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Top-rated movers to make your Chapel Hill to Des Moines move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Chapel Hill that offers long-distance services to Des Moines can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 28 top local movers in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill to Des Moines.
- Miracle Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Truckin’ Movers Corporation: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TROSA Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2894
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2461529
Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2262
Years in Business: 48
DOT #: 0233952
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2443
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Oliver & Finley, LLC , Two Men And A Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: C-726
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 675014
Alternate Names: TROSA Inc., TROSA Moving & Storage, TROSA Lawn Care, TROSA Thrift , TROSA Moving , Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers , Trosa Furniture & Frameshop , TROSA Lawncare
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chapel Hill to Des Moines?
In North Carolina, moving services typically cost around $145 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 | $1,062 – $4,391 | $851 – $2,038 | $653 – $1,278 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,367 – $5,353 | $1,394 – $2,929 | $713 – $1,581 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,741 – $7,102 | $1,962 – $3,670 | $913 – $1,924 |
Cost to hire movers from Chapel Hill to Des Moines
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Chapel Hill, you can expect prices to land between $1,062 and $4,391. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,367 to $5,353 for the trip from Chapel Hill to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,741 and $7,102.
Cost of moving containers from Chapel Hill to Des Moines
Moving containers from Chapel Hill to Des Moines will cost you $851 to $2,038 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,394 to $2,929. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,962 to $3,670. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chapel Hill to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Chapel Hill 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 $653 and $1,278 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $713 to $1,581. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $913 to $1,924.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chapel Hill to Des Moines move
The cost of Chapel Hill movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,190 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,312 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Chapel Hill.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $653 to $1,711, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Chapel Hill – roughly 16% less for singles and 9% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,248 in Chapel Hill. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $4,790.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chapel Hill | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,433 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $592,460 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,621 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,248 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,790 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 4.4% |
- When relocating from Chapel Hill to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 41% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 68% more affordable in Des Moines compared to Chapel Hill.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 11% lower in Des Moines compared to Chapel Hill.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person is 16% lower compared to Chapel Hill.
- 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 9% less than what it costs in Chapel Hill.
- Des Moines shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Chapel Hill by around 84%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 7% less in Des Moines relative to Chapel Hill. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes have a close resemblance in Iowa and North Carolina, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Chapel Hill and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Chapel Hill | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.25 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.04 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $42.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chapel Hill than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chapel Hill than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Chapel Hill than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Chapel Hill than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Chapel Hill than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chapel Hill than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Chapel Hill than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Des Moines
| Chapel Hill | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 63,764 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 34 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 39 |
| Crime index | 26.42 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 73.58 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 997% greater than Chapel Hill.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Chapel Hill’s score of 6.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Chapel Hill with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Chapel Hill’s 34 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chapel Hill, which has a score of 50.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Chapel Hill with a score of 5.0 compared to Chapel Hill’s 26.42. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42%.
- Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Chapel Hill with a score of 57.8 vs Chapel Hill’s 73.58.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Chapel Hill it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill to Des Moines?
Planning your move from Chapel Hill to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Chapel Hill.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill to Des Moines take?
The 1,084-mile journey from Chapel Hill, NC to Des Moines, , typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Chapel Hill 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 piano and antique moving services available in Chapel Hill?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Chapel Hill, 20 movers can manage piano relocations. 8 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Carolina has 77 piano movers and 37 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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