In our 18 years of helping Denver residents relocate, we often get asked the same financial question: “Is a $5,000 budget actually enough for a two-bedroom move?”
From our professional perspective, the answer requires looking at the bigger picture.
When we discuss this budget, we are calculating beyond just the actual move.
We are accounting for the total cost of relocation—including your first month’s rent, security deposits, and the unforeseen expenses that often catch renters off guard.
Here is the reality we see on the ground: For a local move within the Denver Metro area, $5,000 is usually sufficient to cover those startup costs plus our professional moving services.
However, we always aim to be transparent: for interstate moves, $5,000 is tight.
In our experience, this budget will typically only cover a rental truck and your new apartment’s deposits—not full-service labor.
If you are planning a long-distance relocation with full-service movers, we recommend budgeting between $6,000 and $10,000 to cover the entire transition comfortably.
Will Your $5,000 Budget Survive? Defining the Moving Scenarios
The stress of moving always centers on one question: Will the budget hold?
Everyone wants to reach a significant milestone like getting a new place, but everyone has their own budget.
For many, that number may be $5,000.
But is that actually enough when facing the 2025 rent prices and moving fees?
This guide is designed to cut through the guesswork by planning for each scenario.
You may be looking at a simple local move from Denver to Boulder or Aurora.
Others may be interested in an intrastate move to Colorado Springs or Fort Collins, CO.
And lastly, interstate moves from Denver to Texas, California, Arizona, or New York.
Before diving into the numbers, take a first step by learning more about our company and our transparent pricing philosophy to establish a clear starting point.
Phase 1: The Fixed Costs of Moving
It is tempting and logical to assume that hiring movers will be the highest cost for a 2-bedroom apartment move, but the true budget killer is property transfer costs.
When you take a good look at a $5,000 budget, you have to start subtracting large chunks to secure the new place. To succeed, you need to manage your monthly budget carefully.
And, you won’t be able to count on that security deposit at your current one immediately.
Add this to the cost of your deep-cleaning measures, possibly hiring carpet cleaners, and everything else needed to recoup that prior deposit.
Couple all of these things with potential damages to be repaired, and administrative costs for utility disconnections and setup, and suddenly, you’ve spent well over half of your deposit.
This is all before moving a single box.
Addressing these fixed, non-moving logistics is always the essential first step in determining if your $5,000 is truly enough.
1. Expenses from the Current Apartment
Securing a new apartment in LoDo or Wash Park is expensive enough.
Any living expenses saved in the months prior can help, but failing to properly close out your current lease can result in a greater loss of your security deposit and a dent in your rental history.
These final expenses can catch people off guard and create additional monthly expenses if not handled correctly.
You will need to budget both time and money to ensure the apartment is returned to its original condition, to avoid additional fees from your current property owner or landlord.
You should account for all of the following expenses
You will need to decide whether to pay for professional deep cleaning (typically $150–$250 for a two-bedroom) or undertake the significant effort of a DIY deep clean to ensure you meet the lease terms and secure the maximum deposit return. Many leases mandate professional carpet cleaning.
Essential expenses include budgeting for minor wall patches, nail hole filling, or touch-up painting. Even minor issues (like covering holes in walls) can result in significant deductions from your deposit. Budget $100–$300 for materials and minor fixes.
If you are moving before your lease ends, the penalty can range from one month’s rent to the full remaining balance, making a $5,000 budget impossible to maintain.
Ensure you schedule utilities to shut off after your move-out date, but before your final walk-through. A 2–3-day overlap should be budgeted to cover final electricity and water usage.
2. Essential Expenses for the New Apartment
The financial hurdle posed by your current apartment is one thing.
There is another cash deposit to prepare for the new lease.
These variable expenses may include the first month’s rent, a security deposit, a pet deposit, last month’s rent, and additional administrative fees.
Most of these are non-negotiable and will depend on your landlord.
For a 2-bedroom apartment in the Denver metro area, these costs can consume most of a $5,000 budget.
This is why some people choose DIY moving options.
