($387+) Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Wichita, KS, runs anywhere from $365 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,254 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,160, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,254 or more.
- Moving containers run $975 - $2,837, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $365 - $1,010.
- 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 $1,911 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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,911 - $4,931. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 391-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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 | $1,160 - $3,885 | $975 - $1,732 | $365 - $670 | $851 - $1,499 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,911 - $4,931 | $1,199 - $2,362 | $409 - $827 | $998 - $1,872 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,214 - $7,254 | $1,636 - $2,837 | $489 - $1,010 | $1,296 - $2,387 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS
Full-service movers for the 391-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wichita, Kansas, cost between $1,160 and $7,254. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $256 - $1,708, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Des Moines typically charge a base rate around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Wichita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,160 - $3,885
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,911 - $4,931
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,214 - $7,254
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Kansas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 85% nationally. In Wichita, 83% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $427 - $4,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% 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 coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% 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 items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $854 - $2,135 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $683 - $2,989 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $256 - $1,281 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the Kansas Motor Carriers Association, the group most Kansas movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
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 $1,835 - $4,734. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Des Moines, IA 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.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 251 customers, 91.6% 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 $975 and $2,837. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Wichita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $975 - $1,732
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,199 - $2,362
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,636 - $2,837
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 $975. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,199 - $2,362, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, KS
Plan on $365 - $1,010 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: $365 - $670
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $409 - $827
- 4+ bedrooms: $489 - $1,010
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $365 - $1,010 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Wichita. Fuel alone runs ($106 - $121) , and overnight lodging ($128/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $128 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 $56 and $278 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $106 - $121 in fuel for the 391-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $598 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Wichita, Kansas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $998 and $1,872.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Wichita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $851 - $1,499
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $998 - $1,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,296 - $2,387
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 $64 - $128 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $598.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Wichita?
- 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Wichita quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Wichita, KS
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Des Moines and Wichita to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 83. Average rent: $1,150/mo vs. $930/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 35. Safety index: 57.8 vs. 50.81.
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 36 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 $1,160 - $7,254 on the 391-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $975 - $2,837, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $365 - $1,010. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,911 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
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 are the best neighborhoods in Wichita?
For families, College Hill, Courtland, and Village are worth a look in Wichita. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sleepy Hollow, Riverside, and Cottonwood Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Kansas?
In Kansas, the Transportation Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission monitors, licenses, and regulates intrastate motor carriers like movers. The state’s Corporation Commission issues moving companies operating authority in the form of KCC Numbers, which customers can verify online here before hiring a mover.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
