The best local movers for Des Moines to Columbus moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Des Moines that also handles long-distance moves to Columbus. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 13 local movers in Des Moines who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Des Moines to Columbus.
- 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 Columbus?
The average hourly rate for movers in Iowa is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,223 – $4,931 | $792 – $2,092 | $647 – $1,267 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,618 – $5,983 | $1,480 – $2,886 | $692 – $1,475 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,167 – $7,523 | $1,996 – $3,758 | $923 – $1,831 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Columbus
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Columbus will cost between $1,223 and $4,931. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Des Moines to Des Moines will range from $2,618 to $5,983, and a large move from Des Moines to Columbus will cost from $4,167 to $7,523.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Columbus
If you’re moving from Des Moines to Columbus, expect to pay between $792 and $2,092 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,480 up to $2,886. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,996 and $3,758. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Columbus
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Columbus is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $647 and $1,267. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $692 and $1,475. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $923 up to $1,831 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Columbus
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,410, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,752.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($647–$1,562) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbus runs about 8% higher for singles and -12% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,041 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $3,834 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,250 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $1,400 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.49% |
- Budgeting for a move from Des Moines to Columbus won’t necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 18% less in Columbus than in Des Moines.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 14% lower in Columbus compared to Des Moines.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 8% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- Choosing to move to Columbus can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 12% less than in Des Moines.
- Columbus enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 10% lower compared to Des Moines, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 29% in Columbus over Des Moines, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 25% higher in Georgia than in Iowa, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Des Moines and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $40.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $2.24 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $10.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Columbus.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Columbus.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Columbus.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Columbus
| Des Moines | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 206,922 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 25 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 31 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 72.18 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 27.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 70% less than Des Moines.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Columbus is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 72.18 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 27.82 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Georgia doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover’s responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Lowell of the South[, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- MidTown
- Uptown
- Downtown Columbus
- Overlook
- Lakebottom
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Columbus
- Brookstone
- Green Island Hills
- MidTown
- Ivy Park
Things to do in Columbus
Once you’re settled into your new home in Georgia, it’s time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbus, such as the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, and Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Flat Rock Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Columbus Lions (NAL)Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Columbus?
The best time to move from Des Moines to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Columbus?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines to Columbus, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Columbus take?
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Columbus, covers 1,002 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Des Moines movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbus.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Des Moines?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Des Moines advertise piano moving expertise. 6 movers in Des Moines provide antique moving services. State totals show 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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