($662+) Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $662 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,014 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,014 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 $2,215, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,014 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,210 - $4,117, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $662 - $1,762.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,624 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 Washington DC, MD
Moving options from Des Moines to Washington DC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,624 - $5,871 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 46% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 73% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,014 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,014-mile route from Des Moines to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,215 - $5,088 with full-service movers, $1,210 - $2,187 with a container, $662 - $1,307 with a rental truck, or $1,089 - $1,929 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,624 - $5,871 full-service, $1,423 - $3,040 by container, $701 - $1,493 by rental truck, or $1,174 - $2,360 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,259 - $8,014 full-service, $2,020 - $4,117 by container, $898 - $1,762 by rental truck, or $1,665 - $3,199 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $2,215 and $8,014. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,014-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $338 - $2,252, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Washington DC. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,215 - $5,088
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,624 - $5,871
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,259 - $8,014
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 Washington DC.
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 Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Washington DC, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing62% of local movers | $563 - $5,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $225 - $1,351/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $338 - $2,702 |
| 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 | $1,126 - $3,378 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,815 - $11,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $843 - $1,602 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,126 - $2,815 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $901 - $3,941 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $338 - $1,689 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $732 - $2,252 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $338 - $16,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $338 - $3,941+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Washington DC?
Look for Maryland Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Maryland beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Des Moines, IA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,210 and $4,117. 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 Washington DC. 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 Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,210 - $2,187
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,423 - $3,040
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,020 - $4,117
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Washington DC, MD. 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 $788 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 $84 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $169 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 Maryland 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 $1,210. 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 $1,423 - $3,040.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Washington DC?
- 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 Washington DC, MD
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Washington DC, Maryland, range from $662 - $1,762 for the 1,014-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $363 - $415
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $662 - $1,307
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $701 - $1,493
- 4+ bedrooms: $898 - $1,762
Pro tip: A rental truck from Des Moines to Washington DC looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $662 - $1,762. But once you factor in fuel ($363 - $415), overnight lodging ($169/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $84 and $394.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $169.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $363 and $415 for the 1,014-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $788 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Washington DC?
- 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 Washington DC, MD
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 Washington DC, Maryland.
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 $1,174 and $2,360.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,089 - $1,929
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,174 - $2,360
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,665 - $3,199
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?
- 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 $84 - $169 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 $788.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
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 Washington DC, MD
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Washington DC, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Washington DC, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 151 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $594,337 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $101,027/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 39.63/100 |
| 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 Washington DC, MD to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Maryland 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 58 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 1,014-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Washington DC, MD, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,215 - $8,014 on the 1,014-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,210 - $4,117 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $662 - $1,762 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,624 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Washington DC, MD
What are the best neighborhoods in Washington DC?
For families, AU-Tenleytown, Chevy Chase, and Cleveland Park are worth a look in Washington DC. If you're moving solo or without kids, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, and Cleveland Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
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 Washington DC run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD?
Costs on this route range from around $662 to $8,014, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,215 and $8,014, 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 percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.