($502+) Aurora, CO to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Aurora, CO, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $492 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,268 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 670 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 $1,663, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,268 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,114 - $3,412, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $492 - $1,308.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Aurora, CO, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,268 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 Aurora, CO to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Aurora to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,268 - $5,714 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 670-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 670-mile route from Aurora to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,663 for a studio up to $8,268 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,114 - $3,412 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $492 - $1,308, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,003 - $2,867, 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 Aurora, CO to Des Moines, IA
For the 670-mile move from Aurora, Colorado, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $1,663 and $8,268. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $328 - $2,184 (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 Aurora generally start around $240 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Aurora to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,663 - $4,530
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,268 - $5,714
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,274 - $8,268
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 Aurora to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Colorado 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 Aurora, CO to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Aurora 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 packing100% of local movers | $546 - $5,460 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Skyline Moving Company | $218 - $1,310/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $328 - $2,621 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage37% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,092 - $3,276 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,730 - $10,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $818 - $1,554 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items52% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,092 - $2,730 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $874 - $3,822 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $328 - $1,638 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Buehler Moving Companies | $710 - $2,184 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $328 - $16,380+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $328 - $3,822+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Aurora 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Aurora, CO. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Aurora, CO to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Aurora, Colorado, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,114 and $3,412. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Aurora typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Aurora to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,114 - $1,901
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,416 - $2,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,730 - $3,412
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $764 in Aurora, CO. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $82 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $164 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Colorado 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 $1,114. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,416 - $2,658, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora:
- Skyline Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Buehler Moving Companies (4.3/5), 100 years in business
- Moving U (4.1/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Aurora, CO to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 670-mile move from Aurora, Colorado, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $492 and $1,308, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $233 - $266
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Aurora 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 Aurora to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $492 - $968
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $531 - $1,126
- 4+ bedrooms: $697 - $1,308
Pro tip: The base rate of $492 - $1,308 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Aurora to Des Moines. Fuel ($233 - $266) , lodging at around $164/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $164 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 $71 and $355 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $233 - $266 in fuel for the 670-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $764 in Aurora, Colorado, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Aurora 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 Aurora, CO to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Aurora, Colorado, 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 $1,068 and $2,233.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Aurora to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,003 - $1,728
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,068 - $2,233
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,443 - $2,867
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $82 and $164.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Aurora, Colorado, for roughly five hours typically average $764.
What are the best freight companies from Aurora 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.
- Apex Transportation, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): Apex Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Aurora 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: Aurora, CO vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Aurora on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Aurora, CO | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 124 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,850/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $443,829 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $84,320/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 40.95/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to Iowa, 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 81 movers licensed in Colorado, useful context for sizing up this 670-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 670-mile route from Aurora, CO, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,663 - $8,268 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,114 - $3,412, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $492 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,268, 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 Aurora, CO, 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 Aurora, CO to Des Moines, IA 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 do local movers charge in Aurora?
Local movers based in Aurora typically start around $240 as a base rate, plus $120/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 Aurora, CO 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 Aurora, CO to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,663 to $8,268, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,663 and $8,268, 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 Aurora movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Aurora handle piano moves, and 52% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
