($422+) Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Indianapolis, IN, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $422 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,727 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 476 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 $1,219, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,727 or more.
- Moving containers run $933 - $2,959, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $422 - $1,135.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Indianapolis, IN, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,068 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Indianapolis to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,068 - $5,074 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 476 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 476-mile route from Indianapolis to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,219 - $3,887 with full-service movers, $933 - $1,688 with a container, $422 - $802 with a rental truck, or $919 - $1,630 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,068 - $5,074 full-service, $1,195 - $2,329 by container, $445 - $933 by rental truck, or $1,017 - $1,921 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,437 - $7,727 full-service, $1,639 - $2,959 by container, $548 - $1,135 by rental truck, or $1,338 - $2,516 by freight.
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 Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 476-mile move from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,219 - $7,727. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $259 - $1,728. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Indianapolis and Des Moines. Local movers in Indianapolis typically start around $245 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Indianapolis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,219 - $3,887
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,068 - $5,074
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,437 - $7,727
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 Indianapolis to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Indiana to Iowa. 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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 81% of Indianapolis 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 packing96% of local movers | $432 - $4,320 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready81% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $173 - $1,037/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $259 - $2,074 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $864 - $2,592 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,160 - $8,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $647 - $1,229 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items37% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $864 - $2,160 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $691 - $3,024 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling19% of local movers | $259 - $1,296 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $562 - $1,728 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $259 - $12,960+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $259 - $3,024+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Indianapolis to Des Moines?
Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck 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 Indianapolis, IN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Indianapolis to Des Moines with a local mover averages $2,048 - $5,024. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Indianapolis, IN 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.
Sherman Moving & Storage (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Indianapolis, ranked #2 in Indiana, based on our analysis of feedback from 74 customers, 71.6% of which is positive.
Address: 990 National Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46227 | Founded: 1932
Moving container costs from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $933 and $2,959. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Indianapolis runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Indianapolis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $933 - $1,688
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,195 - $2,329
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,639 - $2,959
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Indianapolis, IN 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 $605 in Indianapolis, IN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $65 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $130 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 Indiana 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 $933. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,195 - $2,329, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.6/5), 14 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.4/5), 15 years in business
- Stuart’s Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 90 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 476 miles from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $422 - $1,135. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $131 - $150
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Indianapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Indianapolis to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $422 - $802
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $445 - $933
- 4+ bedrooms: $548 - $1,135
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $422 - $1,135 does not include fuel ($131 - $150) , lodging ($130/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Indianapolis to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $130 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 $281 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $131 - $150 in fuel for the 476-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $605 in Indianapolis, Indiana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,017 and $1,921.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Indianapolis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,630
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,017 - $1,921
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,338 - $2,516
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $65 - $130 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 Indianapolis, Indiana, typically costs $605.
What are the best freight companies from Indianapolis to Des Moines?
- 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.
- Sysco Indianapolis, LLC (4.54/5 stars): Sysco Indianapolis, LLC 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Indianapolis to Des Moines. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Indianapolis, IN vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Indianapolis. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 86 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 31/100 and 39.29/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Indiana 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 58 movers based in Indiana, handy for sizing up options on this 476-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 476-mile route from Indianapolis, IN, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,219 - $7,727 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $933 - $2,959, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $422 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,068, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Indianapolis, IN, to Des Moines, IA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($131 - $150), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $130/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 31 and 43 in Indianapolis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,219 to $7,727, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,219 and $7,727, 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Indianapolis, IN 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.
What do local movers charge in Indianapolis?
Local movers based in Indianapolis typically start around $245 as a base rate, plus $75/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 percentage of Indianapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Indianapolis handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
