Top local movers for Des Moines to Fontana moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Des Moines that also provides long-distance services to Fontana can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 13 local movers in Des Moines who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Des Moines to Fontana.
- 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 Fontana?
Movers in Iowa generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,180 – $4,779 | $1,015 – $2,399 | $959 – $1,917 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,187 – $6,533 | $1,811 – $3,689 | $1,018 – $2,238 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,243 – $10,044 | $2,394 – $5,190 | $1,270 – $2,682 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Fontana
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Fontana typically costs between $1,180 and $4,779. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,187 and $6,533 when moving from Des Moines to Fontana. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Des Moines to Fontana, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,243 up to $10,044.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Fontana
If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Fontana, you’ll typically spend between $1,015 and $2,399 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,811 up to $3,689. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,394 and $5,190. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Fontana
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Des Moines to Fontana move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $959 and $1,917. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,018 to $2,238. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,270 and $2,682.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Des Moines to Fontana
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Des Moines to Fontana might be as low as $2,501, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,315.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Des Moines.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $959 to $2,450 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Fontana
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Fontana runs about 57% higher for singles and 57% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,972 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,875 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,000 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $631,669 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $72,918 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,972 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,875 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 161% higher in Fontana than in Des Moines, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 228% higher in Fontana than in Des Moines.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 25% higher in Fontana than in Des Moines, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Fontana, as the cost of living for a single person in Fontana is 57% greater than in Des Moines. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Fontana, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 57% more than it is in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Fontana exceeds that of Des Moines by about 29%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Fontana exceed those in Des Moines by 11%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 202% higher in California than in Iowa. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Fontana, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $226.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $61.89 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.99 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $10.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $55.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Fontana, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Fontana.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Fontana.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Fontana.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in Fontana.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Fontana.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Fontana
| Des Moines | Fontana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 212,704 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 41 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 31.65 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 68.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fontana’s population is about 70% less than Des Moines.
- Fontana’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Fontana is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- Both Fontana and Des Moines have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 41), meaning Fontana is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Fontana’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 31.65 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Fontana neighborhoods are safer than 31.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Fontana is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 68.35 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Fontana is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Fontana move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Fontana without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Fontana
Ready to relocate to ? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Fontana.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Fontana
- North Fontana
- Rancho Fontana
- South Fontana
- Walnut Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sierra Lakes
- Hunter’s Ridge
- Southridge Village
- Heritage Village
- Summit Heights
Things to do in Fontana
Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore Fontana. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Fontana include museums and art centers like the Mary Vagle Museum & Nature Center.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Fontana Fury (Football)Fontana Flyers (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Fontana?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Fontana. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Fontana?
With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Fontana in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Fontana take?
Covering 1,637 miles, the move from Des Moines, IA to Fontana, typically takes four to 15 days. Some Des Moines movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Fontana can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Fontana?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Des Moines, 10 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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