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($1,232) Movers From Des Moines, IA to Montana

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Estimated cost & time: The cost to move 1,101 miles from Des Moines, IA to Montana averages $737 to $6,115. Your move could take anywhere from two to eight days, depending on factors like your moving date, the distance, how much stuff you have, and whether you hire professional movers or go the DIY route.
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Best movers from Des Moines, IA to Montana

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental truck
Freight Icon
Labor-only
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Montana

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 prices from movers across the country and refreshes the dataset every month to capture seasonal changes and market shifts. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, add-on services, parking or access issues, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest getting quotes from several companies to gauge a fair price.
Studio Icon

Studio/1 bedroom

  • Full-service mover $2,062 – $5,077
  • Moving container $1,169 – $2,227
  • Rental truck $675 – $1,391
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Full-service mover $2,501 – $6,115
  • Moving container $1,521 – $3,039
  • Rental truck $737 – $1,527
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Full-service mover $4,480 – $8,638
  • Moving container $2,076 – $4,012
  • Rental truck $994 – $1,975
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Roadway Moving
Spring Hill, IA Bozeman, MT
Studio apartment
Oct 27, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Mitchellville, IA Big Timber, MT
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 05, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Redfield, IA Belgrade, MT
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 22, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Ogden, IA Great Falls, MT
Studio apartment
Sep 05, 2025
American Van Lines
Ankeny, IA Helena, MT
2 Bedrooms
Sep 04, 2025
PODS
Luther, IA Kalispell, MT
1 Bedroom (large)
Aug 29, 2025
North American Van Lines
Lacona, IA Billings, MT
Studio apartment
Aug 21, 2025
BLVD Moving
Runnells, IA Missoula, MT
1 Bedroom (large)
Aug 10, 2025
Allied Van Lines
New Virginia, IA Butte, MT
1 Bedroom (large)
Aug 09, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Montana to Des Moines, IA guide .

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.

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.6% of all reviews were positive
8.0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck earns its reputation for being fast, careful, and professional, with 92% of customer feedback praising efficient service, attention to detail, and courteous movers. Most people said the crews worked quickly, handled belongings with care, communicated well, and made moving less stressful. Many customers noted the movers were polite, helpful, and followed directions accurately, setting them apart from less organized competitors. Some even reported coming in under budget due to team efficiency, and highlighted transparent pricing and great office support. Negative feedback primarily cited issues with item damage, inexperienced movers, and unexpected costs. A small number of reviewers mentioned poor packing, lack of effort to resolve damages, and occasional rude remarks, especially in more complex moves. While damage to belongings arose more often than other negatives, the vast majority of feedback still positions this company as one of the most reliably consistent options for moving services in the region.
Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Company Info

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 2527384

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
64.0% of all reviews were positive
36.0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast, affordable, and careful—most customer feedback praises All Mighty Movers LLC for their quick moving process, professional crews, and attentive handling of belongings. Out of 25 reviews analyzed, 64% are positive, often highlighting low rates, polite staff, and efficient service. Clients commonly appreciate how speedily and safely items were moved, noting that furniture and fragile goods arrived undamaged. Many mention the company beats local competitors in both price and quality, thanks to thoughtful movers who keep an upbeat attitude even with challenging jobs. On the downside, 36% of feedback centers on inaccurate estimates, unexpected charges, and unclear communication, especially regarding additional fees and scheduling. Some customers feel misled when final costs exceeded quoted amounts. Compared to many moving companies, All Mighty Movers earns high marks for efficiency and pricing but leaves room to improve transparency and customer relations, especially for billing and communication during more complex moves.
Get a Quote (515) 313-1395

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
92.7% of all reviews were positive
7.3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving has never looked so easy. From 260 customer feedback entries, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving earned praise for efficient service, professionalism, and careful handling, with 92.7% of responses reflecting positive experiences. The staff often receives high marks for friendliness and effective communication, outperforming many competitors on reliability. Customers commonly mention the quick moving process and how carefully items are treated. On the downside, some reported damage to belongings, unexpected charges, and unprofessional conduct—chiefly in the few negative submissions, which account for 7.3% of the total. Compared to others, College Hunks stands out for speed, courteous crews, and strong problem-solving skills, but attention to quality control and transparent billing could prevent negative encounters. The company sets a high standard for service and staff demeanor, making it a leading choice in the moving industry.
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 2378173

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
% of all reviews were positive
% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Get a Quote (515) 393-4253

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
99.6% of all reviews were positive
0.4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave reviews consistently place Adamantine Spine Moving at the top of moving services in Iowa and beyond. Analyzing 223 customer reviews, 99.6% of feedback highlights professionalism, efficient service, excellent communication, careful handling, and quick moving crews. Customers repeatedly mention that staff are polite, approachable, and make stressful moves easy with precise organization and prompt responses. Quotes tend to be accurate, crews are well-trained, and moves large or small are handled with care. Compared to larger moving firms, Adamantine stands out for its hard-working teams and reliable pricing, with many clients calling the experience the best they’ve had. The only significant complaint noted involves a billing discrepancy where the final charge was much higher than the initial estimate, and the situation wasn’t resolved effectively. This single negative input strongly contrasts the otherwise outstanding reputation. Adamantine’s client input sets it apart from typical moving companies and makes it a top recommendation for anyone looking for trusted moving professionals.
Get a Quote (319) 519-0154

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:

Interstate
9 69.23%
Small moves
9 69.23%
Antiques
6 46.15%
Art
7 53.85%
Pianos
10 76.92%
Fragile-only packing
4 30.77%

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%
  • 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
  • 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?

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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