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Top-rated movers to make your St. Petersburg to Des Moines move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in St. Petersburg that offers long-distance services to Des Moines can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 41 top local movers in St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg to Des Moines.
- Big Man’s Moving Company, LLC: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Let’s Get Moving, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Brothers EZ Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2951960
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2951960
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2270761
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2270761
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2106
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2787568
Alternate Names: Smarter Moving Solutions LLC , 2 College Brothers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: ACBR, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2349033
Alternate Names: Brothers EZ Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from St. Petersburg 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 | $1,038 – $4,052 | $957 – $2,280 | $807 – $1,622 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,325 – $5,235 | $1,694 – $3,455 | $864 – $1,819 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,971 – $7,567 | $2,234 – $4,380 | $1,077 – $2,198 |
Cost to hire movers from St. Petersburg to Des Moines
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from St. Petersburg, you can expect prices to land between $1,038 and $4,052. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,325 to $5,235 for the trip from St. Petersburg to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,971 and $7,567.
Cost of moving containers from St. Petersburg to Des Moines
Moving containers from St. Petersburg to Des Moines will cost you $957 to $2,280 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,694 to $3,455. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,234 to $4,380. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Petersburg to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from St. Petersburg 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 $807 and $1,622 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $864 to $1,819. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,077 to $2,198.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your St. Petersburg to Des Moines move
The cost of St. Petersburg movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,001 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,502 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in St. Petersburg.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $807 to $2,112, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from St. Petersburg to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than St. Petersburg – roughly 28% less for singles and 29% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,642 in St. Petersburg. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $6,178.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| St. Petersburg | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | |
| Average home value | $360,584 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,374 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,642 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,178 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- When relocating from St. Petersburg to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 45% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 47% more affordable in Des Moines compared to St. Petersburg.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 9% lower in Des Moines compared to St. Petersburg.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person is 28% lower compared to St. Petersburg.
- A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 29% less than what it costs in St. Petersburg.
- Des Moines shows an unemployment rate that exceeds St. Petersburg by around 28%. 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 St. Petersburg (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 St. Petersburg and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | St. Petersburg | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | |
| Gym membership | $66.67 |
How life is different in St. Petersburg vs. Des Moines
| St. Petersburg | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 259,343 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 39 |
| Crime index | 39.54 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 60.46 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 170% greater than St. Petersburg.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than St. Petersburg’s score of 6.
- Des Moines and St. Petersburg are similarly walkable.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as St. Petersburg, which has a score of 59.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than St. Petersburg with a score of 5.0 compared to St. Petersburg’s 39.54. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Petersburg neighborhoods are safer than 39.54%.
- Des Moines and St. Petersburg have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 60.46.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in St. Petersburg it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg to Des Moines?
Planning your move from St. Petersburg to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in St. Petersburg.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Petersburg to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg to Des Moines take?
The 1,380-mile journey from St. Petersburg, FL to Des Moines, , typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 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 St. Petersburg?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In St. Petersburg, 31 movers can manage piano relocations. 21 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Florida has 175 piano movers and 106 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,299 and 1,464 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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