($1,139+) Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Olympia, WA, runs anywhere from $1,139 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,821 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,796 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,534, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,821 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,569 - $5,464, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,139 - $3,162.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Olympia, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,388 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 Olympia, WA
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Olympia: 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 $3,388 - $7,128. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,796 miles, expect 5 to 16 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 1,796-mile route from Des Moines to Olympia, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,534 - $5,232, container $1,569 - $2,935, rental truck $1,139 - $2,024, freight trailer $1,398 - $2,588.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,388 - $7,128, container $2,008 - $4,025, rental truck $1,221 - $2,383, freight trailer $1,704 - $3,452.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,206 - $10,821, container $2,743 - $5,464, rental truck $1,464 - $3,162, freight trailer $2,261 - $4,281.
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 Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA
For the 1,796-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Olympia, Washington, full-service movers cost between $2,534 and $10,821. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $291 - $1,940 (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 Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,534 - $5,232
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,388 - $7,128
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,206 - $10,821
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 Olympia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Olympia, 97% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Olympia?
Movers licensed to operate in Washington are typically members of the Washington Movers Conference, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 Olympia, WA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Olympia, Washington, cost between $1,569 and $5,464. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,569 - $2,935
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,008 - $4,025
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,743 - $5,464
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Olympia, WA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $679 in Des Moines, IA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $146 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Washington 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 $1,569. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,008 - $4,025, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Olympia?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA
Plan on $1,139 - $3,162 for a rental moving truck on the 1,796-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Olympia, Washington. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $554 - $633
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Olympia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,139 - $2,024
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,221 - $2,383
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,464 - $3,162
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,139 - $3,162 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Olympia. Fuel ($554 - $633) , lodging at around $146/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $146 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 $63 and $315 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $554 - $633 in fuel for the 1,796-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $679 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 Olympia?
- 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 Olympia, WA
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Olympia, Washington.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,704 and $3,452.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,398 - $2,588
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,704 - $3,452
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,261 - $4,281
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $73 - $146 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $679.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Olympia?
- 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Olympia, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Olympia, WA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Olympia, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 112 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,895/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $457,660 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $76,930/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 39/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 62.25/100 |
| 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 Olympia, WA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Washington, 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. Iowa alone has 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,796-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,796-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Olympia, WA, run $2,534 - $10,821 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,569 - $5,464, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,139 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,388, 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 Washington State ESD and The Evergreen State College.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Olympia, WA
Is Olympia a safe place to live?
Olympia has a safety index of 62.25 out of 100 and a crime index of 27.95, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA?
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 $1,221 - $2,383. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Olympia?
For families, Bigelow Highlands, Holiday Hills, and Woodfield Estates are worth a look in Olympia. If you're moving solo or without kids, South Capitol, Downtown, and Bigelow Highlands tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA 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 do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Olympia run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
