($474+) Des Moines, IA to Toledo, OH Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Toledo, OH, runs anywhere from $460 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,177 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 561 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 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,177 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,016 - $3,158, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $460 - $1,262.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Toledo, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,193 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 Toledo, OH
Moving options from Des Moines to Toledo fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,193 - $5,954 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 561 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 561-mile route from Des Moines to Toledo, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,406 - $4,053 | $1,016 - $1,809 | $460 - $847 | $933 - $1,645 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,193 - $5,954 | $1,341 - $2,601 | $481 - $985 | $1,043 - $1,940 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,982 - $8,177 | $1,719 - $3,158 | $643 - $1,262 | $1,445 - $2,735 |
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 Toledo, OH
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Toledo, Ohio, costs between $1,406 and $8,177. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 561-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $249 - $1,660, 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 Toledo. 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 Toledo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,406 - $4,053
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,193 - $5,954
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,982 - $8,177
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 Toledo.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Toledo, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Toledo, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $415 - $4,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $166 - $996/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $249 - $1,992 |
| 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 | $830 - $2,490 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,075 - $8,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $622 - $1,181 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $830 - $2,075 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $664 - $2,905 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $249 - $1,245 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $540 - $1,660 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $249 - $12,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $249 - $2,905+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Toledo?
Look for Ohio Association of Movers membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Ohio beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Des Moines, IA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Toledo, OH
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Toledo, Ohio, cost between $1,016 and $3,158. 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 Toledo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,016 - $1,809
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,341 - $2,601
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,719 - $3,158
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Toledo, OH. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $581 in Des Moines, IA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $62 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $125 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Ohio 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 $1,016. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,341 - $2,601, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Toledo?
- 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 Toledo, OH
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 561 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Toledo, Ohio, running $460 - $1,262. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $148 - $169
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- 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 Toledo based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $460 - $847
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $481 - $985
- 4+ bedrooms: $643 - $1,262
Pro tip: A rental truck from Des Moines to Toledo looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $460 - $1,262. But once you factor in fuel ($148 - $169) , overnight lodging ($125/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $125 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 $581 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 561-mile drive falls between $148 and $169, 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 $42 and $249 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Toledo?
- 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 Toledo, OH
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Toledo, Ohio.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,043 and $1,940.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Toledo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $933 - $1,645
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,043 - $1,940
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,445 - $2,735
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $62 and $125.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $581.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Toledo?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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 Toledo, OH
Day-to-day costs in Toledo are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 77 versus 87, with average rent of $900/mo compared to $1,150/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines versus 46/100 and 32.56/100 in Toledo.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Toledo, OH to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Ohio, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 561-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Toledo, OH, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,406 for a studio to $8,177 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 561-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,016 - $3,158. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $460 - $1,262, 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 $2,193 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Toledo tend to point to low cost of living and creative spirit, though bad weather and rampant drug problem come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Faurecia Exhaust Systems and Marco's Pizza.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Toledo, OH
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What are the best neighborhoods in Toledo?
For families, Ottawa Hills, Old Orchard, and Sylvania are worth a look in Toledo. If you're moving solo or without kids, West Gate, Southwyck, and Franklin Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Toledo?
Toledo has a walkability score of 46 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, 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 Toledo a safe place to live?
Toledo has a safety index of 32.56 out of 100 and a crime index of 67.44, 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 Toledo, OH?
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 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.
