($499+) Des Moines, IA to Fort Collins, CO Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Collins, CO, runs anywhere from $509 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,018 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 649 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,521, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,018 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,081 - $3,568, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $509 - $1,379.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Collins, CO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,360 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 Fort Collins, CO
Moving options from Des Moines to Fort Collins 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 $2,360 - $5,967 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 649 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 649-mile route from Des Moines to Fort Collins, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,521 - $4,085 | $1,081 - $1,973 | $509 - $933 | $916 - $1,639 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,360 - $5,967 | $1,320 - $2,652 | $559 - $1,129 | $1,035 - $2,080 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,088 - $8,018 | $1,710 - $3,568 | $665 - $1,379 | $1,454 - $2,746 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Fort Collins, CO
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Collins, Colorado, costs between $1,521 and $8,018. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 649-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $296 - $1,972, 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 Fort Collins. 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 Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,521 - $4,085
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,360 - $5,967
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,088 - $8,018
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 Fort Collins.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Colorado. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Fort Collins, CO
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Fort Collins, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $493 - $4,930 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $197 - $1,183/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $296 - $2,366 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $986 - $2,958 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,465 - $9,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $739 - $1,403 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $986 - $2,465 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $789 - $3,451 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $296 - $1,479 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $641 - $1,972 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $296 - $14,790+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $296 - $3,451+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Fort Collins?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
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 Fort Collins, CO
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Collins, Colorado, cost between $1,081 and $3,568. 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 Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,081 - $1,973
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,320 - $2,652
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,710 - $3,568
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $74 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $148 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Fort Collins, CO, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $690 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Colorado 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 $1,081. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,320 - $2,652, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Fort Collins?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Fort Collins, CO
Renting a moving truck for the 649-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Collins, Colorado, costs between $509 and $1,379, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $204 - $233
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Fort Collins based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $509 - $933
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $559 - $1,129
- 4+ bedrooms: $665 - $1,379
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Fort Collins starts at $509 - $1,379, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($204 - $233) , overnight lodging ($148/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
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 $74 and $345.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $148.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $204 and $233 for the 649-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 $690 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 Fort Collins?
- 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 Fort Collins, CO
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Collins, Colorado, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,035 and $2,080.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $916 - $1,639
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,035 - $2,080
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,454 - $2,746
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $690.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $74 and $148 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Fort Collins?
- 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Fort Collins fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Fort Collins, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fort Collins, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 116 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $544,203 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $83,598/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 72.86/100 |
| 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 Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Colorado 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 36 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 649-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Collins, CO, 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 $1,521 - $8,018 on the 649-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,081 - $3,568 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $509 - $1,379 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,360 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 Advanced Energy Industries and RIMROCK.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Collins, CO
Is Fort Collins a safe place to live?
Fort Collins has a safety index of 72.86 out of 100 and a crime index of 17.0, 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.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Fort Collins, CO?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Colorado?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($204 - $233), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $148/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.