($1,242) Cost to Move From Charleston, WV to Des Moines, IA

1. Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Dunbar Transfer: 4.0 out of 5 stars
3. Evans Van & Storage: 3.94 out of 5 stars
4. Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.14 out of 5 stars
5. Positive Moves: 3.78 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Des Moines

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Des Moines typically costs between $1,242 and $4,073. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,349 and $5,574 when moving from Charleston to Des Moines. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Des Moines, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,218 up to $8,450.

Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Des Moines

If you’re relocating from Charleston to Des Moines, you’ll typically spend between $730 and $1,808 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,341 up to $2,530. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,835 and $3,577. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Des Moines

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Des Moines move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $549 and $1,004. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $558 to $1,192. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $750 and $1,416.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 31% higher in Des Moines than in Charleston, which may impact your monthly finances.
• A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 25% higher in Des Moines than in Charleston.
• Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Charleston, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
• Anticipate increased living expenses in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 22% greater than in Charleston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
• As you plan your move to Des Moines, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 13% more than it is in Charleston.
• There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Des Moines and Charleston, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
• Sales taxes are effectively the same in Des Moines and Charleston (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
• Income taxes are 32% lower in Iowa than in West Virginia. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

• Des Moines’s population is about 1356% greater than Charleston.
• Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
• Des Moines is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
• With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 5.0 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
• Des Moines is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 57.8 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
• Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.

• HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
• 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Des Moines without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

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

Now that you’ve made the move to Iowa, it’s the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
• Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.