Local Moving Guide: Everything You Need to Know in Colorado Springs

Quick Answer: A successful local move in Colorado Springs requires 4-6 weeks of planning, proper preparation, and understanding what to expect. Key steps include creating a detailed timeline, booking movers 2-4 weeks in advance, updating your address with the USPS, transferring utilities with Colorado Springs Utilities, and preparing your home for moving day. Most local moves take 4-8 hours depending on home size and distance.

Moving locally in Colorado Springs doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're relocating from Old Colorado City to Briargate or Broadmoor to the Northgate area, understanding the moving process helps you stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and reduce stress. This complete guide covers everything from initial planning through moving day execution.



Local Moving Timeline: When to Start Planning

The key to a smooth local move is starting early enough to handle all necessary tasks without last-minute panic. Even though you're staying in Colorado Springs, proper planning makes the difference between chaotic rushing and organized execution.

For a detailed breakdown of every task at each stage, our Local Moving Checklist provides a comprehensive timeline with specific action items ensuring nothing gets overlooked during your Colorado Springs move.



Choosing Professional Movers in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has dozens of moving companies, but not all deliver the same quality of service. Local moves typically cost $300-1,500 depending on home size, distance, and services required. Understanding what to look for helps you avoid problems and get fair pricing.

What to Look for in Local Movers

✅ Essential Qualifications:

• Colorado Public Utilities Commission registration for intrastate moves
• Proper insurance coverage (liability and workers' compensation)
• Transparent pricing with detailed written estimates
• Positive reviews on multiple platforms (Google, Yelp, BBB)
• Clear communication and responsiveness
• Experience with Colorado Springs-specific challenges (hills, narrow streets, weather)

❌ Red Flags to Avoid:

• Companies requiring large deposits or cash-only payments
• Estimates given without seeing your belongings (in-person or virtual)
• No physical address or only P.O. box listings
• Unwillingness to provide proof of insurance
• Extremely low quotes compared to other companies (often leads to surprise fees)
• Poor communication or pushy sales tactics

Understanding Moving Estimates and Costs

Local Colorado Springs moves typically charge by the hour with 2-4 movers depending on home size. Average costs:

Factors affecting cost include stairs, long carrying distances, heavy specialty items (pianos, gun safes), packing services, and moving date (weekends and month-end cost more). Get written estimates from 3-4 companies for comparison. For detailed guidance on what information movers need and how to prepare your home for accurate quotes, see our guide on How to Prepare for Movers.



Essential Moving Services and Add-Ons

Professional movers offer various services beyond basic loading and unloading. Understanding what's included versus what costs extra helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Standard Services (Usually Included):

• Loading and unloading your belongings
• Transportation between locations
• Basic furniture protection (blankets, straps)
• Disassembly and reassembly of standard bed frames
• Basic liability coverage (typically $0.60 per pound per item)

Common Add-On Services (Extra Cost):

• Full packing services ($200-800 depending on home size)
• Specialty item handling (pianos, artwork, antiques)
• Extended liability coverage for high-value items
• Unpacking services at destination
• Furniture disassembly beyond basic bed frames
• Storage services if moving dates don't align

Not all items can be moved by professional movers due to safety and liability concerns. Understanding these restrictions prevents moving day surprises. Our comprehensive guide What Do Movers Not Move details prohibited items including hazardous materials, perishables, plants, and valuable documents—plus what you should transport yourself.

Colorado Springs-Specific Moving Considerations

Moving within Colorado Springs presents unique challenges that out-of-state movers may not anticipate. Understanding local factors helps you plan appropriately.

Weather and Seasonal Factors

Colorado Springs experiences four distinct seasons with weather that can impact your move:

Spring (March-May): Unpredictable weather with potential snow through April. Peak moving season begins in May with higher prices and limited availability. Book early for Memorial Day weekend moves.

Summer (June-August): Most expensive and busiest moving season. Afternoon thunderstorms common July-August. Schedule morning moves when possible. Extreme heat above 7,000 feet can stress electronics and perishables.

Fall (September-November): Ideal moving weather with moderate temperatures. Availability improves after Labor Day with better pricing. Watch for early snowstorms after mid-October.

Winter (December-February): Lowest prices and best availability but weather risks. Ice and snow can delay moves. Movers may add weather-related fees or require schedule flexibility. Protect hardwood floors from salt and moisture.

