Best Moving Companies in Lakewood, CO of 2026

To pick the right mover in Lakewood, start by getting clear about what you need help with, then shop for that exact scope. After that, vet at least three licensed companies by comparing written estimates and looking for patterns in independent reviews like fee surprises, repeated damage complaints or chronic delays.

Hiring the right moving company can be one of the largest line items in your relocation budget, so doing the homework pays off. Use the steps below to evaluate options and choose a mover that fits your home, your timeline and your risk tolerance.

1. Determine your move type

Begin by identifying what type of move you are planning. Is it a short hop inside Lakewood or a long-distance relocation out of state? Do you need full-service packing or only loading and transportation?

This decision sets your shortlist. Full-service movers cost more but cover packing, loading, transport and unloading. Self-service options can cost less, but you trade money for time and physical effort. In Lakewood, that tradeoff matters if you have a split-level layout, tight stairs or an alley-loaded garage that adds complexity.

2. Research movers in your area

Ask people you trust for recommendations, then verify the details yourself. Use ConsumerAffairs and other independent sources to check online reviews and look for repeat issues, not one-off bad days. Check online reviews from customers in Lakewood. The most common complaints about moving companies we see on ConsumerAffairs include:

• Damage to belongings during transit: Customers describe furniture arriving cracked, boxes crushed or personal items scratched, then running into a slow or frustrating claims process. Some companies challenge responsibility or offer minimal reimbursement. Melvin from Aurora shared the hefty bill they were stuck with after damage incurred during transit. “When I finally did get my property 3 months after scheduling it, the most valuable pieces were missing and much of my property was damaged.... to the tune of over $87,000.”
• Hidden fees and cost overages: Customers report a gap between the estimate and the final bill, with added charges for fuel, weight changes or extra labor. Some are pressured to pay hundreds more on move day with little ability to dispute it. Muhammad from Littleton was left with no choice but to pay extra fees. “After the cancellation period was over, they called me to go over my inventory. During that call, they increased the price by 60%. When I refused to agree to the new price, they threatened to cancel my move and leave me stranded.
• Poor crew quality and unprofessional conduct: Customers report crews showing up late, working at a sluggish pace, taking long breaks or handling items roughly. Some also mention dismissive communication when problems are raised mid-move. Sue from Denver told us about a particularly negative customer service experience. “I was trying to get a quote and salesperson ended up calling me a nasty old hag. He also said that my furniture was stinky and nasty.”
• Unmet delivery dates and communication breakdowns: Customers report schedules shifting without clear notice, delivery windows moving repeatedly or difficulty getting status updates when trucks are delayed. Linda from Parker struggled with this aspect during a move. “Trying to get answers was like pulling teeth.”

3. Compare multiple quotes

Reach out to at least three movers and ask for detailed written estimates so you can compare apples to apples. If possible, request an in-home or virtual walkthrough instead of relying only on an online form. That allows the mover to see bulky furniture, long carries and access challenges that affect labor time.

When comparing bids, look past the total. Make sure each quote lists what is included: labor hours, truck fees, packing materials, travel time and common add-ons. Be wary of pricing that is dramatically lower than competitors, since that can be a warning sign of missing services or a bait-and-switch approach.

4. Ask about extra services

Moving quotes often cover only the basics. Ask for pricing on services you might need, such as packing and unpacking, crating, antiques handling, piano moves, storage or shuttle service when a full-size truck cannot access your home.

In Lakewood, it is especially important to confirm fees for stairs and long carries, since split-level homes are common and some older properties require loading from an alley. Getting these costs in writing helps you create an accurate budget and avoids a stressful negotiation while the truck is parked outside.

5. Verify credentials

A legitimate mover should be properly licensed and insured. If the move crosses state lines, the company must also have a USDOT number. Verify that registration with federal records, then confirm you understand the mover’s valuation coverage, cargo insurance and the claims process if something is damaged.

Colorado also requires household goods movers to be registered with the Public Utilities Commission, so ask for the permit number and confirm it is active before signing.

Moving costs can run from a few hundred dollars for a small local move to several thousand for long-distance relocations, depending on mileage, home size and how much packing help you purchase.

Scout alley access for the truck before moving day.

Factors that affect pricing include:

• Distance: Moving from Belmar to Green Mountain is more budget-friendly than a long-distance move.
• Volume: Bigger homes and heavier inventories take more crew hours and more truck space.
• Services: Packing, unpacking and specialty handling increase total cost.
• Timing: Summer, weekends and month-end dates typically cost more. Off-season pricing is often 20 to 30% lower.
• Deposits: Brokers commonly require 20 to 50% upfront as a broker fee, with the rest due at delivery. Carriers often charge smaller deposits.

Local movers generally charge $120 to $150 per hour. Since Lakewood is close to Denver, you pay metro rates. Be aware of 'stair fees' for split-level homes, which are common in this area.

Average cost for moving services from and within Lakewood

The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

Should you tip your movers?

Tipping is optional, but it is a standard courtesy when the crew is on time, careful and efficient. A typical moving tip is about $20 to $50 per mover for local jobs, with larger tips often used for long-distance moves or difficult conditions like multiple flights of stairs.

If cash tipping is not possible, simple support still helps. Offering cold water, sports drinks or snacks can keep the crew moving, especially during hot afternoons or when loading takes longer due to parking restrictions.

» COMPARE: Best national movers

• Start planning at least two months in advance: You will have time to collect several quotes, sort your belongings and adjust if dates change due to weather or building rules.
• Create a moving budget: Estimate all costs, including mover or truck rental fees, mileage, inventory size, packing supplies, travel costs, storage, insurance and tips. Compare to typical pricing for similar moves so expectations match reality.
• Declutter before packing: Many movers price by weight or volume, so fewer items usually mean fewer hours and a smaller truck. Donate, sell or recycle what you do not want to pay to move.
• Pack strategically: Begin with closets, storage areas and rooms you use less often. Pack room by room, label boxes clearly and use sturdy materials for breakables.
• Prepare an essentials box: In the final week, pack a box with the items you need right away: medications, toiletries, chargers, basic tools, a change of clothes and important paperwork.

  Prepare for split-level home 'stair fees' common in this area.

• Get contact information: Confirm the day-of phone number for dispatch or your coordinator so you can coordinate parking, elevator access and arrival windows.

» MORE: Cheap ways to move across the country

Any moving company operating legally in the U.S. must be licensed and insured. For interstate moves, a mover must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and have an active USDOT number that you can verify through federal records.

The Colorado PUC regulates household goods movers. You have 90 days to file a claim for damages. Movers must also provide proof of cargo insurance and workers' compensation.

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