Understanding these figures is crucial because they determine how much money you have left for transportation.
You may encounter any or all of the following
This is the single most significant upfront expense. In highly competitive markets such as Denver, $2,000 is usually the lowest cost you will encounter.
This is expected with every property owner and landlord. They will require a deposit equal to at least one month’s rent, sometimes more. This can double your payment, pushing the initial cost past $4,000.
This non-refundable fee covers processing your application, including background checks, credit reports, and general administrative costs. If two people are signing the lease, this fee is usually applied per applicant.
Be sure to budget for non-refundable activation fees from local providers like Xcel Energy (Gas/Electric), Denver Water, or internet/cable companies (Xfinity/CenturyLink). These minor, cumulative fees should be factored in separately from your recurring monthly utility bills.
3. The “Hidden” Costs (The 10% Gap)
Moving beyond the costs of rent, deposits, and movers, a $5,000 budget can be derailed by the “hidden cost gap.”
This gap is unexpected expenses that add up quickly, which is why a $500 gap is a good idea.
These aren’t things your landlord mandates, but they are additional expenses to maintain during your transition.
Forgetting to factor in things like this can disrupt your plans for a smooth transition.
Budgeting with this gap in mind ensures that, once all your principal payments are made, you aren’t left stranded without the necessary materials.
Plan for any or all of the following
This is the inevitable financial bridge when you have access to both the old and new apartment simultaneously. Budgeting for 3 to 5 days of rent overlap is critical to give yourself enough time to clean the old unit thoroughly (to secure your deposit) and move into the new unit without rushing.
Moving isn’t just about transport; you often have to rebuild what you already have. You may find yourself throwing out old spices, oils, and perishable groceries. You may also need to dispose of cosmetics and toiletries to prevent spills from contaminating your personal belongings.
You can find some boxes for free, but you will still need to purchase critical packing materials to protect your household goods. This may include specialty boxes, bubble wrap, mattress covers, and additional permanent markers for labeling.
Since your kitchen will be disassembled for days, budget for several days of takeout or fast-casual meals. This prevents stress and saves time, but it can add up quickly.
If you have pets or small children, budget for a day or two of professional boarding or sitter fees to ensure faster, safer, and more efficient loading and unloading.
Phase 2: Professional Movers Cost
Once all fixed costs associated with securing the apartment are accounted for, the remaining budget is allocated to transportation.
This phase will introduce another source of cost variability, as prices vary widely based on whether you are moving locally or long-distance.
For a 2-bedroom apartment, local moving companies typically charge by the hour (in the Denver Metro area), with rates ranging from $150 and $225.
This is more manageable within a $5,000 budget, but make sure you compare prices.
Intrastate and interstate moving will switch to weight or volume, and distance.
This can quickly drive the total movers cost well above $5,000.
Suddenly, deciding between renting a truck and doing the heavy lifting yourself or hiring a professional moving company can be difficult.
The Estimated Cost Breakdown
This is where the difference between local and interstate shines through.
The chart below shows how housing costs, combined with transportation options, determine whether $5,000 is enough.
The first step to budgeting is learning more about our company and our transparent pricing philosophy.
| Expense Category | Local Move (Denver Metro) |
Intrastate Move (e.g., To Co. Springs) |
Interstate Move (e.g., To Los Angeles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Month Rent (Avg) | $2,200 | $1,800 | $2,800 |
| Security Deposit | $500 - $2,200 | $300 - $1,800 | $600 - $2,800 |
| Utility/Admin Fees | $150 - $300 | $150 - $300 | $150 - $400 |
| Housing Subtotal | $2,850 - $4,700 | $2,250 - $3,900 | $3,010 - $6,000 |
| Option A: DIY Truck | $150 - $300 | $400 - $600 | $2,300 - $2,800 |
| Option B: Full-Service | $625 - $950 | $967 - $1,350 | $3,500 - $5,000 |
| Total (with DIY) | $3,000 - $5,000 | $2,650 - $4,500 | $5,310 - $8,800 |
| Total (with Movers) | $3,475 - $5,650 | $3,217 - $5,250 | $6,510 - $11,000 |
Method A: Hiring Full-Service Movers
Hiring full-service movers in Denver is the ultimate convenience.
