The best local movers for Mobile to Des Moines moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Mobile that also handles long-distance moves to Des Moines. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 10 local movers in Mobile who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Mobile to Des Moines.
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Griner Moving Services: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- RS Moving & Warehousing: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 18
Alternate Names: STACK Corp.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4053
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: SWS Investments & Holdings LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: C457
Years in Business: 111
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World-Wide Moving, Inc. , Coleman American Moving Services , Coleman World Group, LLC , Coleman Worldwide Moving , Covan Worldwide Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3558541
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 3000204
Alternate Names: RS Moving & Warehousing
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Mobile to Des Moines?
The average hourly rate for movers in Alabama is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,196 – $4,791 | $849 – $1,951 | $667 – $1,156 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,669 – $6,365 | $1,496 – $2,826 | $687 – $1,403 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,098 – $7,821 | $1,917 – $4,022 | $835 – $1,689 |
Cost to hire movers from Mobile to Des Moines
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Mobile to Des Moines will cost between $1,196 and $4,791. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Mobile to Mobile will range from $2,669 to $6,365, and a large move from Mobile to Des Moines will cost from $4,098 to $7,821.
Cost of moving containers from Mobile to Des Moines
If you’re moving from Mobile to Des Moines, expect to pay between $849 and $1,951 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,496 up to $2,826. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,917 and $4,022. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Mobile to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Mobile to Des Moines is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $667 and $1,156. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $687 and $1,403. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $835 up to $1,689 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Mobile to Des Moines
The cost of Mobile movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,276, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,805.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Mobile, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($667–$1,659) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Mobile to Des Moines
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Des Moines runs about 4% higher for singles and 7% higher for families than Mobile.
Singles spend around $1,891 in Mobile versus $1,825 in Mobile; families pay $4,380 compared with $4,104.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Mobile | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,083 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,833 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $186,159 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,962 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,825 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,104 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 4.4% |
- If you’re heading to Des Moines from Mobile, you’ll find that rent is roughly 12% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Des Moines and Mobile, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 6% lower in Des Moines compared to Mobile.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Mobile, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- When relocating to Des Moines, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 7% greater than in Mobile.
- The unemployment rates of Des Moines and Mobile are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes drop 30% in Des Moines compared to Mobile, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 12% less in Iowa than in Alabama. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Mobile and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Mobile | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $165.58 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $68.33 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.50 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.31 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $36.13 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Mobile than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Mobile than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in Mobile than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Mobile than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Mobile than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Mobile than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Mobile than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Mobile vs. Des Moines
| Mobile | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 187,041 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 34 | 39 |
| Crime index | 64.95 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 35.05 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 274% greater than Mobile.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Mobile’s score of 3.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Mobile with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Mobile’s 32 out of 100.
- With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Mobile, which has a score of 34 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 Mobile with a score of 5.0 compared to Mobile’s 64.95. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Mobile with a safety index of 57.8 vs Mobile’s 35.05.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Mobile it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Mobile to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Iowa doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Hartford of the West, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Iowa, it’s time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Mobile to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Mobile.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Des Moines?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Mobile to Des Moines, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Mobile to Des Moines take?
Moving from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, covers 978 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Mobile movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.
Which movers in Mobile give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Mobile?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 6 movers in Mobile advertise piano moving expertise. 3 movers in Mobile provide antique moving services. State totals show 35 piano movers and 16 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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