The complete Denver Moving Checklist, Your Week-by-Week Guide

Moving in Denver takes more than boxes and tape. Between altitude weather, downtown parking permits, and Colorado-specific paperwork, a generic checklist leaves gaps. This guide walks you through every step from eight weeks out to your first month in a new place.

Moving Brothers has handled moves across the Denver metro for over 12 years. We built this checklist from the questions our crews hear every week. Use it to stay organized and avoid last-minute surprises.

Need moving help? Call (720) 222-9596 or request a free estimate to lock in your move date.

8 weeks before your move: research and plan

Eight weeks gives you the breathing room to compare movers, sort through belongings, and set a realistic budget.

• Get quotes from licensed Denver movers. Colorado requires moving companies to hold a PUC license. Ask for the PUC number and US DOT number before signing anything. Moving Brothers operates under PUC# HHG-00376 and US DOT #2371440.
• Set your moving budget. Local Denver moves typically run $140 to $220 per hour for a two-person crew. Larger homes and long-distance moves cost more. Our Denver moving cost guide breaks down pricing by neighborhood and move size.
• Start decluttering room by room. Donate usable items to ARC Thrift Stores or Goodwill locations across Denver. Fewer items mean a faster move and a lower bill.
• Notify your landlord. Most Denver leases require 30 to 60 days written notice. Check your lease terms now to avoid penalties.
• Measure doorways and stairwells. Older homes in Capitol Hill (80203, 80206), Washington Park (80209, 80210), and Park Hill (80207, 80220) often have narrow hallways and tight turns. Measure before you assume furniture will fit.

Start a moving binder or folder

Keep every quote, receipt, lease document, and confirmation email in one place. This binder becomes your single reference for the entire move.

6 weeks before your move: packing and logistics

Six weeks out is when the real work starts. Focus on items you will not need before moving day.

• Begin packing non-essentials. Off-season clothes, books, holiday decorations, and guest room items can go into boxes now. Our packing guide for Denver moves covers room-by-room strategies.
• Arrange school transfers. Denver Public Schools requires enrollment paperwork including proof of residency. If you are moving to a new district, start the transfer process early. Jefferson County, Cherry Creek, and Douglas County school districts each have separate enrollment timelines.
• Book elevator or loading dock time. High-rise apartments in LoDo (80202), RiNo (80205), and the Golden Triangle (80204) often require advance reservations. Contact your building manager now.
• Order packing supplies. Stock up on boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Moving Brothers offers packing services if you prefer a hands-off approach.
• Photograph valuables. Take photos of electronics, furniture, and fragile items before packing. These serve as a record if anything gets damaged.

Handle specialty items early

Grand pianos, pool tables, and large safes require extra planning. Our piano moving team handles instruments with padded wrapping and climate-aware transport, which matters in Denver’s dry air.

4 weeks before your move: utilities and address changes

Four weeks out, shift your focus to the paperwork side. Miss a utility transfer and you could walk into a dark house on day one.

• Transfer or set up Xcel Energy service. Xcel handles both gas and electric for most of the Denver metro. You can submit a transfer request up to 60 days in advance at my.xcelenergy.com or call (800) 895-4999. No fee to disconnect, but a deposit may apply for new accounts.
• Contact Denver Water. Call (303) 893-2444 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. New service activation costs $35. If you are buying a home, your title company can coordinate the transfer at closing.
• Set up internet service. Xfinity, CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber), and T-Mobile Home Internet all serve Denver. Schedule installation at least two weeks out, especially during summer when demand spikes.
• Forward your mail through USPS. Submit a change of address at usps.com. Forwarding starts within 7 to 10 business days and lasts up to one year.
• Update your address with the Colorado DMV. Colorado law requires you to update your driver’s license address within 30 days of moving. You can do this online at dmv.colorado.gov for free, though a replacement card costs $30.87.
• Update voter registration. Visit GoVoteColorado.gov to update your address. You will need your Colorado driver’s license or state ID number.

Notify these accounts too

Banks, credit cards, insurance providers, employer payroll, pharmacy, doctors’ offices, and subscription services all need your new address. Tackle five per day and you will finish the list within a week.

2 weeks before your move: confirm and pack

Two weeks out, the countdown gets real. Your packing should be nearly done.