It completely transforms all labor and general logistics processes; however, the level of service comes at a price.
For local moves, it is generally feasible to do so on a $5,000 budget, provided you are not moving into a spot with a private renter.
This is because private renters typically request first, last, and security deposits, which can strain the budget.
Conversely, for intrastate and, critically, interstate moves, the pricing shifts to a complex weight- or volume-based system.
Because a 2-bedroom will usually exceed the minimum charges for long-distance moves, the situation becomes very tight, and for interstate moves, it becomes even less realistic.
Local Moves in the Denver Metro & Surrounding Regions
For moves to Boulder, Castle Rock, Centennial, or Aurora (essentially moves within the same city or metro area), the total cost is based on hourly rates.
This option is the most cost-effective for a full-service move.
The most crucial factor determining the final cost is the crew’s working hours.
Because you are traveling a shorter distance, fuel and travel time are lower than for intrastate moves.
If your apartment is well prepared, you can also limit the time needed.
Key Factors for Local Moves
This is the only scenario in which a full-service move might fit within your $5,000 budget, provided you have minimal deposits.
Local moves are charged based on an average hourly rate for the truck and crew.
Hiring trusted local moving companies in Denver for a 2-bedroom typically takes 3–5 hours, but this can vary based on building logistics and the number of items.
Long-Distance (Intrastate Moves in Colorado)
Intrastate movers are those within state lines but exceed the local radius of approximately 50 miles.
An intrastate or long-distance move would be to destinations such as Grand Junction, Fort Collins, or Colorado Springs.
This is where you enter the “Danger Zone” for a $5,000 moving budget.
This is because, unlike local moves, these are priced using your volume/weight and distance. These costs can vary greatly depending on your specific route.
While it is cheaper than a cross-country move, transportation for a 2-bedroom can easily cost $2,500-$3,500.
When you combine long-distance moving costs with fixed costs, your total expenses are dangerously close to exceeding your budget.
Plus, to protect their items during longer trips, many customers opt for professional packing services.
Additional services can further stretch your budget.
We specialize in interstate moves and can provide a precise quote.
Interstate Moving Companies on a $5,000 Budget
Crossing state lines into California, Texas, or New York is considered an interstate move.
This is a significant financial challenge against a $5,000 budget and doesn’t meet the cut.
It is a reality check that will hit the hardest: a professional interstate move for a 2-bedroom apartment is charged under the same payment structure as an intrastate move.
This can cost you between $5,000 and $8,000 before fixed costs are accounted for.
If you are looking for a full-service moving experience, you will need to turn to professional movers and plan for a much higher overall budget.
If $5,000 is your budget ceiling, you will need to get crafty because transportation will likely eat up the entire amount.
You may be interested in the most cost-effective way to hire out-of-state movers (typically a DIY rental truck or container), and you can focus on companies like ours that specialize in interstate moves.
These moves are more complex, so to stay on track, we have created a detailed outline of the most cost-effective way to hire out-of-state movers.
Method B: DIY & Hybrid Relocation Solutions for a Cross-Country Move
If a full-service move exceeds your budget, you may be considering alternative self-managed relocation options.
This method explores options to identify new avenues for reducing transport costs.
These DIY and hybrid methods may be the lifeline that you are looking for.
While they will require much more effort and physical involvement, they will provide financial flexibility to afford the new apartment and still cover transportation costs.
A Complete DIY Route Instead of Moving Services
A do-it-yourself approach is a budget-conscious option and isn’t a bad idea if you are planning an interstate move with tight housing costs.
It helps to save money and bring your budget closer to that $5,000 mark.
However, it will require you to handle every aspect of the move.
From general packing to hauling around large furniture, driving, and unloading, you are responsible for it all.
If you choose the DIY route, ensure you purchase high-quality packing materials.
You are sacrificing professional convenience, but DIY moving offers greater control over scheduling and closer adherence to your budget.
