Top-rated local movers that handle Des Moines to Tallahassee moves
When planning a move from Des Moines to Tallahassee, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 13 local movers in Des Moines who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Des Moines to Tallahassee.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Tallahassee?
Movers in Iowa charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,235 – $4,843 | $848 – $2,051 | $680 – $1,348 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,547 – $6,334 | $1,612 – $3,256 | $757 – $1,538 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,273 – $7,889 | $2,138 – $3,934 | $1,000 – $1,992 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Tallahassee
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Tallahassee, you can expect to spend between $1,235 and $4,843. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,547 to $6,334 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Tallahassee typically runs between $4,273 and $7,889.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Tallahassee
When moving from Des Moines to Tallahassee, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $848 and $2,051. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,612 to $3,256. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,138 up to $3,934. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Tallahassee
Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Tallahassee. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $680 and $1,348. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $757 and $1,538. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,000 and $1,992.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Tallahassee
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,456, but larger homes can run up to $6,922.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Des Moines.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($680–$1,751) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Tallahassee
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tallahassee runs about 7% higher for singles and 6% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,019 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,631 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Tallahassee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,610 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,007 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $283,504 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $49,077 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,019 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,631 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Tallahassee, note that rent can be roughly 23% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 47% higher in Tallahassee than in Des Moines.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 16% less in Tallahassee than in Des Moines.
- Plan for higher expenses in Tallahassee, since the cost of living for a single person is 7% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Tallahassee, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Tallahassee is 6% more than it is in Des Moines.
- Tallahassee experiences an unemployment rate that is about 14% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 7% higher in Tallahassee than in Des Moines. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Tallahassee:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Tallahassee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $149.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $42.92 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $2.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.32 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $23.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Tallahassee, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Tallahassee.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Tallahassee
| Des Moines | Tallahassee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 201,731 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 45 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 58.35 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 41.65 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tallahassee’s population is about 71% less than Des Moines.
- Tallahassee’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
- Tallahassee is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 45 out of 100, Tallahassee is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tallahassee’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 58.35 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Tallahassee neighborhoods are safer than 58.35% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Tallahassee is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 41.65 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Tallahassee is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Tallahassee move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Florida doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Tallahassee smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tallahassee
Now that you’ve chosen Tally as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tallahassee to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Midtown
- College Town
- Railroad Square Art District
- Governor’s Square
- Magnolia Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Killearn Estates
- Southwood
- Betton Hills
- Killearn Lakes
- Piney Z
Things to do in Tallahassee
After getting comfortable in your new Florida home, it’s time to see what Tallahassee is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Tallahassee offers cultural landmarks like the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum, Tallahassee Museum, Museum of Florida History, and Florida Historic Capitol Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Cascades Park, Dorothy B Oven Park, Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park, and Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Florida State Seminoles (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Tallahassee?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Tallahassee are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Tallahassee?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Tallahassee are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Tallahassee take?
A move of 1,145 miles from Des Moines, IA to Tallahassee, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Tallahassee is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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