($773+) Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Virginia Beach, VA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $797 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,519 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,217 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,059, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,519 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,296 - $4,711, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $797 - $2,116.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,580 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 Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Virginia Beach 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 $2,580 - $6,111 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 1,217 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,217-mile route from Virginia Beach to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,059 - $5,016, container $1,296 - $2,382, rental truck $797 - $1,445, freight trailer $1,132 - $2,253.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,580 - $6,111, container $1,705 - $3,353, rental truck $906 - $1,771, freight trailer $1,351 - $2,791.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,428 - $8,519, container $2,377 - $4,711, rental truck $1,105 - $2,116, freight trailer $1,755 - $3,660.
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 Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,217-mile move from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,059 - $8,519. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $293 - $1,956. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Virginia Beach and Des Moines. Local movers in Virginia Beach typically start around $183 as a base rate plus $97/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Virginia Beach to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,059 - $5,016
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,580 - $6,111
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,428 - $8,519
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 Virginia Beach to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Virginia Beach 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 | $489 - $4,890 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $196 - $1,174/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $293 - $2,347 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage45% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $978 - $2,934 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,445 - $9,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $733 - $1,392 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $978 - $2,445 |
| Piano | Any piano type85% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $782 - $3,423 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $293 - $1,467 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: | $636 - $1,956 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $293 - $14,670+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $293 - $3,423+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Virginia Beach 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Virginia Beach, VA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,296 and $4,711. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Virginia Beach runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Virginia Beach to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,296 - $2,382
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,705 - $3,353
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,377 - $4,711
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Virginia Beach, VA 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 $685 in Virginia Beach, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $147 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 Virginia 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 $1,296. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,705 - $3,353, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 12 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- A Friendly & Affordable Mover (4.8/5), 28 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,217-mile move from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $797 and $2,116. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $379 - $433
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Virginia Beach daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Virginia Beach to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $797 - $1,445
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $906 - $1,771
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,105 - $2,116
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $797 - $2,116 does not include fuel ($379 - $433) , lodging ($147/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Virginia Beach to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $147 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 $64 and $318 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $379 - $433 in fuel for the 1,217-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $685 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, VA to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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 $1,351 and $2,791.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Virginia Beach to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,132 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,351 - $2,791
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,755 - $3,660
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $685.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $73 and $147 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Virginia Beach to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Virginia Beach, VA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 105 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,950/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $366,324 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $90,685/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 58.0/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Virginia Beach, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to Iowa, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 104 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 1,217-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,059 for a studio to $8,519 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,217-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,296 - $4,711. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $797 - $2,116, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,580 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Virginia Beach, VA, to Des Moines, IA
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.
What do local movers charge in Virginia Beach?
Local movers based in Virginia Beach typically start around $183 as a base rate, plus $97/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.
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 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 walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 33 and 42 in Virginia Beach. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Virginia Beach movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 85% of movers in Virginia Beach handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
