($348+) Wichita, KS to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Wichita, KS, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $348 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,578 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 392 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,129, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,578 or more.
- Moving containers run $930 - $2,764, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $348 - $909.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Wichita, KS, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,824 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Wichita, KS to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Wichita to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,824 - $4,658. Containers cost roughly 34% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 80% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 392 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 392-mile route from Wichita to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,129 - $3,745 with full-service movers, $930 - $1,526 with a container, $348 - $646 with a rental truck, or $837 - $1,388 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,824 - $4,658 full-service, $1,201 - $2,189 by container, $371 - $751 by rental truck, or $879 - $1,770 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,834 - $6,578 full-service, $1,440 - $2,764 by container, $471 - $909 by rental truck, or $1,261 - $2,301 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Wichita, KS to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 392-mile move from Wichita, Kansas, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,129 - $6,578. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $254 - $1,692. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Wichita and Des Moines. Local movers in Wichita typically start around $194 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Wichita to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,129 - $3,745
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,824 - $4,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,834 - $6,578
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Wichita to Des Moines.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Wichita, KS to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Wichita movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing69% of local movers | $423 - $4,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: American Movers | $169 - $1,015/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $254 - $2,030 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage23% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $846 - $2,538 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,115 - $8,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $634 - $1,204 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items15% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Titan Moving | $846 - $2,115 |
| Piano | Any piano type31% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $677 - $2,961 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $254 - $1,269 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $550 - $1,692 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $254 - $12,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $254 - $2,961+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Wichita to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Wichita, KS?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Wichita to Des Moines with a local mover averages $1,806 - $4,612. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Wichita, KS can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
American Movers (4.5/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Wichita, ranked #2 in Kansas, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,243 customers, 97.0% of which is positive.
Address: 1324 S. Handley St., Wichita, KS, 67213 | Founded: 2004
Moving container costs from Wichita, KS to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Wichita, Kansas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $930 and $2,764. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Wichita typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Wichita to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $930 - $1,526
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,201 - $2,189
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,440 - $2,764
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $63 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $127 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $592 in Wichita, KS, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Kansas to Iowa move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $930. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,201 - $2,189.
What are the best moving containers Wichita to Des Moines?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Wichita to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Wichita:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 4 years in business
- Jam N Moving (4.6/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Wichita, KS to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 392-mile move from Wichita, Kansas, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $348 and $909, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $106 - $121
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Wichita daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Wichita to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $348 - $646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $371 - $751
- 4+ bedrooms: $471 - $909
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $348 - $909 does not include fuel ($106 - $121), lodging ($127/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Wichita to Des Moines typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $127 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $55 and $275 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $106 - $121 in fuel for the 392-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $592 in Wichita, Kansas, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Wichita to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Wichita, KS to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Wichita, Kansas, to Des Moines, Iowa, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $879 and $1,770.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Wichita to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $837 - $1,388
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $879 - $1,770
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,261 - $2,301
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $63 - $127 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Wichita, Kansas, for about five hours typically runs $592.
What are the best freight companies from Wichita to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Wichita, KS vs Des Moines, IA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Wichita and Des Moines to plan around. Cost of living index: 83 vs. 87. Average rent: $930/mo vs. $1,150/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 35 vs. 45. Safety index: 50.81 vs. 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Kansas to Iowa over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 52 movers in our Kansas network to compare for this 392-mile move.
Our take
The 392-mile move from Wichita, KS, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,129 and $6,578 with full-service movers, $930 - $2,764 with a moving container, and $348 - $909 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,824 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Wichita, KS, to Des Moines, IA
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 50.81 and 49.19 in Wichita. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 35 and 44 in Wichita. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.
What do local movers charge in Wichita?
Local movers based in Wichita typically start around $194 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Wichita movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 31% of movers in Wichita handle piano moves, and 15% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.