($487+) Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Denver, CO, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $502 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,775 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 671 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 $1,505, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,775 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,019 - $3,618, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $502 - $1,445.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Denver, CO, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,385 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 Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Denver 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 $2,385 - $5,831 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 671 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 671-mile route from Denver to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,505 for a studio up to $8,775 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,019 - $3,618 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $502 - $1,445, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,003 - $2,729, 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 Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 671-mile move from Denver, Colorado, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,505 - $8,775. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $335 - $2,232. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Denver and Des Moines. Local movers in Denver typically start around $262 as a base rate plus $115/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Denver to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,505 - $4,398
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,385 - $5,831
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,904 - $8,775
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 Denver 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: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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 Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Denver 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 | $558 - $5,580 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Skyline Moving Company | $223 - $1,339/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $335 - $2,678 |
| 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 | $1,116 - $3,348 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,790 - $11,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $836 - $1,588 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items52% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Homegrown Moving Company, LLC | $1,116 - $2,790 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Homegrown Moving Company, LLC | $893 - $3,906 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $335 - $1,674 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $725 - $2,232 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $335 - $16,740+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $335 - $3,906+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Denver to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa 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 Denver, CO, 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 Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Denver, Colorado, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,019 and $3,618. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Denver adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Denver to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,019 - $1,901
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,307 - $2,579
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,875 - $3,618
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Denver, CO 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 $781 in Denver, CO, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $84 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $167 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 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 $1,019. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,307 - $2,579, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Denver 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 Denver 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 Denver:
- Skyline Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Local Moving LLC (4.9/5), 14 years in business
- Moving Proz (4.8/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 671 miles from Denver, Colorado, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $502 - $1,445. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $238 - $272
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Denver 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 Denver to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $502 - $910
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $564 - $1,138
- 4+ bedrooms: $697 - $1,445
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $502 - $1,445 does not include fuel ($238 - $272) , lodging ($167/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Denver to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $238 - $272 for the 671-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Denver, Colorado, for about 5 hours typically costs around $781.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 671-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $167 per night, adding $335 - $502 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $56 and $335.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Denver 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 Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Denver, Colorado, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Des Moines, Iowa.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,122 and $2,021.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Denver to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,003 - $1,797
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,122 - $2,021
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,428 - $2,729
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 $84 and $167.
- 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 Denver, Colorado, for roughly five hours typically average $781.
What are the best freight companies from Denver 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 Denver 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: Denver, 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 Denver on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 128 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,900/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $586,595 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $91,681/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 95/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 52.16/100 | 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 Denver, 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 671-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Denver, CO, to Des Moines, IA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,505 - $8,775 on the 671-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,019 - $3,618 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $502 - $1,445 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,385 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Denver, CO, to Des Moines, IA
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA?
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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 52.16 and 47.84 in Denver. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $564 - $1,138. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Denver movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Denver handle piano moves, and 52% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
