($767+) Des Moines, IA to Chesapeake, VA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Chesapeake, VA, runs anywhere from $767 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,109 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,234, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,109 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,272 - $4,062, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $767 - $2,142.
- 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 $2,611 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,611 - $6,499 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 37% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 69% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,214 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,234 - $5,075 | $1,272 - $2,247 | $767 - $1,434 | $1,112 - $2,125 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,611 - $6,499 | $1,640 - $3,067 | $805 - $1,637 | $1,249 - $2,556 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,526 - $8,109 | $2,242 - $4,062 | $971 - $2,142 | $1,811 - $3,317 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 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 $2,234 and $8,109. 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: $2,234 - $5,075
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,611 - $6,499
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,526 - $8,109
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.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Chesapeake, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chesapeake, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $469 - $4,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% 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 coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% 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 items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $938 - $2,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $750 - $3,283 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $281 - $1,407 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Chesapeake, VA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $1,272 and $4,062. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chesapeake. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,272 - $2,247
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,640 - $3,067
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,242 - $4,062
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Chesapeake, VA. 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 $657 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 $70 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $141 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 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 $1,272. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,640 - $3,067.
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:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Chesapeake, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,214 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chesapeake, Virginia, running $767 - $2,142. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $767 - $1,434
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $805 - $1,637
- 4+ bedrooms: $971 - $2,142
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $767 - $2,142 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 roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $657.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $362 - $414 for the 1,214-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $56 and $305, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $141 per night for hotel stops on the 1,214-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $281 - $422.
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
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 Chesapeake, Virginia.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,249 and $2,556.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,112 - $2,125
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,249 - $2,556
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,811 - $3,317
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $657.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $70 and $141 per foot.
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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chesapeake quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
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 moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Virginia, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 67 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 1,214-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Chesapeake, VA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,234 for a studio to $8,109 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,214-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,272 - $4,062. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $767 - $2,142, 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 $2,611 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 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 $805 - $1,637. 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 $767 to $8,109, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,234 and $8,109, 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 4 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 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.