($807+) Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Providence, RI, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $791 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,938 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,294 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,041, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,938 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,308 - $4,286, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $791 - $2,145.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Providence, RI, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,703 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 Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Providence 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 $2,703 - $6,283. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,294 miles, expect 3 to 8 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 1,294-mile route from Providence to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,041 - $4,539 with full-service movers, $1,308 - $2,506 with a container, $791 - $1,478 with a rental truck, or $1,108 - $2,126 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,703 - $6,283 full-service, $1,571 - $3,494 by container, $820 - $1,777 by rental truck, or $1,363 - $2,689 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,468 - $7,938 full-service, $2,287 - $4,286 by container, $1,064 - $2,145 by rental truck, or $1,793 - $3,358 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
For the 1,294-mile move from Providence, Rhode Island, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $2,041 and $7,938. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $301 - $2,004 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Providence generally start around $348 plus $90 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Providence to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,041 - $4,539
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,703 - $6,283
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,468 - $7,938
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 Providence to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Rhode Island to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Providence movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $501 - $5,010 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Scott Relocation Services, Inc. | $200 - $1,202/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,405 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $1,002 - $3,006 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,505 - $10,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $750 - $1,426 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Scott Relocation Services, Inc. | $1,002 - $2,505 |
| Piano | Any piano type85% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $802 - $3,507 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling22% of local movers | $301 - $1,503 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect19% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Marathon Moving Co. | $651 - $2,004 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,030+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,507+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Providence to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Providence, RI. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Providence, Rhode Island, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,308 and $4,286. 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 Providence costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Providence to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,308 - $2,506
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,571 - $3,494
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,287 - $4,286
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Providence, RI and Des Moines, IA. 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 $701 in Providence, RI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $150 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 Rhode Island 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 $1,308. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,571 - $3,494, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence:
- Marathon Moving Co. (4.7/5), 26 years in business
- Economy Movers & Storage Inc (4.6/5), 50 years in business
- Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Providence, Rhode Island, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $791 - $2,145 for the 1,294-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $413 - $471
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Providence daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Providence to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $791 - $1,478
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $820 - $1,777
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,064 - $2,145
Pro tip: The base rate of $791 - $2,145 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Providence to Des Moines. Fuel ($413 - $471) , lodging at around $150/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Providence, Rhode Island, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $701.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $413 - $471 for the 1,294-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 $60 and $326, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $150 per night for hotel stops on the 1,294-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $301 - $451.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Providence 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 Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Providence, Rhode Island, 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 Des Moines, Iowa.
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 $1,363 and $2,689.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Providence to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,108 - $2,126
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,363 - $2,689
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,793 - $3,358
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $75 - $150 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Providence, Rhode Island, typically costs $701.
What are the best freight companies from Providence to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. (4.76/5 stars): Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Providence to Des Moines, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Providence, RI vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Providence on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Providence, RI | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 109 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $323,365 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $66,772/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.99% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 50.16/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Providence, RI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Rhode Island to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 11 movers based in Rhode Island, handy for sizing up options on this 1,294-mile route.
Our take
A move from Providence, RI, to Des Moines, IA, 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 $2,041 - $7,938 on the 1,294-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,308 - $4,286, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $791 - $2,145. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,703 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 MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Providence, RI, to Des Moines, IA
How long does a move from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 do local movers charge in Providence?
Local movers based in Providence typically start around $348 as a base rate, plus $90/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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,041 to $7,938, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,041 and $7,938, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 76 and 61 in Providence. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Providence movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 85% of movers in Providence handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.