Moving from Riverside to Colorado — Cost, Companies & Living Guide

Top Riverside movers for Colorado relocations

I've looked at over 55 movers operating out of Riverside, California that handle interstate moves to Colorado. Here are the five that stand out based on customer feedback and track record:

VIP Transport, Inc. — 4.62 / 5
Burgess Moving and Storage — 4.42 / 5
Golden West Moving Systems, Inc. — 4.38 / 5
Inland Empire Movers — 4.36 / 5
Dirt Cheap Movers, LLC — 4.44 / 5

VIP Transport, Inc.

2703 Wardlow Rd, Corona, CA 92882
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile

License: 0137029 | Years in business: 43 | DOT #: 125563

Out of 244 customer reviews, 88.5% report positive experiences. People consistently praise the crew's professionalism, careful handling, and clear communication throughout the move. Movers are described as efficient and willing to go the extra mile—the kind of team that actually reduces moving stress rather than adding to it.

The remaining feedback (about 9%) centers on damaged items or slow claims processing. A small handful mentioned price competitiveness, but overall VIP Transport earns strong marks for attentive service and skilled teams.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano and art transport, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage.

Phone: (951) 272-3700

Burgess Moving and Storage

1625 Iowa Ave., Riverside, CA 92507
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Yelp reviews | BBB profile

License: 0056647 | Years in business: 78 | DOT #: 070851

Burgess delivers what most customers call "moving made easy." Out of 100 reviews, 86% highlight professional crews, careful handling, and excellent communication. Reviewers appreciate the attention to detail—thoughtful labeling, organized packing, clear coordination—that you don't always get from competitors.

The downside (11% of feedback) involves rare damage issues or disputes over insurance claims. A few customers noted delays or frustration with follow-up after delivery. Still, most describe Burgess as responsive and considerate, making it a solid choice for both residential and business relocations.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano and art transport, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing.

Phone: (951) 682-4300

Golden West Moving Systems, Inc.

5455 24th St, Riverside, CA 92509
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews

License: 0190351 | Years in business: 61 | DOT #: 70719

Golden West shows a strong record across 88% positive reviews. Customers frequently note the care taken with belongings, quick turnaround times, and respectful crew behavior. Many report accurate estimates and transparent communication, especially for complex long-distance and business moves.

Negative feedback (13%) centers mainly on occasional employee conduct issues, property damage, or limited service availability in certain areas. These are rare enough that Golden West still delivers above-average service quality compared to many competitors.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano and art transport, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes, DOD certified.

Phone: (800) 548-2400

Inland Empire Movers

665 Center St #2, Riverside, CA 92507
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews

Years in business: 16 | DOT #: 1778475

Inland Empire operates with a strong A+ rating and draws hundreds of reviews on major platforms. Customers highlight straightforward service and solid performance on both short and long-distance moves.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano and art transport, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, storage.

Phone: (909) 922-0000

Dirt Cheap Movers, LLC

20310 Temescal Canyon Rd, Corona, CA 92881
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews

License: 0192601 | Years in business: 16 | DOT #: 3475625 | Hourly rate: $124/hr

Over 300 reviews show that 86% of customers praise the fast, efficient service and fair, upfront pricing. People appreciate the friendly staff, organized crews, and stress-free booking process. This is a solid budget option if cost matters most.

About 14% of feedback mentions occasional issues with crew attitude, communication breakdowns, or damage disputes—more common than what you'd see with national carriers, but still a minority of cases. For most people, Dirt Cheap delivers affordable and efficient moves.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, crane vans, storage, safes.

Phone: (800) 496-7144

What moving services are available in Riverside?

Here's what specialty options the Riverside mover base offers:

Interstate moves: 90.91% (50 companies)
Small moves: 32.73% (18 companies)
Antiques: 60% (33 companies)
Art transport: 61.82% (34 companies)
Piano moving: 74.55% (41 companies)
Fragile-only packing: 34.55% (19 companies)

Cost to move from Riverside, CA to Colorado

Use the table below to estimate costs based on home size and moving method. These figures are based on a 982-mile move and typical market rates.

Move size	Full-service movers	Moving containers	Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom	$1,087 – $4,353	$803 – $1,938	$612 – $1,161
2–3 bedrooms	$2,404 – $5,560	$1,399 – $2,724	$642 – $1,464
4+ bedrooms	$3,879 – $7,707	$1,810 – $3,840	$830 – $1,611

Note: These ranges are estimates based on current market data. Actual costs depend on move size, services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. Get a moving cost estimate for more accurate numbers.

Movers vs. containers vs. rental trucks

Full-service movers from Riverside to Colorado

For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,087–$4,353. Two to three bedrooms typically run $2,404–$5,560. A large four- or five-bedroom home generally costs $3,879–$7,707. You pay more upfront, but the crew handles everything—packing, loading, unloading, and driving.

