($787+) Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Bridgeport, CT, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $749 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,360 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,165 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 $2,153, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,360 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,339 - $4,568, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $749 - $2,171.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Bridgeport, CT, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,643 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 Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Bridgeport 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 $2,643 - $5,922 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 1,165-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,165-mile route from Bridgeport to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,153 - $4,796 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,339 - $2,361), rental truck ($749 - $1,498), or freight trailer ($1,193 - $2,145). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,643 - $5,922 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,360.
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 Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $2,153 and $8,360. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,165-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $355 - $2,364, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Bridgeport and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Bridgeport tend to start around $272 plus $133/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bridgeport to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,153 - $4,796
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,643 - $5,922
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,579 - $8,360
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 Bridgeport to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Connecticut 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.
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Specialty moving services from Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Bridgeport 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 | $591 - $5,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meyer, Inc. | $236 - $1,418/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $355 - $2,837 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage47% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $1,182 - $3,546 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,955 - $11,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $885 - $1,682 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items62% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Collegian Movers | $1,182 - $2,955 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Meyer, Inc. | $946 - $4,137 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling32% of local movers | $355 - $1,773 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Collegian Movers | $768 - $2,364 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $355 - $17,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $355 - $4,137+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bridgeport to Des Moines?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Bridgeport, CT. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,339 and $4,568. 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 Bridgeport adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bridgeport to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,339 - $2,361
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,691 - $3,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,176 - $4,568
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $89 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $177 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $827 in Bridgeport, CT, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Connecticut 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 $1,339. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,691 - $3,321, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport:
- Collegian Movers (5.0/5), 37 years in business
- Meyer, Inc. (4.8/5), 111 years in business
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,165-mile move from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $749 and $2,171, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $438 - $501
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Bridgeport daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
| 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 Bridgeport to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $749 - $1,498
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $801 - $1,782
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,037 - $2,171
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $749 - $2,171 does not include fuel ($438 - $501) , lodging ($177/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Bridgeport to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $177 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Bridgeport, Connecticut, usually costs about $827 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,165-mile drive falls between $438 and $501, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $59 and $355 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport, CT to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Bridgeport, Connecticut, 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 $1,392 and $2,737.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bridgeport to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,193 - $2,145
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,737
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,777 - $3,408
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $89 - $177 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Bridgeport, Connecticut, typically costs $827.
What are the best freight companies from Bridgeport 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.
- William B Meyer, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): William B Meyer, 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: Bridgeport, CT 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 Bridgeport on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Bridgeport, CT | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 139 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,100/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $250,949 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $56,584/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.2% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.0% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 66/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 39.4/100 | 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 Bridgeport, CT guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Connecticut to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 55 movers based in Connecticut, handy for sizing up options on this 1,165-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,165-mile route from Bridgeport, CT, to Des Moines, IA, run $2,153 - $8,360 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,339 - $4,568, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $749 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,643, 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 Bridgeport, CT, to Des Moines, IA
What do local movers charge in Bridgeport?
Local movers based in Bridgeport typically start around $272 as a base rate, plus $133/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 66 and 49 in Bridgeport. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 39.4 and 60.6 in Bridgeport. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Bridgeport movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Bridgeport handle piano moves, and 62% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
