Local service guide
Moving services in Denver: Hiring and access planning
Choose moving services by comparing written quotes for the same inventory, packing tasks and access conditions, then assign responsibility for truck parking before you book. Denver requires a permit to park a moving truck or van in the street. Ask each mover who will arrange the permit, how it will charge for that task and where the crew will load. [1]
Compare quotes for the move you plan
Prepare a room-by-room inventory before requesting quotes. Include furniture, boxes, garage contents and items that need special handling. Tell each mover what you will pack, which furniture needs taking apart and whether you want the crew to empty boxes or put furniture together at the destination. Ask it to record these tasks in the quote.
Describe access at both addresses. Share the floor level, stair count, elevator arrangements, doorway dimensions and intended truck position. Send photos of tight turns and oversized furniture. Ask the mover to inspect any uncertain route before agreeing to handle a piano, large cabinet or other difficult item.
Ask whether the mover will charge by time or a stated total, when billing begins and ends, and what could change the amount. Request separate entries for packing materials, travel, storage, permit handling and specialty work. Compare the included tasks, payment schedule and cancellation terms. Use a written quote for your inventory and access arrangements when setting your budget.
Agree on the crew, belongings protection and delivery
Ask who will perform the move and answer questions on move day. Request the provider's legal business name, applicable operating credentials and insurance documentation, then verify those details with the issuing authority. Check that the quote and agreement name the same business. Ask for an explanation of any other company involved.
Get a written explanation of the protection offered for damaged or missing belongings, including exclusions, any deductible and the claim process. Ask how the provider treats items you pack yourself. Photograph valuable or fragile belongings before packing, and agree on how the crew will record their condition at pickup.
For storage or delivery on a later date, ask who will hold your belongings, how you can contact them and what delivery window you are agreeing to. Record the procedure for a delayed pickup, missed elevator reservation or destination change. Keep essential documents, medication and keys with you.
Arrange street access before the truck arrives
Denver's Right-of-Way Services FAQ requires a permit to park a moving truck or van in the street. For metered locations, it directs applicants to a parking-meter request; for locations without meters, it identifies a street-occupancy request. Ask the mover to specify the curb space and dates it needs before you arrange access. [1]
The city's pages give different submission directions. The FAQ includes email instructions, while the Street Occupancy page requires street-occupancy submissions through E-Permits and directs meter-bagging applicants to an online system. Start with the Street Occupancy page and confirm the route for your moving-truck request with DOTI Permit Operations at 303-446-3759. [1] [2]
Denver requires street-occupancy applicants to upload the request worksheet and traffic plans. Its FAQ requires a traffic control plan for each right-of-way closure. Describe any proposed sidewalk or alley use when discussing your application. Ask the city which plan fits the loading arrangement and have the mover confirm who will carry it out. [1] [2]
Coordinate building access and weather plans
Ask your building manager about elevator reservations, loading entrances, move hours and documents the mover must supply. Match those arrangements to the crew's arrival window. Walk the loading route before move day and decide who will protect floors, hold doors and keep children or pets away from the crew.
The National Weather Service's Central Park/Stapleton monthly snowfall normals include snow from September through May. Include a weather plan for a spring move too. Agree with your mover on who will clear the loading route, provide traction and decide whether conditions require a schedule change. [3]
Check the forecast near the move date. Ask about rescheduling terms before booking and keep a contact number for the crew lead. Confirm that a changed date also works for your building reservation and street-access arrangements. Keep floor coverings and a place for wet footwear ready if the forecast calls for snow or rain.
Selected monthly snowfall normals for Central Park/Stapleton
Local details that affect your job
Allow time for meter reservations
Denver recommends requesting meter bagging at least one week before the event and says processing can take up to 72 hours. Its Street Occupancy page also requires a street-occupancy permit for an event in the street, sidewalk or public right-of-way. Ask DOTI which approvals cover your move, and name the person responsible for obtaining them in your agreement. [2]
Have the container supplier resolve permits
Denver says the dumpster or container company must obtain permits because it has the equipment to move and service them. If a moving-container supplier tells you to obtain the permit yourself, the city directs you to its local representative. Resolve responsibility before paying for delivery, and ask the representative to confirm the approved placement. [1]
Plan for street-occupancy review
The city FAQ gives a normal minimum review time of five days for street-occupancy permits. Treat that as a review minimum, not a promised approval date. Confirm the application status before committing to a loading arrangement that depends on occupying the street. [1]
Choose an arrangement that fits your access
| Your situation | Arrangement to consider | Resolve before booking |
|---|---|---|
| You want help with packing and transport | A mover quoting both tasks | List packing, materials and furniture assembly tasks in the agreement. |
| You will pack and provide the vehicle | Loading and unloading help | Confirm who supplies equipment, drives and handles street-access approvals. |
| The truck needs a metered curb location | A mover with an agreed meter-reservation plan | Denver recommends meter-bagging requests at least one week ahead; confirm required approvals with DOTI. |
| The truck needs street space without meters | A move with an assigned street-occupancy applicant | Denver requires a permit for street parking of a moving truck or van; confirm the application route. |
| You want to load a moving container | A supplier that confirms placement and permit handling | Denver assigns container permits to the equipment company; contact its local representative if responsibility is disputed. |
Your hiring checklist
- Send each mover the same inventory, task list and access photos.
- Confirm the business performing the move and request credential and insurance documentation.
- Get the price basis, possible additional charges and cancellation terms in writing.
- Identify the truck position and assign responsibility for confirming and obtaining city approvals.
- For a container, confirm permit handling with the supplier's local representative.
- Reserve building access and share the arrival window with the crew.
- Agree on weather delays, route clearing and protection for floors and belongings.
- Keep the inventory, condition photos and move-day contact details together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a moving truck in the street?
Yes. Denver's FAQ requires a permit for a moving truck or van parked in the street. It distinguishes metered locations from locations without meters. Confirm the required approvals with DOTI and assign the application task before move day. [1] [2]
How far ahead should I arrange reserved meters?
Denver recommends submitting meter-bagging requests at least one week before the event and says processing can take up to 72 hours. Ask about the street-occupancy requirement too, and confirm approval before relying on the space. [2]
Who obtains the permit for a moving container?
Denver assigns dumpster or container permits to the equipment company. If the supplier asks you to obtain the permit, speak with its local representative and settle responsibility before delivery. [1]
What should I ask before accepting a moving quote?
Ask who performs the move, which tasks the price includes, what could add charges, and how the provider handles damage, delays and cancellation. Give it access details for both addresses and request the agreed parking and loading plan in writing.
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.