($454+) Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Cincinnati, OH, runs anywhere from $449 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,930 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 585 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,455, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,930 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,027 - $3,403, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $449 - $1,225.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Cincinnati, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,219 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 Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH
Moving options from Des Moines to Cincinnati fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,219 - $5,425 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 585 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 585-mile route from Des Moines to Cincinnati, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,455 for a studio up to $7,930 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,027 - $3,403 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $449 - $1,225, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $943 - $2,722, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH
For the 585-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Cincinnati, Ohio, full-service movers cost between $1,455 and $7,930. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $262 - $1,748 (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 Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,455 - $4,316
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,219 - $5,425
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,085 - $7,930
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 Des Moines to Cincinnati.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Ohio. 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 Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Cincinnati, 79% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $437 - $4,370 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $175 - $1,049/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $262 - $2,098 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $874 - $2,622 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,185 - $8,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $655 - $1,244 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $874 - $2,185 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $699 - $3,059 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $262 - $1,311 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $568 - $1,748 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $262 - $13,110+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $262 - $3,059+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Cincinnati?
Look for Ohio Association of Movers membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Ohio 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Cincinnati, Ohio, cost between $1,027 and $3,403. 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 Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,027 - $1,943
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,251 - $2,686
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,705 - $3,403
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $131 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $612 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Cincinnati, OH, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Ohio 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 $1,027. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,251 - $2,686, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Cincinnati?
- 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH
Renting a moving truck for the 585-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Cincinnati, Ohio, costs between $449 and $1,225, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $163 - $186
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Cincinnati based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $449 - $907
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $484 - $1,004
- 4+ bedrooms: $611 - $1,225
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $449 - $1,225 does not include fuel ($163 - $186) , lodging ($131/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Cincinnati typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $612.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $163 - $186 for the 585-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 $52 and $284, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $131 per night for hotel stops on the 585-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $262 - $393.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Cincinnati?
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Cincinnati, Ohio, 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 $1,001 and $2,108.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $943 - $1,615
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,001 - $2,108
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,434 - $2,722
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $612.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $66 - $131 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Cincinnati?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Cincinnati quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Cincinnati, OH
Des Moines and Cincinnati land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 88 in Cincinnati, and rent tracks closely too ($1,150/mo vs. $1,450/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (45 vs 49) and safety scores (57.8 vs 49.53) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Ohio, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 36 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 585-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 585-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Cincinnati, OH, run $1,455 - $7,930 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,027 - $3,403, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $449 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,219, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cincinnati tend to point to ample economic opportunity and low cost of living, though unpredictable weather and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Kroger and First Student.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Cincinnati, OH
Is Cincinnati a safe place to live?
Cincinnati has a safety index of 49.53 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.47, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH?
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 is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($163 - $186), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $131/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
