($696+) Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Jersey City, NJ, runs anywhere from $696 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,309 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,105 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 $2,041, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,309 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,157 - $4,053, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $696 - $1,936.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Jersey City, NJ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,475 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 Jersey City, NJ
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Jersey City: 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 $2,475 - $5,991. Containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 68% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,105 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 1,105-mile route from Des Moines to Jersey City, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,041 - $4,637 | $1,157 - $2,183 | $696 - $1,405 | $1,116 - $1,885 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,475 - $5,991 | $1,567 - $3,193 | $798 - $1,511 | $1,265 - $2,333 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,524 - $8,309 | $2,076 - $4,053 | $994 - $1,936 | $1,611 - $3,340 |
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 Jersey City, NJ
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Jersey City, New Jersey, costs between $2,041 and $8,309. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,105-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $325 - $2,164, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Jersey City. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,041 - $4,637
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,475 - $5,991
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,524 - $8,309
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 Jersey City.
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 Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Jersey City, 61% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $541 - $5,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $216 - $1,298/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $325 - $2,597 |
| 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 | $1,082 - $3,246 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,705 - $10,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $810 - $1,540 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $1,082 - $2,705 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $866 - $3,787 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $325 - $1,623 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $703 - $2,164 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $325 - $16,230+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $325 - $3,787+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Jersey City?
All three below meet the standards set by the New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association, the group most New Jersey movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Des Moines, IA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Jersey City, New Jersey, cost between $1,157 and $4,053. 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 Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,157 - $2,183
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,567 - $3,193
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,076 - $4,053
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $81 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $162 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Jersey City, NJ, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $757 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to New Jersey 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 $1,157. 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 $1,567 - $3,193.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Jersey City?
- 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 Jersey City, NJ
Plan on $696 - $1,936 for a rental moving truck on the 1,105-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Jersey City, New Jersey. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $380 - $435
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Jersey City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $696 - $1,405
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $798 - $1,511
- 4+ bedrooms: $994 - $1,936
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Jersey City starts at $696 - $1,936, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($380 - $435), overnight lodging ($162/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $162 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 $70 and $352 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $380 - $435 in fuel for the 1,105-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $757 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 Jersey City?
- 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 Jersey City, NJ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Jersey City, New Jersey, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,265 and $2,333.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,116 - $1,885
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,265 - $2,333
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,611 - $3,340
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $757.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $81 and $162 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Jersey City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Jersey City 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 Jersey City, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Jersey City, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Jersey City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 140 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,975/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $538,163 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $94,813/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 8.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 10.7% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 87/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 56.79/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to New Jersey in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 67 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 1,105-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Jersey City, NJ, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,041 - $8,309 on the 1,105-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,157 - $4,053 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $696 - $1,936 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,475 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Kuehne + Nagel International AG and Tokio Marine Management.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Jersey City, NJ
How walkable is Jersey City?
Jersey City has a walkability score of 87 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 64, 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 ($380 - $435), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $162/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ?
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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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.