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 Montana.
- 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 Montana
Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from Des Moines to Montana with various services, based on your home’s size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,232 – $4,696 | $823 – $2,030 | $668 – $1,271 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,501 – $6,115 | $1,521 – $3,039 | $737 – $1,527 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,480 – $8,638 | $2,076 – $4,012 | $994 – $1,975 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,101-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Montana 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 Montana
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Des Moines to Montana, you can expect prices to land between $1,232 and $4,696. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,501 to $6,115 for the trip from Des Moines to MT. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,480 and $8,638.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Montana
Moving containers from Des Moines to Montana will cost you $823 to $2,030 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,521 to $3,039. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,076 to $4,012. 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 Montana
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 $668 and $1,271 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to Montana with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $737 to $1,527. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $994 to $1,975.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to MT
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 MT
When relocating from Des Moines to Montana, you can look forward to new experiences, yet it’s crucial to anticipate higher living expenses. With Montana typically being more costly than Des Moines, careful financial planning is essential.
Compare the lifestyle in Des Moines with that in Montana to better prepare yourself for your upcoming move:
Compare cost of living: Des Moines vs. Montana
| Des Moines, IA | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $974 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $462,631 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $66,341 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 6.75% |
Montana sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- In Montana, rent is about 15% 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 141% higher in Montana than in Des Moines.
- On average, incomes in Montana run 13% above Des Moines, potentially improving your financial flexibility.
- Expect the cost of living in Montana to be roughly 15% higher than in Des Moines, which may require some budgeting adjustments.
- Montana has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 44%, suggesting a stronger job market.
- Expect to pay about 53% more in income taxes in Montana compared to Iowa.
How life is different in Des Moines, IA from Montana
From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in Montana stacks up against what you’re used to in Des Moines.
| Des Moines, IA | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 1,132,812 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Republican 58.4-38.5 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 12ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 15″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 49″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 23.37 |
Montana Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Montana leaned Republican, while Des Moines supported Democratic.
- Summertime highs settle at approximately 84ºF in Montana 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 are nearly identical, averaging 12ºF in Montana and 13ºF in Des Moines. With so little difference, your move shouldn’t disrupt your cold-weather lifestyle.
- In Montana, you’ll get only about 15 inches of rain per year, versus 36 inches in Des Moines. Less rain means more sunshine, more time outdoors, and fewer weather-related concerns.
- Each year, Montana gets about 49 inches of snow, while Des Moines sees only 33 inches. More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
- Montana records a higher crime rate (23.37) 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 Montana
When you’re moving from Des Moines to Montana, 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: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s site.
- Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in Montana, 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 Montana. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- 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 Montana
Whether you’re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, Montana has tons for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Montana
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Museum of the Rockies
- Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
- Moss Mansion
- Conrad Mansion
Parks in Montana
- Lone Pine State Park
- Caras Park
- Sacajawea Park
- Herron Park
- Phil Baux Park
Sports teams in Montana
- Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
- Montana State Bobcats (NCAA)
Universities in Montana
- Montana State University
- The University of Montana
- Montana Tech
- Montana State University Billings
- Carroll College
FAQ
How long does a move from Des Moines to Montana take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Des Moines, IA, to Montana? Most moves on this route usually take two to eight 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 Montana?
Need to get your car from Des Moines to Montana? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Des Moines to Montana car shippers.
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Montana?
Many people are moving to Montana because of its unmatched natural beauty and bountiful outdoor opportunities.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Montana.
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.
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