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Top-rated movers to make your Gainesville to Des Moines move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Gainesville that offers long-distance services to Des Moines can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed six top local movers in Gainesville who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Gainesville to Des Moines.
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Hughes Relocation Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Baymeadows Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2106
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2787568
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1531
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Golden Moving Systems, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 077949
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 110502
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 469
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 1040023
Alternate Names: Baymeadows Movers , Mandarin Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Gainesville to Des Moines?
In Florida, moving services typically cost around $172 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,013 – $4,322 | $852 – $2,086 | $764 – $1,517 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,253 – $5,654 | $1,605 – $3,065 | $842 – $1,647 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,165 – $7,526 | $2,132 – $4,490 | $987 – $2,073 |
Cost to hire movers from Gainesville to Des Moines
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Gainesville, you can expect prices to land between $1,013 and $4,322. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,253 to $5,654 for the trip from Gainesville to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,165 and $7,526.
Cost of moving containers from Gainesville to Des Moines
Moving containers from Gainesville to Des Moines will cost you $852 to $2,086 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,605 to $3,065. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,132 to $4,490. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Gainesville to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Gainesville to Des Moines typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $764 and $1,517 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $842 to $1,647. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $987 to $2,073.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Gainesville to Des Moines move
The cost of Gainesville movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,094 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,356 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Gainesville.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $764 to $1,953, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Gainesville to Des Moines
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Des Moines runs about 9% higher for singles and 25% higher for families than Gainesville.
Singles spend around $1,891 in Gainesville versus $1,727 in Gainesville; families pay $4,380 compared with $3,491.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Gainesville | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,444 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $288,002 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,013 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,727 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,491 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- When relocating from Gainesville to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 28% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 33% more affordable in Des Moines compared to Gainesville.
- In terms of average income, Des Moines and Gainesville are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Des Moines, as living costs for a single person are 9% higher than in Gainesville. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Des Moines, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 25% higher than in Gainesville.
- Des Moines shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Gainesville by around 34%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Des Moines and Gainesville (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Iowa has a state income tax, while Florida does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Gainesville and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Gainesville | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $310.42 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.22 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.70 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $45.25 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Gainesville than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Gainesville than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Gainesville than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Gainesville than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Gainesville than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Gainesville than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Gainesville than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Gainesville vs. Des Moines
| Gainesville | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,085 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 39 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 52.61 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 396% greater than Gainesville.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Gainesville’s score of 6.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Gainesville with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Gainesville’s 37 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Gainesville, which has a score of 69.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Gainesville with a score of 5.0 compared to Gainesville’s 8.0. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Gainesville with a safety index of 57.8 vs Gainesville’s 52.61.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Gainesville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Gainesville to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Des Moines
Planning your move to Hartford of the West? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Gainesville to Des Moines?
Planning your move from Gainesville to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Gainesville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Gainesville to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Gainesville to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Gainesville to Des Moines take?
The 1,232-mile journey from Gainesville, FL to Des Moines, , typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Gainesville offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.
Are there special savings available from movers in Gainesville?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Gainesville?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Gainesville, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 3 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Florida has 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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