• Confirm your moving date and arrival time. Call your movers to verify the crew size, truck size, and estimated hours. Moving Brothers confirms every detail 48 hours before your move.
• Pack room by room. Label every box with the contents and the destination room. Use colored tape or markers for each room so the crew knows exactly where each box goes.
• Build an essentials box. Pack one clearly marked box (or suitcase) with items you will need on day one: phone chargers, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, basic tools, paper towels, toilet paper, and snacks. Keep this box with you, not on the truck.
• Defrost your fridge and freezer. Unplug the refrigerator 24 to 48 hours before the move. Wipe out moisture to prevent mold during transport.
• Drain water from hoses and outdoor lines. Denver’s elevation and temperature swings mean water left in garden hoses or washing machine lines can cause problems during transport, especially for moves in fall or spring.
• Dispose of hazardous materials. Paint, propane tanks, pool chemicals, and cleaning solvents cannot go on a moving truck. Denver residents can drop off household hazardous waste at the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) for free.

Prepare for parking and access

If your street requires a parking permit, arrange a temporary one through Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Downtown Denver, Capitol Hill, and Highland often require right-of-way permits for moving trucks. Most permits cost around $50. Apply at denvergov.org at least a week in advance.

Moving week: the final stretch

This is the week to tie up loose ends and make your home move-ready.

• Do a final walkthrough of your current home. Check every closet, cabinet, attic, crawl space, and garage shelf. Walk through the backyard and shed too.
• Clean as you go. Wipe down emptied rooms so you are not scrambling after the truck leaves. If you are renting, your security deposit may depend on the condition of the unit.
• Prep large appliances. Disconnect and secure washing machine hoses, dryer vents, and dishwasher lines. Tape refrigerator doors shut for transport.
• Charge all devices. Laptops, tablets, phones, and portable batteries should be fully charged the night before. You will need them for directions, confirmations, and communication.
• Check the weather forecast. Denver weather can shift fast. In summer, expect afternoon thunderstorms. In winter, an overnight snowfall can change road conditions by morning. Have tarps or plastic sheeting on hand to protect furniture and boxes during loading.

Prepare for Colorado’s altitude

If you are moving from a lower elevation, Denver’s 5,280-foot altitude can drain your energy on moving day. Drink extra water, take breaks, and avoid heavy lifting if you feel lightheaded. Let the crew handle the heavy work. That is what they are trained for.

Moving day: what to do and what to have ready

Moving day runs smoother when you know what to expect and what to keep within reach.

• Be home when the crew arrives. Walk them through the house and point out fragile items, disassembled furniture, and anything that stays behind.
• Keep walkways clear. Clear paths from every room to the front door or elevator. Remove rugs that could cause slipping.
• Have cash for tipping. Standard tipping for Denver movers is $20 to $40 per crew member for a local move, or 15% to 20% of the total bill for a long-distance move. Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated after a solid job.
• Keep your essentials box in your car. Do not load it on the truck. You want immediate access to chargers, snacks, water, medications, and important documents.
• Do a final meter reading. Note the reading on your gas and electric meters before you leave. Compare it to your final Xcel Energy statement to avoid billing disputes.

Weather day adjustments

If rain or snow hits on moving day, lay down floor runners inside and tarps over furniture during loading. Moving Brothers crews carry moving blankets and stretch wrap to keep items dry, but extra tarps from your side help. In winter, clear ice from walkways and porch steps before the crew arrives.

First week after the move: settle in

The boxes are inside. Now focus on making the new place functional.

• Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first. You need to eat and sleep. Everything else can wait.
• Test all utilities. Turn on every faucet, flush toilets, check the furnace or AC, and confirm internet is active. Report problems to your landlord or Denver Water and Xcel Energy immediately.
• Set up trash, recycling, and compost. Denver provides a three-cart system for single-family homes. Trash is collected weekly, recycling every other week on an A/B schedule, and compost weekly. Monthly fees range from $9 to $21 depending on your cart size. Download the Denver Trash and Recycling app to find your collection day.
• Update your locks. For a new home purchase, rekey or replace exterior locks on day one. You do not know how many copies of the old key exist.
• Meet your neighbors. A quick introduction goes a long way, especially in tight-knit Denver neighborhoods like Highlands (80211), Sunnyside (80211), Sloan’s Lake (80212), and Berkeley (80212).