DIY Moving Costs for Early Fall
Costs will be limited to the moving truck fee, mileage, insurance, gas, and tolls. For a cross-country move, a rental truck alone can cost $1,800 to $2,500.
Budget about $500, with up to $1,000 for fuel and other travel expenses. Things like hotels and food can eat up your budget.
There’s no cost here, but you are putting yourself at risk. You may enlist the help of friends and family for some of the responsibilities, but this is incredibly time-consuming, and everyone is at risk of possible injuries.
The move is executed at your own pace. However, driving an extensive truck cross-country significantly increases travel time compared to flying.
The Modern Hybrid Move
Hybrid moving is when you piece things together, pack up, and drive, but hire labor to assist with loading and unloading.
It is a popular option for out-of-state moves on a tight budget.
This provides full labor outsourcing, so you don’t spend time doing it yourself, and you aren’t at risk or putting yourself in harm’s way.
Hybrid Costs Vary Depending on Services
You will still need to budget $1,800 to $2,500 for truck rental and account for additional gas and hotel costs.
You may consider hiring a moving crew (typically two movers) for a few hours to load or unload the truck. This can cost $460-$750, but with their experience, your items are less likely to be damaged.
Approximately $3,000 to $4,500. The cost is comparable to total DIY solutions, but it provides additional protection for your household and belongings.
Pods & Containers
Portable pods and containers, such as PODS or U-Pack, offer a more flexible middle ground between DIY and traditional moving services.
The most significant advantage is that you aren’t responsible for transport, but you will still need to handle packing and loading.
Pricing is typically set based on container size, distance, and timeframe.
Be mindful and request any and all fees upfront, including delivery and storage fees, to avoid surprises.
Container Pricing for Specific Circumstances
All rates are based on the container size and the final destination. Pricing should include drop-off, pickup, transport, and the total rental time.
For a 2-bedroom apartment, you can expect one large container or two smaller ones; transportation costs typically range from $3,000 to $5,000.
You handle all packing and loading, saving on labor costs, but it requires careful, professional-level packing to maximize space and prevent damage.
Hiring separate labor to load or unload the container can help, but it can cost $300-$600.
Tips for Moving a Two-Bedroom on a $5,000 Budget
Holding to a $5,000 budget for a two-bedroom apartment requires more than just hope or luck.
It requires careful planning and close attention to cost-saving tips.
When fixed costs consume the majority of the budget, success hinges on minimizing all other move-related costs.
Practical Tips to Eliminate Unnecessary Expenses
Try to sell, consign, or donate anything you haven’t touched in a year. Host garage sales to save money and reduce unwanted items. Fewer items mean a lower interstate quote; they can even speed up a local move.
Compare apartment prices and negotiate a lower deposit for excellent credit, or inquire about flexible payment plans for the second month. Be sure to ask about any specials; you may receive one or two months’ rent free!
Check local stores, social media, or grocery chains for free used boxes to save money on packing materials. Alternatively, you can save all that time by utilizing local professional packing services to save yourself time and stress.
Moving between October and April (the off-peak season) can significantly lower both hourly and weight-based moving quotes. Avoid peak moving season (spring and summer) whenever possible.
You should start packing early to avoid last-minute, expensive rush services or buying supplies at premium prices.
If moving from a high-rise or complex, verify whether there are mandatory elevator reservation fees or other building-specific access charges, which can add hundreds to your final bill.
For interstate moves, consider selling bulky, heavy items (such as a couch or king-size bed frame) and replacing them at your destination. The cost of replacing furniture often offsets the savings from lower shipment weight.
The Verdict on Moving with a $5,000 Budget
Ultimately, a $5,000 budget is not a universal barrier.
The budget will determine the type of move that you can afford.
Given the high cost of securing a new apartment and moving out of your current one, you will need to factor in all fixed costs associated with relocating.
The success of your budget hinges on your direction, potential cost savings, and alternative relocation options.
