit somewhere in the middle. You pack at your own pace, they handle the transport. Lower than full-service, but you do the heavy lifting. Explore top container companies for more.
Rental trucks are cheapest but hardest on you. You drive 814 miles, load, unload, and manage timing yourself. Only go this route if you're physically able and have flexible dates.
What Affects Your Moving Cost
Several variables will push your price up or down:
- Home size: A studio move is half the cost of a 4-bedroom house.
- Season: Summer moves cost 20–30% more than winter ones. If you have flexibility, move in October or February.
- Time of week: Friday moves are pricier than Tuesday moves.
- Add-on services: Packing, unpacking, piano moving, custom crating — each adds $500–$2,000.
- Distance within Colorado: If you're going Denver vs. mountain towns, that affects final pricing.
Cost of Living: Plano vs. Colorado
Before you pack, let's talk money. Here's how the two stack up:
| Factor | Plano, TX | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. rent | $2,100 | $1,594 |
| Avg. home price | $511,000 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $67,874 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 112 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.49% |
What this means for you:
- Rent in Colorado runs about 24% less — real savings every month.
- Home prices are roughly 6% higher in Colorado, so mortgage payments will jump if you're buying.
- Salaries average 29% higher in Colorado. That's substantial if you land a job there.
- Cost of living is 19% cheaper overall, meaning your paycheck goes further.
- Unemployment is lower in Colorado (4.1% vs. 5.5%), so job hunting should be easier.
- Texas has no income tax. Colorado has 5.49%. That's the kicker — your take-home pay shrinks by that amount, even with higher salaries.
How Life Actually Changes: Plano to Colorado
Not just finances. If you're moving, the whole environment shifts.
| Factor | Plano, TX | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 285,494 | 5,877,610 |
| Political lean | Republican (56–42) | Democrat (54–46) |
| Summer high | 94°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 33°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 41″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 2″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 23.02 | 36.4 |
Climate Differences
Colorado summers are roughly 8 degrees cooler — that means lower AC bills and more comfortable outdoor time. But winters? They drop to 13°F compared to Plano's 33°F. You'll need serious heating, snow tires, and cold-weather gear.
Colorado gets 16 inches of rain annually vs. Plano's 41 inches. Sunnier skies overall. But that means 63 inches of snow per year — stunning winter scenery, but also shovel work and icy roads.
Safety & Community
Plano's crime index is 23.02; Colorado's is 36.4. Colorado is less safe on paper. Check specific neighborhoods — Denver metro crime varies wildly by district.
Plano leans Republican; Colorado leans Democrat. If politics matter to your community fit, that's worth noting.
Before You Move: Logistics You Actually Need to Know
Don't skip these. They'll either slow you down or cost extra:
Elevator reservation
Many buildings require advance booking. If your new place in Colorado is a high-rise, book the elevator weeks ahead.
HOA move-in rules
Some neighborhoods have specific move-in windows or require approval. Check your HOA docs.
Truck parking permits
Some Colorado cities require permits for moving trucks. Call ahead to avoid a surprise ticket.
Colorado moving company licensing
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates intrastate movers. Verify your mover has a valid license before signing.
USPS change of address
File at least a week before your move date to avoid mail loss. Do it online at USPS.gov.
Moving insurance
Texas and Colorado have different insurance rules. Most movers offer Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound) for free — that's basically useless for valuable items. Talk to your mover about full-value coverage or buy third-party insurance if you have antiques or electronics.
Moving checklist
Use our moving checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Things to Do in Colorado
Once you're there, you won't be bored.
Parks:
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
Museums:
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Rosemount Museum
Sports:
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Universities:
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
FAQ: Moving from Plano to Colorado
How long does the move actually take?
Two to seven days, depending on the service. Full-service movers typically take 4–6 days. Container services let you pack on your schedule, so timing's more flexible. Summer moves can take longer due to higher demand.
Can Plano movers ship a car to Colorado?
Yes. Most of the larger operators handle auto transport, or you can use a dedicated car shipping company. Budget $800–$1,200 for the 814-mile haul. Use our auto shipping calculator for a ballpark.
Do Plano movers accept cash?
Seventeen movers in the Plano area accept cash, but it's rare. Most want card, ACH, or cashier's check for records. You'll usually pay a deposit to book, then the balance at pickup or delivery. Always confirm payment terms before signing.
How many movers offer custom crating?
Forty-one Plano movers provide custom crating — useful if you're moving artwork, antiques, or pianos. Ask about padding specifics and lead times when you get a quote.
Why do people move to Colorado?
Economic opportunity, outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, rock climbing), and lower cost of living compared to Plano. Also the cooler summers and outdoor lifestyle appeal to a lot of people.
Why do people leave Plano?
Traffic is brutal, and summers are scorching. Some also cite the crowding and rising housing costs in Plano's suburban belt.
Next Steps
Get real numbers on your move. Use our moving cost calculator to compare quotes from multiple movers. If you're looking at options beyond Plano-based companies, we have guides for long-distance movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
For more on moving to Colorado, check out our full state guide. Good luck with the move.