Altitude and Geographic Challenges

Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet elevation with neighborhoods ranging from 5,800 to over 7,000 feet. This creates specific challenges:

• Steep driveways and hills in Broadmoor, Skyway, and Mountain Shadows require experienced movers
• Narrow streets in older neighborhoods (Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs) limit large truck access
• HOA restrictions in newer developments (Briargate, Wolf Ranch) may require moving permits or time restrictions
• Military base moves (Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever) have specific access and timing requirements

Parking and Access Permits

Some Colorado Springs locations require special permits or arrangements:

• Downtown buildings often need reserved loading zones—coordinate with building management
• Apartments and condos may require elevator reservations and move-in/move-out deposits
• HOA communities might need advance notice and parking permits
• Contact the City of Colorado Springs for temporary no-parking zones in residential areas if needed

Preparing Your Home for Moving Day

Proper preparation before movers arrive saves time and money while protecting your belongings. The better prepared you are, the faster and more efficiently the move progresses.

One Week Before Moving Day:

• Confirm moving date, time, and details with your moving company
• Measure doorways, stairways, and elevators at both locations to ensure furniture fits
• Clear pathways by removing obstacles, cords, and decorations
• Disconnect and prepare appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator)
• Defrost freezer 24-48 hours before move
• Drain garden hoses, gas grills, and outdoor equipment
• Take photos of electronics before disconnecting for reassembly reference

Moving Day Morning:

• Do final walkthrough checking all rooms, closets, cabinets, and storage areas
• Set aside items you're transporting personally (valuables, documents, medications)
• Ensure all utilities are on at destination address
• Have payment method ready (check company's accepted payment forms)
• Keep moving contract and inventory list accessible
• Designate parking spots for moving truck close to entrance

Understanding exactly what movers need from you helps the day run smoothly. Our detailed guide How to Prepare for Movers covers everything from clearing pathways to protecting floors to communicating special instructions for fragile items.

Packing Strategies for Local Moves

Even though you're moving locally, proper packing prevents damage and makes unpacking easier. Many people underestimate packing time and scramble at the last minute.

Packing Timeline and Strategy

3-4 Weeks Before: Start with items you rarely use—off-season clothes, books, decorations, storage items. Pack one room at a time to stay organized.

2 Weeks Before: Pack most kitchen items except daily essentials, extra linens and towels, artwork and wall decorations, garage and outdoor items.

1 Week Before: Pack remaining clothes, toiletries except daily use items, electronics you can live without, and non-essential furniture items.

Day Before: Pack remaining essentials into clearly marked "Open First" boxes. Include toilet paper, paper towels, basic tools, phone chargers, medications, snacks, and a change of clothes.

Essential Packing Supplies

For room-by-room packing instructions, box weight guidelines, and labeling systems that make unpacking efficient, our comprehensive How to Pack for Moving guide provides detailed strategies for protecting everything from dishes to electronics to clothing.



Updating Your Address and Utilities

Even when moving locally, you need to update your address with multiple entities and transfer utilities. Starting early prevents service disruptions.

Address Change Checklist:

• USPS mail forwarding—submit 2 weeks before move ($1.10 fee)
• Colorado DMV—update driver's license and vehicle registration within 30 days
• Voter registration through El Paso County Clerk
• Banks, credit cards, and financial institutions
• Insurance companies (auto, home, life, health)
• Employer HR department for payroll and benefits
• Subscription services (streaming, meal kits, magazines)
• Medical providers, dentist, veterinarian
• Children's schools—contact Academy School District 20 or Colorado Springs School District 11 for transfer procedures

Utility Transfers and Setup:

• Colorado Springs Utilities—handles electric, gas, water, wastewater, and stormwater (call 2 weeks before move)
• Internet and cable—contact providers to transfer or establish new service
• Trash and recycling—included with Colorado Springs Utilities or HOA
• Security system monitoring companies
• Schedule final meter readings at old address and setup at new address

What to Expect on Moving Day

Understanding the typical moving day process helps you know what to expect and when to be available. Most local Colorado Springs moves follow similar patterns.

Typical Moving Day Timeline:

Arrival and Walkthrough (30-45 minutes): Movers arrive, introduce crew, conduct walkthrough noting special items and obstacles, review contract and estimate, explain process and answer questions.

Loading (2-5 hours depending on size): Crew protects floors and doorways, systematically loads truck room by room, wraps furniture and protects delicate items, creates inventory of items loaded, may disassemble furniture as needed.

Transit (30 minutes-2 hours locally): Travel time depends on distance and traffic. Colorado Springs rush hours are 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM weekdays. Factor in I-25 traffic if crossing town.

Unloading (2-4 hours depending on size): Crew unloads systematically, places items in designated rooms, reassembles furniture, checks inventory against loading list.

For detailed guidance on what happens hour-by-hour during your move and how to help the process go smoothly, see How Long Does Moving Take which breaks down timing factors and what affects move duration.

