Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Top local movers for Scottsdale to Des Moines moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Scottsdale that also provides long-distance services to Des Moines can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 67 local movers in Scottsdale who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Scottsdale to Des Moines.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Gilbert Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: Scottsdale Moving & Storage Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3190108
Alternate Names: Gilbert Moving and Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2911596
Alternate Names: Mentors Moving & Storage of Arizona LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1759501
Alternate Names: Just-In Time Moving And Delivery LLC , Just In TIme Moving , Just In Time Moving and Delivery
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Scottsdale to Des Moines?
Movers in Arizona generally charge an average of $154 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 | $1,141 – $4,499 | $939 – $2,190 | $799 – $1,483 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,662 – $6,371 | $1,678 – $3,323 | $899 – $1,838 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,547 – $8,923 | $2,323 – $4,599 | $1,044 – $2,243 |
Cost to hire movers from Scottsdale to Des Moines
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Scottsdale to Des Moines typically costs between $1,141 and $4,499. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,662 and $6,371 when moving from Scottsdale to Des Moines. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Scottsdale to Des Moines, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,547 up to $8,923.
Cost of moving containers from Scottsdale to Des Moines
If you’re relocating from Scottsdale to Des Moines, you’ll typically spend between $939 and $2,190 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,678 up to $3,323. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,323 and $4,599. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Arizona.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Scottsdale to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Scottsdale to Des Moines 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 $799 and $1,483. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $899 to $1,838. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,044 and $2,243.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Scottsdale to Des Moines
The cost of Scottsdale movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Scottsdale to Des Moines might be as low as $2,314, while a four-bedroom could reach $8,067.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Scottsdale.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $799 to $2,051 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Scottsdale to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Scottsdale – roughly 67% less for singles and 4% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $5,753 in Scottsdale. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $4,570.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Scottsdale | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,410 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $827,308 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,533 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,753 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,570 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.05% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 4.4% |
- Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Scottsdale, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 65% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 77% cheaper in Des Moines, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 9% lower in Des Moines than in Scottsdale.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 67% less compared to Scottsdale.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Des Moines and Scottsdale, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won’t notice a significant change in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines exceeds that of Scottsdale by about 26%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 13% lower in Des Moines than Scottsdale, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 76% higher in Iowa than in Arizona. 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 Scottsdale and Des Moines, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Scottsdale | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.22 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.58 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $34.33 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Scottsdale than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Scottsdale than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Scottsdale than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Scottsdale than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Scottsdale than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Scottsdale than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Scottsdale than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Des Moines
| Scottsdale | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 39 |
| Crime index | 25.8 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 74.2 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 190% greater than Scottsdale.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Scottsdale, making them very similar.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Scottsdale with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Scottsdale’s 32 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Scottsdale, which has a score of 56.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Scottsdale with a score of 5.0 compared to Scottsdale’s 25.8. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Scottsdale neighborhoods are safer than 25.8%.
- Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Scottsdale with a score of 57.8 vs Scottsdale’s 74.2.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Scottsdale it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Scottsdale to Des Moines 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 moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, 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 Des Moines 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. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Des Moines
Ready to relocate to Hartford of the West? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
Now that you’ve made the move to Iowa, it’s the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, 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 Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Des Moines?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Scottsdale to Des Moines. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Scottsdale.
When is the cheapest time to move from Scottsdale to Des Moines?
With many people choosing to move from Scottsdale to Des Moines 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 Scottsdale to Des Moines take?
Covering 1,388 miles, the move from Scottsdale, AZ to Des Moines, typically takes three to eight days. Some Scottsdale movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Scottsdale offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in Scottsdale offer AAA member savings. 2 movers provide military discounts. 4 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Scottsdale can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Scottsdale, 53 movers can handle pianos. 36 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of AZ, there are 72 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,299 and 1,464 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Scottsdale moving services
Popular Arizona routes
- Arizona to Iowa car shippers
- Arizona to California movers
- Arizona to Florida movers
- Arizona to Georgia movers
- Arizona to Illinois movers
- Arizona to Michigan movers
- Arizona to New York movers
- Arizona to North Carolina movers
- Arizona to Ohio movers
- Arizona to Pennsylvania movers
- Arizona to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