Budget Breakdown and Extra Fees when Moving Household Items
$5,000 is a relatively safe amount. You can afford full-service movers and comfortably cover the startup fees for your new apartment, making this budget ideal for moving within the Denver Metro area. You may even save money if you pack yourself.
$5,000 is on the edge of the budget. This is where you enter the danger zone; treat it as a working budget and set strict guidelines for cost savings. Keep emergency funds available just in case.
$5,000 is considered a starting and working budget only. For moves across state lines, the budget will cover only one significant expense: either having your belongings transported (via a DIY truck or container) or paying the deposits for your new apartment. Expect to budget an additional $2,000–$5,000 if you require full-service movers for a cross-country relocation.
Common Questions about the Moving Process
How much does a local move cost in Denver for a 2-bedroom?
The average cost of a local 2-bedroom move in Denver ranges from $625 to $950.
There are several key factors that determine the mover’s hourly rate, the crew required for the job, travel time, and any additional trip fees.
Typically, Denverites will opt for a three men and a truck for a 2-bedroom move. Unlike a three-bedroom apartment, which almost always requires a larger crew, a 2-bedroom move depends on:
How much stuff is in the apartment
Whether you require packing
How many flights of stairs are on each side
The most common hourly rate for a 3-person crew is $150 to $225, and the job typically takes 3 to 5 hours.
If additional obstacles or services are required, the movers cost may continue to increase.
Is it cheaper to rent a U-Haul or use a Pod?
This depends on the distance you plan to travel.
With a U-Haul or other rental truck, the quoted cost may seem lower, but the total price can vary widely.
You have to factor in fuel, additional insurance, tolls, hotel costs, food, etc.
There is a significant difference in convenience, but Pods are often more expensive for short moves.
However, when planning an interstate move, truck costs can add up quickly and push you past your budget.
What is the average deposit for a 2-bedroom apartment in 2025?
The minimum security deposit for a 2-bedroom is $500, with a maximum of one month’s rent.
This doesn’t account for pet deposits, which typically range from $300 to $500.
Credit Score is the Key: If you have great credit, the deposit should be either equal to or lower than one month’s rent. But, if you don’t have a history or are working with your credit score, things can be much higher.
Pet Deposits: Most landlords require a pet deposit to protect the property. This will be between $300 to $500 per pet. If you have two pets, you will be required to pay a higher, ongoing pet rent for all animals on the lease.
Deposit Alternatives: Some modern apartment communities now offer “Deposit Insurance” or “Surety Bonds.” For a small, non-refundable fee ($200), this eliminates the need for a large cash security deposit, freeing up thousands of dollars for your moving expenses. However, this is non-refundable and does not cover damage costs; it serves only as a bond for the landlord.
Does a full-service interstate move include packing supplies?
A full-service interstate move (often charged as a flat fee based on weight) will always include packing materials for large furniture items and standard property protection measures.
It will not include moving boxes or additional materials for packing everyday items.
It also does not include packing your moving boxes unless you opt for a full-pack or custom packing service for specialty items.
You may also need to budget for unpacking services separately if you want help settling in.
If you are packing yourself, you will need to provide your own supplies unless you have arranged alternative options with your moving company.
Planning, Free Quote, & Best Deal for Your Move
The biggest takeaway for any Denver resident planning a 2-bedroom apartment relocation is to account for all moving costs and unforeseen circumstances.
Not everything is all about the moving costs. You need to calculate your monthly income against your expenses to ensure long-term stability.
Save Money Where You Can
If you are moving nearby, your $5,000 budget is a healthy one, but as you cross state lines, it is only a starting point.
The first step toward an accurate, comfortable plan is to check our service areas to confirm your move type, then contact multiple moving companies to get a binding estimate to eliminate surprises.
Contact Denver Moving Companies
We are a local team of relocation professionals dedicated to keeping pricing transparent and affordable for our fellow Coloradans, both during peak and off-peak times.
We will also provide a free in-home or virtual walkthrough to get started.
Contact our moving professionals to request your free quote for a successful transition!
(303) 647-5533Written by Kristin Davis, Senior Relocation Specialist at Denver Moving Companies
