Moving from Canada to Colorado: Benefits, Cost & How To
Are you planning to wave goodbye to Canada to settle down in the United States? Ready to trade in your Canadian snow boots for 300+ days of sunshine in Colorado? Colorado is a great place to consider relocating to, but before you make it official, you'll need to plan for the tasks involved with international relocations.
International relocations are time-consuming and tedious. To ensure you're prepared to go the distance, you'll want to plan ahead and hire a professional moving company to help you with the transition.
In this article, we'll walk you through everything you'll need to know about moving and storage services in Canada to Colorado, and what you can look forward to once you make the move. Let's dive in.
Benefits of Moving from Canada to Colorado
Whether you're marrying an American or relocating for work, there are many advantages to living in Colorado. For starters, the state sees almost 300 days of year-round sunshine. While Colorado still sees snow during the peak of winter, you can expect warmer and drier weather.
Colorado also has a growing job market, especially in Denver. There are many high-paying careers in hospitality, aerospace, and technology. These jobs also pay significantly more in Colorado than they do in Canada.
Lastly, Colorado is an outdoor lover's paradise! During the summer, you can spend time hiking and exploring trails at some of the national parks. When winter comes around, you can enjoy the ski resorts and other winter activities.
What You Can Expect From Your Canada‑to‑Colorado Move
Before you can officially call Colorado your home, you'll need to prepare for the transition and think through the logistics. A Canada to Colorado moving company, like Allied Van Lines, can help you with the following tasks:
Pre‑Move Planning
You'll want to start planning for your international move at least two to three months in advance. This will give you enough time to apply for a VISA, complete customs paperwork, and pay tariffs on your household goods.
Packing & Protection
It's best to start the packing phase as soon as possible. The professional moving company you hire will provide you with a list of prohibited items you should not pack before moving to the United States. They'll also ask you to keep a detailed inventory list. The inventory list may be requested by the customs agent. If you're worried about packing prohibited items or don't have the time to create a detailed inventory list, consider hiring professional packers to assist with this phase of the move.
Transport & Logistics
The Canada to Colorado movers will transport your belongings across the border and handle the customs process. Before entering the United States, you must complete all customs requirements and provide the right documentation. Throughout the transportation process, you can track the movers in real-time with our GPS tracking system.
Delivery & Unloading
When the movers arrive at your new Colorado home, they'll quickly get to work unloading everything where you need it. They'll also help set up appliances, assemble furniture, and remove any unwanted debris.
Practical Tips for Executing the Move
Ready to start planning your move to Colorado? Here are five practical tips you can use to streamline the process:
- Downsize before you relocate to lower the weight of your items
- Use towels, t-shirts, and blankets as packing supplies
- Source boxes from local companies or the Facebook marketplace
- Start the VISA application process as early as possible
- Fill out the CBP Form 6059B before the move
Settling In - Accessing Public Services
Once you've settled into Colorado, you'll want to make your residency official. To get started, you'll want to register your vehicle in Colorado and apply for a new driver's License. Colorado requires that your vehicle be registered within 90 days of residency.
You'll also need to sign up for a new healthcare plan. In the United States, most employers offer healthcare as part of their employment package. If your employer doesn't provide healthcare, you'll need to apply for insurance with Health First Colorado.
Cost of Moving from Canada to Colorado
The cost to move from Canada to Colorado will vary, depending on where you're moving to or from. Most Canada to Colorado moving companies will charge a base rate for international moves, and the price will fluctuate depending on item weight, home size, and the distance from origin to destination. The average cost for a move of this size is between $4,500 and $10,000. For an accurate estimate for your specific move, request a free quote on our website.
Housing Costs
Outside of moving costs, you'll also need to think through the cost of housing. When exploring housing options in the state, you may find the cost to be slightly higher than in Canada. According to Zillow, the average cost to buy a home in Colorado is $529,754, while the average rent is around $2,050. Once you decide which city and neighborhood you want to live in, you'll want to explore pricing for that specific area to determine your cost of living.
Cost of Living
The cost of living will vary, depending on which city you decide to settle down in. Expenses will be higher if you live in Denver, Aspen, or Colorado Springs. The cheapest places to live are Trinidad and Brush.
While Colorado is generally cheaper than big cities like Toronto or Vancouver, you'll find the price of living rather comparable in some parts of the state.
Transportation Costs
Colorado does not have the best public transportation setup. To commute to work or go to the grocery store, you'll need a vehicle. If you don't already have a vehicle, consider the cost of gas, insurance, and regular maintenance in your monthly budget.
How to Move from Canada to Colorado
When moving to a new country, you have two options: Hire a moving company or DIY your full move. While the DIY approach may be more affordable, it comes with more responsibility. You'll be responsible for applying for a visa, completing customs requirements, and handling all the heavy lifting. If you invest in moving services in Canada to Colorado, all of these tasks will be handled for you.
If you're moving to Colorado from Canada, start the planning process by requesting quotes from two to three moving companies. You'll want to compare services, review pricing, and read through the contract. Once the contract has been finalized and move-out day has been scheduled, they'll help you with every phase of the moving process.
Hire a Moving Company
The most effective way to relocate across the border is to hire a professional moving company to help you with the moving process. Professional Canada to Colorado movers will help you pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack your belongings. They'll even help you develop a moving timeline and navigate custom requirements.
Ready to start planning? Allied Van Lines is here to help. Request a free quote for our international moving services today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to move from Canada to Colorado?
Yes, a VISA is required to legally live in Colorado as a Canadian resident.
What are the main steps in clearing customs when moving to Colorado?
To clear customs, you'll need to complete the CBP Form 6059B before you move, keep a detailed inventory list of items, and pay any necessary tariffs.
How long does it take to move from Canada to Colorado?
A typical international move takes between five and 14 business days to complete. The exact timing will vary, depending on where you're moving from.
Can I bring my car from Canada to Colorado?
Yes, you can legally bring your car from Canada to Colorado. Colorado requires you to register your car with the state within the first 90 days.
What should I know about living in Colorado after moving from Canada?
If you're moving to Colorado from Canada, you'll find the weather to be sunnier and drier throughout the year. However, you'll want to prepare for higher housing costs.