Top-rated movers to make your Des Moines to Lansing move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Lansing can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 13 top local movers in Des Moines who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Des Moines to Lansing.
- 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 Lansing?
In Iowa, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,152 – $3,364 | $672 – $1,700 | $434 – $823 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,025 – $5,362 | $1,190 – $2,280 | $473 – $947 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,811 – $8,024 | $1,666 – $2,876 | $584 – $1,086 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Lansing
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Lansing from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,152 and $3,364. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,025 to $5,362 for the trip from Des Moines to Lansing. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,811 and $8,024.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Lansing
Moving containers from Des Moines to Lansing will cost you $672 to $1,700 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,190 to $2,280. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,666 to $2,876. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Lansing
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Lansing typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $434 and $823 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $473 to $947. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $584 to $1,086.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Lansing move
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,605 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,989 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $434 to $1,029, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Lansing
Many movers find Lansing easier on the wallet than Des Moines – roughly 16% less for singles and 4% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,595 for one person in Lansing versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it’s $4,199 compared with $4,380.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Des Moines | Lansing | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $901 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $1,775 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $148,542 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,729 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,595 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,199 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.25% |
- Moving to Lansing from Des Moines won’t change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 23% more affordable in Lansing compared to Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 11% higher in Lansing compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Lansing, as the cost of living for a single person is 16% lower compared to Des Moines.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Lansing and Des Moines, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- Lansing shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 25%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 14% less in Lansing relative to Des Moines. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes have a close resemblance in Michigan and Iowa, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Lansing:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Lansing |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $172.97 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $46.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $31.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Lansing, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Lansing.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Lansing
| Des Moines | Lansing | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 112,644 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 55 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 48.66 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 51.34 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lansing’s population is about 84% less than Des Moines.
- Lansing’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
- Lansing and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Lansing is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Lansing’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 48.66 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Lansing is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 51.34 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Lansing is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Lansing move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Michigan’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Lansing. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Lansing
Planning your move to Capital City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Lansing.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Okemos
- Haslett
- Waverly
- Edgemont Park
- DeWitt
- Mason
- DeWitt Charter Township
Best neighborhoods for families
- Okemos
- Haslett
- DeWitt
- Waverly
- DeWitt Charter Township
- Holt
Things to do in Lansing
After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lansing has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Lansing features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Michigan History Center, Impression 5 Science Center, and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Woldumar Nature Center, Potter Park Zoo, Hawk Island Park, and River Trail — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Lansing Lugnuts (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Lansing?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Lansing? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Lansing?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Lansing in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Lansing take?
The 534-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Lansing, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lansing.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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