A second home is a move with a delay in it. The truck arrives at a house that has been empty for months, and no one you know lives next door.
Before the truck
- Utilities on at least two days early. Water, power and heat need to be running so pipes are not hit by a cold house. Confirm who holds the accounts.
- Locks and access. Gate codes, HOA key fobs, elevator reservations and a person who can open the door if you are delayed by weather.
- Parking rules. Many mountain communities limit where a truck may stand and for how long. Ask the HOA or town; do not guess.
- A storage fallback. If the road closes, where does the load wait? Ask the mover, in advance, what they do and what it costs.
If you are becoming a full-time resident
Moving a second home to a main home starts Colorado’s residency clocks. The Colorado DMV says to transfer a driver license within 30 days of establishing residency and to title and register a vehicle within 90 days (Colorado DMV, Welcome to Colorado). Emissions testing applies only to vehicles registered in the Front Range program area. The DMV gives Denver, Boulder, Jefferson and Douglas counties as examples of designated emissions counties, so ask your county clerk about yours.
Furniture and fixtures
- Measure stairways, lofts and door swings. Cabin staircases are often tighter than a standard sofa needs.
- Plan for dry air. Wood furniture that has spent years in humid climates can crack.
- Tell the mover about stairs to the sleeping loft and any spiral stair; those usually need a different carry.
Insurance and valuation
Ask the mover to explain, in writing, what its valuation covers in the mountains, and check whether your homeowner’s or renter’s policy covers goods in transit and in a second residence. Do not assume one covers the other.