First 30 days after the move: Colorado to-do list

Colorado has specific requirements for new residents. Handle these within your first month to stay compliant and avoid fines.

• Update or transfer your driver’s license. If you moved within Colorado, update your address within 30 days at dmv.colorado.gov. If you moved from another state, you must establish 90 days of residency and then transfer your license within 30 days after that. The transfer costs $30.87.
• Register your vehicle in Colorado. Visit your county clerk’s office to register. You will need your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, a VIN verification, and a valid emissions test.
• Get an emissions test. Denver County is in the Air Care Colorado program area. Most vehicles need to pass an emissions test before registration. New vehicles within their first seven model years may be exempt. Find a testing station at aircarecolorado.com or call (303) 456-7090.
• Update voter registration. Go to GoVoteColorado.gov with your Colorado ID number. Colorado mails ballots to your registered address, so an outdated address means a missed election.
• Register pets with Denver Animal Protection. Denver requires all dogs and cats to be licensed. Annual licenses cost $15 for spayed/neutered pets and $50 for intact animals. Register at denvergov.org or any Denver animal shelter.
• Get a library card. Denver Public Library offers free cards to all Denver residents. Bring a photo ID and proof of current address to any branch.

Denver neighborhood quick reference for movers

Different neighborhoods come with different logistics. Here is a quick reference for the areas Moving Brothers serves most often.

• Downtown Denver / LoDo (80202, 80204): High-rise buildings, loading dock reservations required, metered parking, right-of-way permits likely needed. Plan for elevator wait times.
• Capitol Hill / Cheesman Park (80203, 80206): Older buildings with narrow stairwells, limited street parking, and permit-parking zones. Our loading and unloading crew handles tight spaces daily.
• Washington Park (80209, 80210): Tree-lined streets with on-street parking. Avoid scheduling moves during Saturday farmers’ market hours when parking gets tight on South Gaylord Street.
• Highlands / Sunnyside (80211): Mix of older bungalows and new townhomes. Some streets have steep grades. Historic district rules may affect loading zones.
• Park Hill (80207, 80220): Wide streets, easier truck access, older homes with unfinished basements. Watch for low-hanging tree branches near curbs.
• Aurora (80010, 80012, 80013, 80014): Sprawling suburbs east of Denver. Longer hauls for long-distance moves. See our Aurora movers page for area details.
• Lakewood (80226, 80228, 80232): Established neighborhoods west of Denver off US-6 and C-470. Our Lakewood movers serve this area regularly.
• Highlands Ranch (80126, 80129, 80130): Newer construction with wider streets and easier access. HOA rules may dictate move-in hours. Check our Highlands Ranch moving page for specifics.

Frequently asked questions about moving in Denver

How far in advance should I book Denver movers?

Book at least four to six weeks ahead for a standard move. During peak season (May through September), six to eight weeks is safer. Weekend slots fill fastest. Moving Brothers accepts reservations up to 60 days out.

Do I need a permit for a moving truck in Denver?

It depends on where you live. Downtown, Capitol Hill, and Highland often require a right-of-way permit from Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Permits cost about $50 and take a few business days to process.

How much does a local Denver move cost?

A two-person crew for a local move typically runs $140 to $220 per hour. A one-bedroom apartment averages $600 to $1,100 total. See our full Denver moving cost breakdown for pricing by home size and neighborhood.

What utilities do I need to set up in Denver?

At minimum: Xcel Energy for gas and electric, Denver Water for water, and an internet provider (Xfinity, CenturyLink, or T-Mobile). Trash, recycling, and compost service is managed by the City of Denver and comes with your property.

Does altitude affect moving day?

Yes. Denver sits at 5,280 feet. If you are moving from sea level, you may tire faster. Drink extra water, eat regular meals, and let the professionals handle heavy lifting.

When is the cheapest time to move in Denver?

October through March is the off-season. Rates are lower and availability is better. Our peak season guide explains how timing affects your total cost.

Ready to plan your Denver move?

Moving Brothers has completed thousands of moves across the Denver metro. We handle everything from studio apartments in Capitol Hill to four-bedroom homes in Highlands Ranch. We are licensed (PUC# HHG-00376, US DOT #2371440), insured, and rated 4.9 stars on Google.