Your Role During the Move:

• Be present and available but stay out of movers' way
• Answer questions about furniture placement and special items
• Monitor progress and note any concerns immediately
• Keep children and pets safely away from moving activity
• Verify inventory and check for damage before signing completion documents
• Provide water or refreshments (appreciated but not required)

Moving day can feel chaotic, but staying organized helps everything run smoothly. Our Moving Day Tips guide covers exactly what to do from the moment movers arrive through final walkthrough, including communication strategies, what to keep accessible, and how to handle unexpected situations.

Tipping Your Moving Crew

Tipping movers is customary but not mandatory. Colorado Springs follows standard tipping guidelines with amounts based on service quality, move difficulty, and crew size.

Standard Tipping Guidelines:

• Standard service: $20-30 per mover for half-day move (4-6 hours), $40-60 per mover for full-day move (8+ hours)
• Exceptional service: 15-20% of total moving cost divided among crew
• Difficult moves: Add $10-20 per person for challenging conditions (many stairs, long walks, heavy items, bad weather)

Tip each mover individually in cash at the end of the move. The crew leader may get slightly more if they coordinated particularly well. For complete guidance on when to tip, how much to give based on different scenarios, and alternatives if you can't tip, see our detailed guide Do You Tip Movers.

First Week in Your New Home

The work doesn't end when the truck leaves. The first week requires attention to details that help you settle in smoothly.

Immediate Priorities (First 24 Hours):

• Test all utilities and appliances at new address
• Locate main water shutoff, electrical panel, and HVAC controls
• Change locks or rekey if previous owners had keys
• Set up beds and essential furniture
• Unpack bathroom and kitchen essentials
• Check all rooms for damage or issues needing landlord/management attention
• Introduce yourself to neighbors

First Week Tasks:

• Unpack systematically room by room
• Update address with any missed entities
• Register with new HOA if applicable
• Learn trash/recycling pickup schedule from Colorado Springs Solid Waste
• Locate nearest emergency services, grocery stores, pharmacy
• Update emergency contacts and ICE information
• Take dated photos documenting move-in condition

Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' mistakes helps you avoid common pitfalls that cost time, money, and stress.

❌ Mistakes That Cost Money:

• Waiting until last minute to book movers (pay premium prices)
• Not getting written estimates (leads to surprise charges)
• Forgetting to measure doorways and furniture (items don't fit)
• Inadequate insurance coverage (can't replace damaged valuables)
• Not decluttering before move (pay to move items you'll donate later)
• Packing prohibited items movers won't transport

❌ Mistakes That Create Stress:

• Not labeling boxes clearly (can't find essentials for days)
• Failing to create "Open First" box (searching through everything)
• Not updating address early enough (miss important mail)
• Forgetting to transfer utilities (no power/water at new home)
• Leaving packing until last minute (exhausting, chaotic)
• Not preparing home before movers arrive (wastes billable time)

Moving with Special Circumstances

Moving with Children

Kids need extra attention during moves. Maintain routines as much as possible, pack special comfort items last and unpack first, arrange childcare for moving day if possible, involve older children in age-appropriate tasks, and set up kids' rooms first at new home for sense of stability.

Moving with Pets

Pets sense stress and disruption. Keep them in quiet room during move, transport pets yourself rather than on moving truck, update pet licenses with Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, update microchip information with new address, and set up familiar space at new home before letting pets explore.

Senior and Disability Considerations

Moves can be especially challenging for seniors or those with disabilities. Consider full-service packing options, communicate accessibility needs clearly with movers, ensure medications and medical equipment stay accessible, arrange for help or respite care on moving day if needed, and take extra time without pressure.

Your Local Move Action Plan

A successful local move in Colorado Springs comes down to planning, preparation, and working with experienced professionals who understand local challenges. Start early, stay organized, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Your Moving Timeline Summary:

6-8 weeks before: Research movers, get quotes, start planning

4-6 weeks before: Book movers, begin decluttering, notify landlord/HOA

3-4 weeks before: Order supplies, change address, start packing non-essentials

2 weeks before: Transfer utilities, continue packing, confirm moving details

1 week before: Pack remaining items, prepare appliances, do final preparations

Moving day: Coordinate with movers, oversee process, complete walkthrough

For complete task-by-task guidance ensuring you don't miss any critical steps, download our comprehensive Local Moving Checklist that covers everything from 8 weeks before move day through your first week in your new home.

Making Your Colorado Springs Move

You've got the knowledge—now it's time to put it into action. Whether you're moving from Fountain to Powers, Rockrimmon to Cimarron Hills, or anywhere in between, proper planning makes all the difference between a stressful ordeal and a smooth transition.

Peace Of Mind Moving And Hauling Services knows Colorado Springs inside and out—from navigating steep Skyway driveways to timing moves around afternoon thunderstorms to handling HOA requirements in Briargate. We understand local challenges because we live and work here. When you're ready to make your local move, we're ready to make it smooth, efficient, and worry-free with the professionalism every Colorado Springs resident deserves.