($732+) Des Moines, IA to New Haven, CT Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to New Haven, CT, runs anywhere from $732 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,881 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,185 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 $2,165, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,881 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,188 - $4,020, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $732 - $2,146.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to New Haven, CT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,564 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to New Haven, CT
Moving options from Des Moines to New Haven fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,564 - $6,214 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 67% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,185-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 1,185-mile route from Des Moines to New Haven, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,165 - $5,015 | $1,188 - $2,248 | $732 - $1,395 | $1,135 - $2,105 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,564 - $6,214 | $1,562 - $3,100 | $839 - $1,660 | $1,199 - $2,582 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,652 - $8,881 | $2,114 - $4,020 | $1,035 - $2,146 | $1,794 - $3,383 |
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 New Haven, CT
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to New Haven, Connecticut, costs between $2,165 and $8,881. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,185-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $287 - $1,916, 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 New Haven. 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 New Haven:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,165 - $5,015
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,564 - $6,214
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,652 - $8,881
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 New Haven.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to New Haven, CT
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In New Haven, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $479 - $4,790 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $192 - $1,150/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $287 - $2,299 |
| 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 | $958 - $2,874 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,395 - $9,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $718 - $1,363 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $958 - $2,395 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $766 - $3,353 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $287 - $1,437 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $623 - $1,916 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $287 - $14,370+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $287 - $3,353+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to New Haven?
All three below meet the standards set by the Movers & Warehousemen’s Association of Connecticut, the group most Connecticut 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to New Haven, CT
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to New Haven, Connecticut, cost between $1,188 and $4,020. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to New Haven:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,188 - $2,248
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,562 - $3,100
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,114 - $4,020
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $671 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $72 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $144 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your New Haven, CT, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Connecticut 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 $1,188. 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 $1,562 - $3,100.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to New Haven?
- 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 New Haven, CT
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to New Haven, Connecticut, range from $732 - $2,146 for the 1,185-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $361 - $413
- Daily insurance: $29/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 New Haven based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $732 - $1,395
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $839 - $1,660
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,035 - $2,146
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $732 - $2,146 does not include fuel ($361 - $413), lodging ($144/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to New Haven typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $144 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $62 and $311 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $361 - $413 in fuel for the 1,185-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $671 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to New Haven?
- 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 New Haven, CT
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Des Moines, Iowa, to New Haven, Connecticut. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,199 and $2,582.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to New Haven:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,135 - $2,105
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,199 - $2,582
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,794 - $3,383
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $671.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $72 - $144 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to New Haven?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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 New Haven, CT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in New Haven, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 109 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,375/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $248,886 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $53,771/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 9.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 3.0% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 68/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 41.8/100 |
| 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 New Haven, CT 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 Connecticut, 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 1,185-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to New Haven, CT, 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 $2,165 - $8,881 on the 1,185-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,188 - $4,020 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $732 - $2,146 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,564 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 ASSA ABLOY Group and ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions - US.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to New Haven, CT
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to New Haven, CT?
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.
Is New Haven a safe place to live?
New Haven has a safety index of 41.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.2, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is New Haven?
New Haven has a walkability score of 68 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in New Haven?
For families, Downtown, Westville, and Dwight are worth a look in New Haven. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Westville, and Dwight tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Connecticut?
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) regulates in-state moving companies and taxi, trucking, and bus companies. In addition, customers are also protected from scam movers by regulations set forth by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection.
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.