($781+) Des Moines, IA to Chesapeake, VA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Chesapeake, VA, runs anywhere from $829 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,049 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,214 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 $2,301, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,049 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,309 - $4,666, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $829 - $2,160.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Chesapeake, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,740 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 Chesapeake, VA
Moving options from Des Moines to Chesapeake fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,740 - $6,623 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 1,214-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 1,214-mile route from Des Moines to Chesapeake, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,301 - $5,486 with full-service movers, $1,309 - $2,406 with a container, $829 - $1,597 with a rental truck, or $1,203 - $2,100 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,740 - $6,623 full-service, $1,738 - $3,523 by container, $906 - $1,753 by rental truck, or $1,324 - $2,737 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,847 - $9,049 full-service, $2,240 - $4,666 by container, $1,040 - $2,160 by rental truck, or $1,829 - $3,589 by freight.
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 Chesapeake, VA
For the 1,214-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chesapeake, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $2,301 and $9,049. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $281 - $1,876 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,301 - $5,486
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,740 - $6,623
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,847 - $9,049
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 Chesapeake.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Virginia. 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 Chesapeake, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chesapeake, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $469 - $4,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $188 - $1,126/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $281 - $2,251 |
| 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 | $938 - $2,814 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,345 - $9,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $703 - $1,335 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $938 - $2,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $750 - $3,283 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $281 - $1,407 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $610 - $1,876 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $281 - $14,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $281 - $3,283+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Chesapeake?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, 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 Des Moines, IA to Chesapeake, VA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $1,309 and $4,666. 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 Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,309 - $2,406
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,738 - $3,523
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,240 - $4,666
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 $141 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chesapeake, VA, 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 $657 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 Virginia 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 $1,309. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,738 - $3,523, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Chesapeake?
- 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 Chesapeake, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,214-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chesapeake, Virginia, costs between $829 and $2,160, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $362 - $414
- 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 Chesapeake based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $829 - $1,597
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $906 - $1,753
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,040 - $2,160
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $829 - $2,160 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Chesapeake. Fuel alone runs ($362 - $414) , and overnight lodging ($141/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $362 - $414 for the 1,214-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 Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $657.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,214-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $141 per night, adding $281 - $422 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $281.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Chesapeake?
- 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 Chesapeake, VA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chesapeake, Virginia, 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 $1,324 and $2,737.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $2,100
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,324 - $2,737
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,829 - $3,589
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $70 - $141 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 $657.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Chesapeake?
- 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.
- 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 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: 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 Chesapeake, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chesapeake, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Chesapeake, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 104 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $359,218 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $94,189/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 21/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 70.88/100 |
| 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 Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Virginia 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 36 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 1,214-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,214-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Chesapeake, VA, run $2,301 - $9,049 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,309 - $4,666, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $829 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,740, 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 Dollar Tree and Chesapeake City Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Chesapeake, VA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($362 - $414), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $141/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Chesapeake, VA?
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 $906 - $1,753. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Chesapeake, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,301 to $9,049, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,301 and $9,049, 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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 Chesapeake 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.
