Top-rated local movers that handle Des Moines to Long Beach moves
When planning a move from Des Moines to Long Beach, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 13 local movers in Des Moines who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Des Moines to Long Beach.
- 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 Long Beach?
Movers in Iowa charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,234 – $4,880 | $1,083 – $2,490 | $975 – $1,949 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,015 – $7,221 | $1,783 – $3,751 | $1,076 – $2,273 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,856 – $9,501 | $2,407 – $5,283 | $1,397 – $2,671 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Long Beach
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Long Beach, you can expect to spend between $1,234 and $4,880. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,015 to $7,221 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Long Beach typically runs between $5,856 and $9,501.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Long Beach
When moving from Des Moines to Long Beach, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,083 and $2,490. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,783 to $3,751. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,407 up to $5,283. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Long Beach
Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Long Beach. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $975 and $1,949. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,076 and $2,273. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,397 and $2,671.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Long Beach
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,404, but larger homes can run up to $9,596.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Des Moines.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($975–$2,390) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Long Beach
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Long Beach runs about 42% higher for singles and 38% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,681 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,051 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,450 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,780 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $835,800 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $78,995 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,681 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,051 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Long Beach, note that rent can be roughly 80% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 335% higher in Long Beach than in Des Moines.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 35% higher in Long Beach compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Long Beach, since the cost of living for a single person is 42% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Long Beach, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Long Beach is 38% more than it is in Des Moines.
- Long Beach experiences an unemployment rate that is about 12% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 46% higher in Long Beach than in Des Moines. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 202% higher in California compared to Iowa. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Long Beach:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $147.18 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $51.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.79 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $41.20 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Long Beach, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Long Beach.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Long Beach.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Long Beach.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Long Beach.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Long Beach.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Long Beach.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Long Beach
| Des Moines | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 451,307 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 73 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 70 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 58.58 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 41.42 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Long Beach’s population is about 35% less than Des Moines.
- Long Beach’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Long Beach is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 73 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Long Beach is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Long Beach’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 58.58 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Long Beach neighborhoods are safer than 58.58% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Long Beach is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 41.42 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Long Beach is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Long Beach move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Long Beach smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Long Beach
Now that you’ve chosen Aquatic Capital of America as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Long Beach to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont Shore
- Recreation Park
- Carroll Park
- Alamitos Beach
- Bluff Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bixby Village
- Los Altos
- Wrigley Heights
- Park Estates
- Alamitos Heights
Things to do in Long Beach
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Long Beach is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Long Beach offers cultural landmarks like the The Queen Mary, Museum of Latin American Art, Rancho Los Cerritos, and Long Beach Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Bluff Park, Rainbow Lagoon Park, Bixby Park, and El Dorado Park West — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Long Beach?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Long Beach are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Long Beach?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Long Beach are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Long Beach take?
A move of 1,696 miles from Des Moines, IA to Long Beach, generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Long Beach is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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