($765+) Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $829 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,519 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,215 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 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 $2,144, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,519 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,336 - $4,307, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $829 - $2,204.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,554 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 Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Chesapeake to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,554 - $6,423 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 1,215-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,215-mile route from Chesapeake to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,144 for a studio up to $8,519 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,336 - $4,307 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $829 - $2,204, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,238 - $3,625, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,215-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $2,144 - $8,519. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $292 - $1,944 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chesapeake and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chesapeake movers tend to run around $290 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chesapeake to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,144 - $4,675
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,554 - $6,423
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,337 - $8,519
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 Chesapeake to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Iowa. 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 Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Chesapeake movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $486 - $4,860 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $194 - $1,166/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,333 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage43% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $972 - $2,916 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,430 - $9,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $728 - $1,383 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items48% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $972 - $2,430 |
| Piano | Any piano type81% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $778 - $3,402 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $292 - $1,458 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect24% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $632 - $1,944 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,580+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,402+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chesapeake to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Chesapeake, VA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,336 and $4,307. 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 Chesapeake runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chesapeake to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,336 - $2,528
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,705 - $3,252
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,263 - $4,307
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $680 in Chesapeake, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Iowa 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 $1,336. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,705 - $3,252, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chesapeake to Des Moines?
- 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- Tidal Town Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,215-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $829 and $2,204, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $376 - $429
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Chesapeake daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Chesapeake to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $829 - $1,551
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $888 - $1,844
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,094 - $2,204
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $829 - $2,204 does not include fuel ($376 - $429) , lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chesapeake to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $376 - $429 for the 1,215-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 Chesapeake, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $680.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,215-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $292 - $437 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $292.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Des Moines?
- 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 Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, 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 $1,337 and $2,764.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chesapeake to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,238 - $2,144
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,337 - $2,764
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,737 - $3,625
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?
- 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 $73 - $146 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chesapeake, Virginia, for about five hours typically runs $680.
What are the best freight companies from Chesapeake to Des Moines?
- 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.
- Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Chesapeake to Des Moines, 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: Chesapeake, VA vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Chesapeake on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chesapeake, VA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $359,218 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $94,189/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 21/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 70.88/100 | 57.8/100 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA to Chesapeake, VA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Iowa 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 104 movers in our Virginia network to compare for this 1,215-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,144 for a studio to $8,519 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,215-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,336 - $4,307. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $829 - $2,204, 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 $2,554 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 MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Des Moines, IA
How much does it cost to move from Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,144 to $8,519, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,144 and $8,519, 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 Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 21 and 35 in Chesapeake. 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 ($376 - $429), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA?
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 Chesapeake movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 81% of movers in Chesapeake handle piano moves, and 48% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
