($941+) Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Spokane, WA, runs anywhere from $978 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,049 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,478 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,224, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,049 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,477 - $4,807, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $978 - $2,644.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Spokane, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,172 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 Spokane, WA
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Spokane: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,172 - $7,221. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,478 miles, expect 3 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,478-mile route from Des Moines to Spokane, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,224 - $5,199, container $1,477 - $2,740, rental truck $978 - $1,748, freight trailer $1,303 - $2,297.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,172 - $7,221, container $1,906 - $3,640, rental truck $1,067 - $2,058, freight trailer $1,511 - $3,152.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,387 - $10,049, container $2,568 - $4,807, rental truck $1,229 - $2,644, freight trailer $1,994 - $3,966.
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 Spokane, WA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,478-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Spokane, Washington, with costs ranging from $2,224 - $10,049. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $280 - $1,868. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Spokane. Local movers in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Spokane:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,224 - $5,199
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,172 - $7,221
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,387 - $10,049
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 Spokane.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Spokane, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $467 - $4,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $187 - $1,121/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $280 - $2,242 |
| 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 | $934 - $2,802 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,335 - $9,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $700 - $1,329 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $934 - $2,335 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $747 - $3,269 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $280 - $1,401 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $607 - $1,868 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $280 - $14,010+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $280 - $3,269+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Spokane?
Washington Movers Conference membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Washington, on top of the picks below.
- 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 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 Spokane, WA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Spokane, Washington, cost between $1,477 and $4,807. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Spokane:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,477 - $2,740
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,906 - $3,640
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,568 - $4,807
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $70 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $140 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Spokane, WA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $654 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Washington 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 $1,477. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,906 - $3,640, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Spokane?
- 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 Spokane, WA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,478-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Spokane, Washington, costs between $978 and $2,644, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $439 - $502
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Spokane based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $978 - $1,748
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,067 - $2,058
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,229 - $2,644
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $978 - $2,644 does not include fuel ($439 - $502) , lodging ($140/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Spokane typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $140 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $61 and $304 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $439 - $502 in fuel for the 1,478-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $654 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Spokane?
- 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 Spokane, WA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Spokane, Washington. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $841 and $3,152.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Spokane:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,303 - $2,297
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,511 - $3,152
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,994 - $3,966
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $70 - $140 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $654.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Spokane?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Spokane, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Spokane, WA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Spokane, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 103 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $324,776 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $65,745/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 49/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 44.94/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Spokane, WA 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 Washington, 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 1,478-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,478-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Spokane, WA, run $2,224 - $10,049 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,477 - $4,807, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $978 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,172, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Key Tronic and URM Stores.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Spokane, WA
Is Spokane a safe place to live?
Spokane has a safety index of 44.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 3.0, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,067 - $2,058. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Spokane?
For families, Liberty Lake, Mead, and Country Homes are worth a look in Spokane. If you're moving solo or without kids, Coeur d'Alene, Spokane Valley, and Airway Heights tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Spokane run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
