Highly rated local moving companies for Des Moines to Chesapeake moves
Organizing a move from Des Moines to Chesapeake can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 13 local movers in Des Moines known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Des Moines to Chesapeake.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Chesapeake?
On average, moving companies in Iowa charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,169 – $4,848 | $907 – $2,088 | $790 – $1,406 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,611 – $6,373 | $1,640 – $3,035 | $822 – $1,688 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,481 – $8,450 | $2,134 – $4,274 | $981 – $2,058 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Chesapeake
When planning a move to Chesapeake from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,169 and $4,848. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,611 and $6,373 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,481 to $8,450.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Chesapeake
When you’re heading from Des Moines to Chesapeake, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $907 and $2,088. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,640 and $3,035. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,134 to $4,274. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Chesapeake
A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Chesapeake is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $790 to $1,406. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $822 to $1,688, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Chesapeake costs around $981 to $2,058.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Chesapeake
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Chesapeake may only cost $2,411, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,486.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($790–$1,920), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Chesapeake
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chesapeake runs about 0% higher for singles and -17% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $1,882 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $3,656 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,775 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,250 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $375,209 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,882 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $3,656 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 57% more expensive in Chesapeake than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 95% steeper in Chesapeake compared to Des Moines.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 9% greater in Chesapeake than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Chesapeake and Des Moines, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- A move to Chesapeake can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 17% lower compared to Des Moines.
- Chesapeake has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 15%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 14% cheaper in Chesapeake compared to Des Moines. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 31% more in Virginia than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Chesapeake:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Chesapeake |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $302.50 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.36 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.17 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $13.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Chesapeake, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Chesapeake.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Chesapeake.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Chesapeake.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in Chesapeake.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Chesapeake.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Chesapeake
| Des Moines | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 249,422 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 21 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 35 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 25.0 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 70.88 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chesapeake’s population is about 64% less than Des Moines.
- Chesapeake’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Chesapeake is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- Chesapeake has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
- Chesapeake’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 25.0 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 70.88 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Chesapeake is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Chesapeake move
- HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Chesapeake are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Virginia, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Virginia, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chesapeake. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chesapeake
With your sights set on Chesapeake, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chesapeake.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Capital District
- Central Office
- East Ghent
- Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
- Colonial Village
- North Ghent
- North Highland
- Ghent
- North Rosslyn
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenbrier
- Great Bridge
- Hickory
Things to do in Chesapeake
With your move to Virginia complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chesapeake. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chesapeake is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, AR Workshop Chesapeake, and Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Oak Grove Lake Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Chesapeake Arboretum — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Southern Chesapeake Athletic Association (youth baseball and softball)Oscar Smith Tigers (high school sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Chesapeake?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Chesapeake. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Chesapeake?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Chesapeake? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Chesapeake take?
The 1,214-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Chesapeake, , takes two to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chesapeake.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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