($729+) Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $729 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,955 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,209 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 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 $2,042, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,955 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,186 - $4,274, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $729 - $2,038.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Norfolk, VA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,409 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 Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Norfolk 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 $2,409 - $6,175 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 68% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,209 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,209-mile route from Norfolk to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,042 - $4,685 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,186 - $2,201), rental truck ($729 - $1,434), or freight trailer ($1,101 - $2,105). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,409 - $6,175 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,955.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,209-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,042 - $7,955. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $268 - $1,788. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Norfolk and Des Moines. Local movers in Norfolk typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $89/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Norfolk to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,042 - $4,685
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,409 - $6,175
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,048 - $7,955
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 Norfolk to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Norfolk movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $447 - $4,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $179 - $1,073/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $268 - $2,146 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $894 - $2,682 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,235 - $8,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $670 - $1,272 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $581 - $1,788 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $268 - $13,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $268 - $3,129+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Norfolk 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Norfolk, VA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,186 and $4,274. 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 Norfolk typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Norfolk to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,186 - $2,201
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,592 - $3,291
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,069 - $4,274
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Norfolk, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $626, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $67 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $134 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Norfolk, VA, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $1,186. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,592 - $3,291.
What are the best moving containers Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Norfolk, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $729 - $2,038 for the 1,209-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $344 - $393
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Norfolk daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Norfolk to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $729 - $1,434
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $773 - $1,739
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,063 - $2,038
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $729 - $2,038 when pricing out a rental truck from Norfolk to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $344 - $393, and overnight lodging ($134/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $67 and $313.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $134.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $344 and $393 for the 1,209-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $626 for 2 movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Norfolk 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 Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Norfolk, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,287 and $2,428.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,101 - $2,105
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,428
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,673 - $3,249
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?
- 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 $67 - $134 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for about five hours typically runs $626.
What are the best freight companies from Norfolk 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Norfolk, VA vs Des Moines, IA
Norfolk and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Norfolk and 87 in Des Moines, and average rent is $1,500/mo vs. $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 46 vs 45 and safety scores are 41.9 vs 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Norfolk, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to Iowa, 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 304 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 1,209-mile move.
Our take
The 1,209-mile move from Norfolk, VA, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $2,042 and $7,955 with full-service movers, $1,186 - $4,274 with a moving container, and $729 - $2,038 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,409 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Des Moines, IA
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 Norfolk?
Local movers based in Norfolk typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $89/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 Norfolk, VA 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 Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $729 to $7,955, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,042 and $7,955, 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 percentage of Norfolk movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Norfolk handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.