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 Indiana.
- 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’s how many movers in Des Moines include specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Indiana
Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from Des Moines to Indiana with various services, based on your home’s size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,146 – $3,194 | $638 – $1,531 | $394 – $771 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,050 – $5,341 | $1,174 – $2,334 | $445 – $915 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,585 – $7,890 | $1,499 – $2,967 | $560 – $1,008 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 493-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Indiana using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes them monthly to account for seasonal shifts and market trends. Your actual cost can change based on move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Indiana
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Des Moines to Indiana, you can expect prices to land between $1,146 and $3,194. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,050 to $5,341 for the trip from Des Moines to IN. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,585 and $7,890.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Indiana
Moving containers from Des Moines to Indiana will cost you $638 to $1,531 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,174 to $2,334. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,499 to $2,967. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Des Moines.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Indiana
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $394 and $771 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to Indiana with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $445 to $915. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $560 to $1,008.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to IN
Here’s what shapes the moving costs in Des Moines:
- Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly affect your final bill.
- Time of year: Summer moves in Des Moines fall during peak season, which usually means higher prices.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What you should know before moving from Des Moines to IN
If you’re relocating to Indiana from Des Moines, IA, you’ll discover that the living expenses are quite similar. This means your financial plan might not need major changes, but it’s prudent to review the costs to identify any minor variations.
Compare cost of living: Des Moines vs. Indiana
| Des Moines, IA | Indiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $844 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $228,879 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $67,173 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 3.15% |
Indiana sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- In Indiana, rent is about 27% lower than in Des Moines, making housing easier on your budget.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 19% higher in Indiana than in Des Moines.
- On average, incomes in Indiana run 15% above Des Moines, potentially improving your financial flexibility.
- With the cost of living about the same in Indiana and Des Moines, you can focus less on finances and more on lifestyle fit.
- Indiana has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 39%, suggesting a stronger job market.
- Income tax rates are around 28% lower in Indiana, so your take-home pay will be higher than in Iowa.
How life is different in Des Moines, IA from Indiana
From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in Indiana stacks up against what you’re used to in Des Moines.
| Des Moines, IA | Indiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 6,833,037 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Republican 57-41 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 43″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 19.72 |
Indiana Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Indiana leaned Republican, while Des Moines supported Democratic.
- Summertime highs settle at approximately 85ºF in Indiana as well as 86ºF in Des Moines, ensuring the climate feels quite familiar. Apart from temperatures, it’s important to think about humidity, weather trends, and energy costs to grasp what summertime will be like in your new area.
- Winter lows in Indiana stay around 19ºF, noticeably warmer than Des Moines, where lows drop to 13ºF. This shift means easier winters, lighter routines, and smaller heating bills.
- Get ready for about 43 inches of rain annually in Indiana, compared to just 36 inches in Des Moines. More rainfall means greener scenery and wetter days, so plan ahead with good rain gear and a flexible routine.
- In Indiana, you’ll get about 22 inches of snow each year, far less than Des Moines. That means moving to Indiana will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
- Indiana records a higher crime rate (19.72) than Des Moines (5.0). It’s wise to research neighborhoods to understand how this may affect your day-to-day.
Other considerations when moving to Indiana
When you’re moving from Des Moines to Indiana, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- HOA rules: Always check community regulations beforehand so your move-in goes smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve the elevator if your building requires it for move-ins.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s site.
- Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in Indiana, but be sure to look up local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have your mail forwarded to Indiana. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Indiana
Whether you’re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, Indiana has tons for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Indiana
- Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
- Indianapolis Museum of Art
- French Lick West Baden Museum
- USS LST Ship Memorial
Parks in Indiana
- Brown County State Park
- Washington Park
- Forest Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- We Care Park
Sports teams in Indiana
- Fort Wayne Mad Ants (NBA G League)
- Indiana Fever (WNBA)
- Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
- Indiana Pacers (NBA)
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish (NCAA)
Universities in Indiana
- Purdue University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- University of Notre Dame
- Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
- Ball State University
FAQ
How long does a move from Des Moines to Indiana take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Des Moines, IA, to Indiana? Most moves on this route usually take one to four days, depending on your service. Just a heads up. Moving during the hectic summer season might leave you open to delays.
To keep your move on track and steer clear of delays, be sure to ask about the delivery timeline before you book your movers.
How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are eight movers in Des Moines that offer customized crates for a variety of fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces, including artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you will need special crating for any of your items, be sure to confirm with a Des Moines moving company that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Des Moines to Indiana?
Need to get your car from Des Moines to Indiana? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Des Moines to Indiana car shippers.
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Indiana?
Many people are moving to Indiana because of its low cost of living and amiable people.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Indiana.
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 pay for my move from Des Moines, IA, with cash?
There are four movers in Des Moines that accept cash payments. Even so, cash is not the norm in the moving industry, where traceable payment types are preferred. Plan to pay a deposit to lock in your booking and move date. The rest of the balance is usually due at pickup or after delivery—verify timing and accepted methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
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