($345+) Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Wichita, KS, runs anywhere from $345 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,855 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 391 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 $1,041, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,855 or more.
- Moving containers run $912 - $2,764, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $345 - $946.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Wichita, KS. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,896 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Wichita: 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 $1,896 - $4,707. Containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 79% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 391 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 391-mile route from Des Moines to Wichita, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,041 - $3,633 | $912 - $1,542 | $345 - $627 | $764 - $1,416 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,896 - $4,707 | $1,190 - $2,211 | $394 - $789 | $897 - $1,735 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,776 - $6,855 | $1,471 - $2,764 | $490 - $946 | $1,177 - $2,167 |
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 Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 391-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wichita, Kansas, with costs ranging from $1,041 - $6,855. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $256 - $1,708. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Wichita. Local movers in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Wichita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,041 - $3,633
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,896 - $4,707
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,776 - $6,855
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 Des Moines to Wichita.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Wichita, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing62% of local movers | $427 - $4,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $171 - $1,025/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $256 - $2,050 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $854 - $2,562 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,135 - $8,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $640 - $1,215 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $854 - $2,135 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $683 - $2,989 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $256 - $1,281 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $555 - $1,708 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $256 - $12,810+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $256 - $2,989+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Wichita?
Movers licensed to operate in Kansas are typically members of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 Des Moines, IA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Wichita with a local mover averages $1,821 - $4,519. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Des Moines, IA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #2 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,052 customers, 93.8% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wichita, Kansas, cost between $912 and $2,764. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Wichita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $912 - $1,542
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,190 - $2,211
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,471 - $2,764
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Wichita, KS. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $598 in Des Moines, IA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $64 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $128 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Kansas 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 $912. 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 $1,190 - $2,211.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Wichita?
- 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS
Plan on $345 - $946 for a rental moving truck on the 391-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wichita, Kansas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $106 - $121
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Wichita based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $345 - $627
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $394 - $789
- 4+ bedrooms: $490 - $946
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $345 - $946 does not include fuel ($106 - $121), lodging ($128/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Wichita typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $598.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $106 - $121 for the 391-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $51 and $278, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $128 per night for hotel stops on the 391-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $256 - $384.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Wichita?
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Wichita, Kansas.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $897 and $1,735.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Wichita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $764 - $1,416
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $897 - $1,735
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,177 - $2,167
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $598.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $64 - $128 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Wichita?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
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: Des Moines, IA vs Wichita, KS
Day-to-day costs in Wichita are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 83 versus 87, with average rent of $930/mo compared to $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines versus 35/100 and 50.81/100 in Wichita.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wichita, KS to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Kansas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 58 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 391-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Wichita, KS, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,041 - $6,855 on the 391-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $912 - $2,764, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $345 - $946. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,896 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Koch Industries and Spirit AeroSystems.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Wichita, KS
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Wichita a safe place to live?
Wichita has a safety index of 50.81 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.19, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. 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 Wichita?
Wichita has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 44, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.