($502+) Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Aurora, CO, runs anywhere from $502 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,275 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 671 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,406, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,275 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,021 - $3,250, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $502 - $1,324.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Aurora, CO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,119 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 Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO
Moving options from Des Moines to Aurora fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,119 - $5,447 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 42% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 75% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 671 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 671-mile route from Des Moines to Aurora, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,406 - $4,232 | $1,021 - $1,721 | $502 - $913 | $865 - $1,581 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,119 - $5,447 | $1,220 - $2,432 | $532 - $1,062 | $1,058 - $1,946 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,685 - $8,275 | $1,649 - $3,250 | $625 - $1,324 | $1,320 - $2,548 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 671-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Aurora, Colorado, with prices running from $1,406 - $8,275. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $305 - $2,036 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Aurora are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Aurora:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,406 - $4,232
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,119 - $5,447
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,685 - $8,275
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 Des Moines to Aurora.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Aurora, 49% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $509 - $5,090 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $204 - $1,222/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $305 - $2,443 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,018 - $3,054 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,545 - $10,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $762 - $1,449 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $1,018 - $2,545 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $814 - $3,563 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $305 - $1,527 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $662 - $2,036 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $305 - $15,270+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $305 - $3,563+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Aurora?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Des Moines, IA. 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 Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Aurora, Colorado, cost between $1,021 and $3,250. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Aurora:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,021 - $1,721
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,220 - $2,432
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,649 - $3,250
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Des Moines, IA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $713, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $76 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $153 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Aurora, CO, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Colorado 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 $1,021. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,220 - $2,432.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Aurora?
- 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO
A rental truck for this 671-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Aurora, Colorado, costs between $502 and $1,324. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $217 - $248
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Aurora based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $502 - $913
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $532 - $1,062
- 4+ bedrooms: $625 - $1,324
Pro tip: The base rate of $502 - $1,324 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Aurora. Fuel ($217 - $248), lodging at around $153/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $217 - $248 for the 671-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $713.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 671-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $153 per night, adding $305 - $458 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $305.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Aurora?
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Des Moines, Iowa, to Aurora, Colorado. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,058 and $1,946.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Aurora:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $865 - $1,581
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,058 - $1,946
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,320 - $2,548
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $76 - $153 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 Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $713.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Aurora?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Aurora fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Aurora, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Aurora, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Aurora, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 124 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,850/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $443,829 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $84,320/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 40.95/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Aurora, CO to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Colorado over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 67 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 671-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Aurora, CO, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,406 for a studio to $8,275 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 671-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,021 - $3,250. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $502 - $1,324, 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 $2,119 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 Children's Hospital Colorado and Cherry Creek School District.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Aurora, CO
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO?
Costs on this route range from around $502 to $8,275, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,406 and $8,275, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Aurora?
Aurora has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 53, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($217 - $248), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $153/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Colorado?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.