($502+) Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Aurora, CO, runs anywhere from $533 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,938 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,569, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,938 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,061 - $3,343, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $533 - $1,404.
- 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 $2,408 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,408 - $5,775 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 671-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
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 | $1,569 - $4,313 | $1,061 - $2,016 | $533 - $1,006 | $936 - $1,780 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,408 - $5,775 | $1,429 - $2,738 | $558 - $1,149 | $1,100 - $2,191 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,948 - $7,938 | $1,784 - $3,343 | $683 - $1,404 | $1,501 - $2,895 |
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 Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Aurora, Colorado, costs between $1,569 and $7,938. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 671-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $305 - $2,036, 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 Des Moines and Aurora. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/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 Des Moines to Aurora:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,569 - $4,313
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,408 - $5,775
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,948 - $7,938
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Colorado. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Aurora, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $509 - $5,090 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% 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 coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% 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 items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,018 - $2,545 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $814 - $3,563 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $305 - $1,527 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $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 route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,061 and $3,343. 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 Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Aurora:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,061 - $2,016
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,429 - $2,738
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,784 - $3,343
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 $1,061. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,429 - $2,738, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 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 $533 and $1,404. 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: $533 - $1,006
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $558 - $1,149
- 4+ bedrooms: $683 - $1,404
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $533 - $1,404 does not include fuel ($217 - $248) , lodging ($153/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Aurora 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 $153 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 Des Moines, Iowa, usually costs about $713 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 671-mile drive falls between $217 and $248, 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 $51 and $305 to your total.
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 well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Aurora, Colorado, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,100 and $2,191.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Aurora:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $936 - $1,780
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,100 - $2,191
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,501 - $2,895
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 $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 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems 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: 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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Colorado 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 36 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 671-mile route.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Aurora, CO, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,569 - $7,938 on the 671-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,061 - $3,343, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $533 - $1,404. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,408 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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 the best neighborhoods in Aurora?
For families, Tallyn's Reach, Prides Crossing, and Shenandoah are worth a look in Aurora. If you're moving solo or without kids, Dayton Triangle, Fitzsimons, and Eastridge Ptarmigan Park tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
Is Aurora a safe place to live?
Aurora has a safety index of 40.95 out of 100 and a crime index of 59.05, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Aurora, CO?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.