Moving containers from Riverside to Colorado

Moving containers offer flexibility: you pack at your own pace, they drive it to Colorado, and you unload when ready. Costs range from $803–$1,938 for a small move, $1,399–$2,724 for a two- to three-bedroom, and $1,810–$3,840 for four bedrooms or larger.

Rental trucks from Riverside to Colorado

Truck rentals are the cheapest option—$612–$1,161 for a studio, $642–$1,464 for two to three bedrooms, $830–$1,611 for larger homes. But you do all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself. These estimates include average fuel costs.

What shapes moving costs from Riverside to Colorado?

Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly determine your final bill.

Time of year: Summer is peak season in Riverside. Expect higher rates if you move June through August.

DIY vs. professional mover: DIY is cheaper but demands far more labor and stress on your end. Professional movers handle the heavy lifting and heavy driving.

Cost of living: Riverside vs. Colorado

Making the jump from Riverside to Colorado can mean real savings. Here's the breakdown:

Metric	Riverside, CA	Colorado	Difference
Average rent	$2,295	$1,594	31% lower in CO
Average home cost	$642,297	$541,072	16% lower in CO
Per capita income	$76,755	$87,598	14% higher in CO
Cost of living index	131	91	31% lower in CO
Unemployment rate	7.1%	4.1%	Stronger in CO
State income tax	13.3%	5.49%	59% lower in CO

Bottom line: Colorado's rent runs about 31% cheaper, homes cost 16% less, and your take-home pay stretches further thanks to lower income tax (5.49% vs. 13.3%). The job market is stronger too, with unemployment about 3 percentage points lower.

How life differs: Riverside vs. Colorado

Climate and weather

Summers: Colorado averages 86°F compared to Riverside's 94°F—a real difference if you dislike heat. Cooler summers mean lower AC bills and more comfortable outdoor activities.

Winters: Colorado drops to 13°F while Riverside hovers around 42°F. You'll experience brisker, longer winters with snow (Colorado gets about 63 inches annually; Riverside sees none). Plan for shoveling, winter gear, and seasonal heating costs.

Rain and snow: Both regions receive similar annual rainfall (11 inches in Riverside, 16 in Colorado). The major shift is Colorado's 63 inches of snow per year—beautiful but demanding.

Population and politics

Colorado has a larger population (5.9 million vs. 317,000 in Riverside) and leans Democratic. Both areas share similar political orientation, so no major surprise there.

Crime and safety

Colorado records a crime index of 36.4 compared to Riverside's 40.24—slightly safer, though both are moderate.

Logistics before you move to Colorado

Permits and regulations

HOA rules: Check community regulations beforehand to avoid move-in surprises.
Elevator reservation: Reserve if your building requires it.
Truck parking permits: Some cities require permits for large vehicles. Confirm locally.
State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates movers in-state. Verify any company's license before hiring.
Moving permits: Colorado doesn't require a moving permit, but check local parking rules.

Address and mail

File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have mail forwarded to Colorado.

Moving insurance

Colorado movers must offer Released Value Protection (free, minimal coverage) at 60 cents per pound per item. If you need full-value coverage, discuss additional insurance with your mover or explore third-party providers beforehand.

Organization

Use a moving checklist to stay on track and avoid last-minute scrambles.

Things to explore in Colorado

Museums

Denver Botanic Gardens
Argo Mill and Tunnel
Rosemount Museum
Benson Park Sculpture Garden
Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Parks and outdoor spaces

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

Denver Broncos (NFL)
Denver Barbarians (RSL)
Denver Nuggets (NBA)
Colorado Rockies (MLB)
Colorado Avalanche (NHL)

Universities

University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
United States Air Force Academy
University of Colorado Denver

Common questions

How long does the move take?

Most moves from Riverside to Colorado take two to seven days, depending on your service level. Summer moves may face delays due to peak-season demand. Always confirm delivery timelines before booking.

How many movers offer custom crating for art and antiques?

About 42 movers in Riverside offer specialized crating for art, antiques, electronics, and oddly shaped items. If you need custom crating, confirm the moving company can accommodate your specific pieces.

What's the best way to ship a car from Riverside to Colorado?

For car shipping, choose a company known for professionalism, vehicle care, and experience on long-distance routes. Compare quotes to find the right fit for your vehicle and budget.

Why do people move from Riverside to Colorado?

The draw is typically economic opportunity—Colorado's job market is stronger—combined with outdoor recreation. The snowfall and cooler climate appeal to people who want distinct seasons and winter sports access.

Can I pay with cash?

About 21 Riverside movers accept cash, though it's uncommon in the industry. Most companies prefer traceable payment methods. You'll typically pay a deposit upfront to lock in your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery.

California movers and routes

Moving guides and tools

Ready to move?

Get a free quote from top Riverside movers today. Compare rates, services, and reviews side-by-side to find the right company for your Colorado move.