Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Top-rated local movers that handle Indianapolis to Des Moines moves
When planning a move from Indianapolis to Des Moines, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 27 local movers in Indianapolis who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Indianapolis to Des Moines.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Wheaton Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving and Storage Company , Hilling Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 92
DOT #: 719392
Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Companies , Planes Specialized Logistics , Planes Commercial Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: Crown Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Des Moines?
Movers in Indiana charge $130 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,047 – $3,069 | $651 – $1,658 | $409 – $771 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,837 – $5,081 | $1,162 – $2,288 | $441 – $828 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,512 – $7,434 | $1,641 – $2,820 | $506 – $1,071 |
Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to Des Moines
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Des Moines, you can expect to spend between $1,047 and $3,069. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,837 to $5,081 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Des Moines typically runs between $3,512 and $7,434.
Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to Des Moines
When moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $651 and $1,658. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,162 to $2,288. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,641 up to $2,820. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck in Indianapolis is usually your cheapest option to get to Des Moines. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $409 and $771. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $441 and $828. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $506 and $1,071.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Indianapolis to Des Moines
The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,498, but larger homes can run up to $6,354.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Indianapolis.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($409–$936) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Indianapolis – roughly 33% less for singles and 34% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,804 in Indianapolis. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $6,667.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Indianapolis | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,708 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $220,467 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,804 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,667 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 4.4% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 18% lower in Des Moines than in Indianapolis, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 13% lower in Des Moines than in Indianapolis.
- The average income in Des Moines and Indianapolis is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, where the cost of living for a single person is 33% less than in Indianapolis.
- Moving to Des Moines could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 34% less than in Indianapolis.
- Both Des Moines and Indianapolis present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are similar in Des Moines and Indianapolis (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 40% higher in Iowa compared to Indiana. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Indianapolis with Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Indianapolis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $231.67 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.58 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.33 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.00 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $35.50 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Indianapolis than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Indianapolis than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in Indianapolis than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Indianapolis than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Indianapolis than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Indianapolis than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Indianapolis than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Des Moines
| Indianapolis | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 39 |
| Crime index | 60.71 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 39.29 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 21% less than Indianapolis.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Indianapolis, making them very similar.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 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 Indianapolis, which has a score of 43.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Indianapolis with a score of 5.0 compared to Indianapolis’s 60.71. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Indianapolis with a safety index of 57.8 vs Indianapolis’s 39.29.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Iowa doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Des Moines smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you’ve chosen Hartford of the West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to check out.
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 getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, it’s time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Des Moines offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Des Moines?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Indianapolis to Des Moines are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Indianapolis are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Des Moines?
Because spring and fall moves from Indianapolis to Des Moines are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Indianapolis to Des Moines take?
A move of 476 miles from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Indianapolis sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Des Moines is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Indianapolis?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 3 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Indianapolis offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 18 movers in Indianapolis have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 10 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IN, there are 43 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Indianapolis moving services
Popular Indiana routes
- Indiana to Iowa car shippers
- Indiana to California movers
- Indiana to Florida movers
- Indiana to Georgia movers
- Indiana to Illinois movers
- Indiana to Michigan movers
- Indiana to New York movers
- Indiana to North Carolina movers
- Indiana to Ohio movers
- Indiana to Pennsylvania movers
- Indiana to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
