($845+) Boston, MA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Boston, MA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $845 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,663 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,299 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,184, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,663 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,398 - $4,675, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $845 - $2,271.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Boston, MA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,839 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 Boston, MA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Boston 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 $2,839 - $6,862 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 1,299 miles, this route usually takes 3 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,299-mile route from Boston to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,184 for a studio up to $8,663 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,398 - $4,675 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $845 - $2,271, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,270 - $3,740, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Boston, MA to Des Moines, IA
For the 1,299-mile move from Boston, Massachusetts, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $2,184 and $8,663. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $376 - $2,508 (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 Boston generally start around $340 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Boston to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,184 - $4,954
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,839 - $6,862
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,879 - $8,663
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 Boston to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Massachusetts to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Boston, MA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 96% of Boston 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 packing99% of local movers | $627 - $6,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready96% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Boston Best Rate Movers | $251 - $1,505/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $376 - $3,010 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage48% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,254 - $3,762 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,135 - $12,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $939 - $1,784 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items58% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Boston Best Rate Movers | $1,254 - $3,135 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Boston Best Rate Movers | $1,003 - $4,389 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $376 - $1,881 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Boston Best Rate Movers | $815 - $2,508 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $376 - $18,810+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $376 - $4,389+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Boston 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Boston, MA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Boston, MA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Boston, Massachusetts, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,398 and $4,675. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Boston runs about $145/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Boston to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,398 - $2,450
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,663 - $3,452
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,396 - $4,675
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 $878 in Boston, MA. 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 $94 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $188 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 Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Massachusetts 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 $1,398. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,663 - $3,452, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston:
- Boston Best Rate Movers (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- StairHopper Movers (5.0/5), 23 years in business
- Exela Movers (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Boston, MA to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,299-mile move from Boston, Massachusetts, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $845 and $2,271. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $518 - $592
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Boston daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.09
| 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 Boston to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $845 - $1,612
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $878 - $1,843
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,182 - $2,271
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $845 - $2,271 does not include fuel ($518 - $592) , lodging ($188/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Boston to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $188 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Boston, Massachusetts, usually costs about $878 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,299-mile drive falls between $518 and $592, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $63 and $376 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Boston 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 Boston, MA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Boston, Massachusetts, to Des Moines, Iowa, 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 $1,400 and $2,706.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Boston to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,270 - $2,228
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,400 - $2,706
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,841 - $3,740
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 Boston, Massachusetts, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $878.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $94 - $188 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 Boston to Des Moines?
- 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.
- Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. 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 Des Moines 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: Boston, MA vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Boston on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Boston, MA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 87 |
| Average rent | $3,400/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $710,400 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $94,755/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.0% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 98/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 60.12/100 | 57.8/100 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA to Boston, MA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Massachusetts to Iowa, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Massachusetts alone has 109 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,299-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,299-mile route from Boston, MA, to Des Moines, IA, run $2,184 - $8,663 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,398 - $4,675, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $845 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,839, 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 Boston, MA, to Des Moines, IA
What is the cheapest way to move from Boston, MA to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $878 - $1,843. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($518 - $592), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $188/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Boston, MA 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 is the best time of year to move from Boston, MA 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Boston, MA 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 percentage of Boston movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 88% of movers in Boston handle piano moves, and 58% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
