Local moving companies in Des Moines
Out of 13 Des Moines movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Local moving services in Des Moines, IA
Here is a quick look at how many movers in Des Moines offer add-on specialty services:
Cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Illinois
The table below shows typical price ranges to move from Des Moines to Illinois, with service options tailored to your home size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $939 – $3,005 | $604 – $1,470 | $297 – $558 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,593 – $4,548 | $1,096 – $2,120 | $328 – $622 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,269 – $5,902 | $1,447 – $2,657 | $382 – $788 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 276-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified rates from moving companies around the country, refreshed monthly for seasonality and market movement. Final charges can fluctuate based on the scope of your move, add-ons, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest comparing multiple estimates for accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Illinois
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Illinois, you can expect to spend between $939 and $3,005. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,593 to $4,548 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home typically runs between $2,269 and $5,902.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Illinois
When moving from Des Moines to Illinois, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $604 and $1,470. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,096 to $2,120. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,447 up to $2,657. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Des Moines.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Illinois
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom in Des Moines to relocate to Illinois and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $297 and $558. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $328 and $622. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $382 and $788.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to IL
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Move size: Larger homes and more belongings increase the total moving cost.
- Time of year: Moving during busy summer months in Des Moines can drive up rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY can cut costs, but professional movers provide convenience and peace of mind.
What you should know before moving from Des Moines to IL
In transitioning to Illinois from Des Moines, IA, you’ll find most living costs are on par. While your budget might stay intact, it’s always beneficial to inspect the specifics for any slight changes.
Compare cost of living: Des Moines vs. Illinois
| Des Moines, IA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent costs in Illinois are comparable to Des Moines, so your budget will work in either place.
- Home prices in Illinois are about 30% higher than in Des Moines, so budget for a higher mortgage bill.
- In Illinois, average earnings are about 34% higher than in Des Moines, giving you some extra financial breathing room.
- With cost of living nearly equal in Illinois and Des Moines, your decision can lean more toward lifestyle than expenses.
- With unemployment about 10% lower in Illinois than in Des Moines, you may find it easier to secure work.
- Moving to Illinois means income taxes that are 12% higher than in Iowa, lowering your net pay.
How life is different in Des Moines, IA from Illinois
If you’re considering a move from Des Moines to Illinois, there are some notable lifestyle differences to keep in mind. From climate and population size to political leanings, here’s how life in Illinois compares to life in Des Moines.
| Des Moines, IA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Des Moines and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Summer highs generally reach around 86ºF in both Illinois and Des Moines, meaning the climate will feel quite familiar. Don’t forget to factor in humidity, prevailing weather patterns, and energy costs to gain a full picture of what summer life will be like in your new location.
- Winter lows in Illinois and Des Moines are close — 17ºF vs 13ºF. With little difference, you’ll likely notice only minimal changes to your day-to-day life in winter.
- Illinois gets about 40 inches of rain per year, nearly the same as the 36 inches you’re accustomed to in Des Moines. With totals this close, changes in daily life will come more from weather timing than total rainfall.
- In Illinois, you’ll see just 22 inches of snow each year, compared to Des Moines, which gets 33 inches annually. Moving to Illinois means enjoying gentler winters, less shoveling, and fewer weather headaches.
- Crime is higher in Illinois, with an index of 19.7 compared to Des Moines at 5.0. This may call for extra awareness of local safety practices.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
When relocating from Des Moines to Illinois, a few details are worth keeping in mind to avoid last-minute hiccups. Beyond choosing a mover and packing your belongings, it’s helpful to consider local rules, permit requirements, and other practical factors that could impact your move.
- HOA rules: Make sure to check your neighborhood or community’s moving rules ahead of time to avoid any surprises on moving day.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator ahead of time if one is available for moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities ask for parking permits when you’re using a moving truck or large vehicle. Check in advance to see if you’ll need a permit for your move.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure your moving company has all the proper licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit for Illinois, but it’s smart to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before you move. You’ll be able to choose your official move date so your mail is forwarded to Illinois seamlessly. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary by state, so be sure to review the regulations where you live. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Simplify your move using our moving checklist. It keeps everything organized and takes care of the details, so you can relax and enjoy making your new place home.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Illinois.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Des Moines to Illinois take?
How long will your move from Des Moines, IA to Illinois take? It depends on the type of service you pick, but you can usually expect it to take one to four days. Just keep in mind that moves during the busy summer season may take a bit longer.
To get your move done as quickly as possible, ask for a delivery timeframe before you book your moving company.
What’s the availability of custom crating among movers in Des Moines?
We track eight movers in Des Moines that can build custom crates for items such as art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Be sure to confirm with a Des Moines moving company that the materials and dimensions match your item requirements.
What is the best way to get a car from Des Moines to Illinois?
Looking to ship your car from Des Moines to Illinois? Choose experts who know how to treat your vehicle right and handle every detail with professionalism. Check out our top picks for car shipping from Iowa to Illinois.
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Des Moines?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.
Can I use cash to pay a mover in Des Moines, IA?
Currently, four movers in Des Moines accept cash as a payment option. Still, cash isn’t widely used in the moving industry, which favors traceable methods and clear receipts. Expect to pay a deposit first to secure your move date. The rest is due either at pickup or once delivery is complete—check with your mover on the exact payment schedule and accepted types.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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