($661+) Des Moines, IA to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $661 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,236 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,017 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 $2,000, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,236 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,196 - $3,991, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $661 - $1,741.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,417 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 Arlington, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Arlington: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,417 - $5,862. Containers cost roughly 38% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 72% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,017 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,017-mile route from Des Moines to Arlington, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,000 - $4,689 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,196 - $2,012), rental truck ($661 - $1,229), or freight trailer ($1,056 - $1,944). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,417 - $5,862 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,236.
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 Arlington, VA
For the 1,017-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Arlington, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $2,000 and $8,236. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $353 - $2,356 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,000 - $4,689
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,417 - $5,862
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,084 - $8,236
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 Arlington.
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 Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $589 - $5,890 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $236 - $1,414/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $353 - $2,827 |
| 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 | $1,178 - $3,534 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,945 - $11,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $882 - $1,676 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $1,178 - $2,945 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $942 - $4,123 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $353 - $1,767 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $766 - $2,356 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $353 - $17,670+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $353 - $4,123+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Arlington?
Movers licensed to operate in Virginia are typically members of the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,196 and $3,991. 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 Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,196 - $2,012
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $2,915
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,056 - $3,991
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $88 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $177 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $825 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Arlington, VA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Virginia 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 $1,196. 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 $1,495 - $2,915.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Plan on $661 - $1,741 for a rental moving truck on the 1,017-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Arlington, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $381 - $436
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $661 - $1,229
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $671 - $1,519
- 4+ bedrooms: $914 - $1,741
Pro tip: The base rate of $661 - $1,741 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Arlington. Fuel ($381 - $436), lodging at around $177/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $177 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 $77 and $383 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $381 - $436 in fuel for the 1,017-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $825 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 Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Arlington, Virginia. 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 $1,060 and $2,261.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,056 - $1,944
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,243 - $2,261
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,597 - $3,254
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $88 - $177 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $825.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Arlington 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 Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 79.15/100 |
| 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 Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Virginia 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 67 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 1,017-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,017-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Arlington, VA, run $2,000 - $8,236 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,196 - $3,991, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $661 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,417, 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 U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Arlington, VA
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Arlington, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $661 to $8,236, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,000 and $8,236, 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.
How walkable is Arlington?
Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($381 - $436), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $177/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Arlington, VA?
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. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.