($714+) Columbus, GA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Columbus, GA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $721 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,223 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,004 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 $2,366, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,223 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,280 - $3,944, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $721 - $1,942.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, GA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,803 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 Columbus, GA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Columbus to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,803 - $6,728 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,004 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,004-mile route from Columbus to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,366 - $5,331 | $1,280 - $2,313 | $721 - $1,290 | $1,141 - $1,919 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,803 - $6,728 | $1,632 - $3,153 | $764 - $1,626 | $1,305 - $2,373 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,373 - $8,223 | $2,095 - $3,944 | $941 - $1,942 | $1,761 - $3,122 |
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 Columbus, GA to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,004-mile move from Columbus, Georgia, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,366 - $8,223. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $245 - $1,632. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Columbus and Des Moines. Local movers in Columbus typically start around $315 as a base rate plus $140/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,366 - $5,331
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,803 - $6,728
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,373 - $8,223
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 Columbus to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Georgia to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Columbus, GA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $408 - $4,080 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $163 - $979/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $245 - $1,958 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage22% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $816 - $2,448 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,040 - $8,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $611 - $1,161 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items33% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American International Movers Inc. | $816 - $2,040 |
| Piano | Any piano type56% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $653 - $2,856 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling56% of local movers | $245 - $1,224 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $530 - $1,632 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $245 - $12,240+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $245 - $2,856+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Des Moines?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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 Columbus, GA. 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 Columbus, GA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Columbus, Georgia, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,280 and $3,944. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Columbus typically costs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,280 - $2,313
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,632 - $3,153
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,095 - $3,944
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Columbus, GA and Des Moines, IA. 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 $571 in Columbus, GA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $61 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $122 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 Georgia to Iowa 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 $1,280. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,632 - $3,153, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbus to Des Moines?
- 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.1/5), 19 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- JIT Movers Inc. (4.1/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, GA to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,004-mile move from Columbus, Georgia, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $721 and $1,942. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $261 - $298
- Daily insurance: $24/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $16
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Columbus to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $721 - $1,290
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $764 - $1,626
- 4+ bedrooms: $941 - $1,942
Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbus to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $721 - $1,942. But once you factor in fuel ($261 - $298) , overnight lodging ($122/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Columbus, Georgia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $571.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $261 - $298 for the 1,004-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $49 and $265, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $122 per night for hotel stops on the 1,004-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $245 - $367.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to Des Moines?
- 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 Columbus, GA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Columbus, Georgia, to Des Moines, Iowa. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $734 and $2,373.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,141 - $1,919
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,305 - $2,373
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,761 - $3,122
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $61 - $122 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 Columbus, Georgia, typically costs $571.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Collins Trucking Co (4.3/5 stars): Collins Trucking Co is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Des Moines quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Columbus, GA vs Des Moines, IA
Day-to-day costs in Des Moines are close to what you're used to in Columbus: cost of living index of 87 versus 78, with average rent of $1,150/mo compared to $1,100/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 25/100 and 27.82/100 in Columbus versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Columbus, GA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Georgia to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 89 movers based in Georgia, handy for sizing up options on this 1,004-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,004-mile route from Columbus, GA, to Des Moines, IA, run $2,366 - $8,223 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,280 - $3,944, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $721 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,803, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, GA, to Des Moines, IA
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 27.82 and 72.18 in Columbus. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, GA to Des Moines, IA?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Columbus, GA to Des Moines, IA?
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 long does a move from Columbus, GA to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($261 - $298), daily insurance ($24/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $16) on top. Overnight stops can add another $122/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 56% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 33% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
