($1,023+) Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Olympia, WA, runs anywhere from $1,023 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,897 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,227, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,897 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,509 - $5,469, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,023 - $2,896.
- 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 $3,036 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
Moving options from Des Moines to Olympia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,036 - $7,218 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,796-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.
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:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,227 - $5,142 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,509 - $2,796), rental truck ($1,023 - $2,088), or freight trailer ($1,372 - $2,642). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,036 - $7,218 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,897.
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 Olympia, WA
For the 1,796-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Olympia, Washington, full-service movers cost between $2,227 and $9,897. 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: $2,227 - $5,142
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,036 - $7,218
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,088 - $9,897
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.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Olympia, 65% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% 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 coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% 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 items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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?
Washington Movers Conference membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Washington, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Olympia, Washington, cost between $1,509 and $5,469. 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 Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,509 - $2,796
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,951 - $3,796
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,588 - $5,469
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $679 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Olympia, WA, destination before booking.
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 $1,509. 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 $1,951 - $3,796.
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:
- 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 Olympia, WA
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Olympia, Washington, range from $1,023 - $2,896 for the 1,796-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $1,023 - $2,088
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,129 - $2,437
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,409 - $2,896
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Olympia starts at $1,023 - $2,896, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($554 - $633), overnight lodging ($146/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $554 - $633 for the 1,796-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $679.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,796-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $291 - $437 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $291.
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
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Olympia, Washington. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $873 and $3,256.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,372 - $2,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,469 - $3,256
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,049 - $4,249
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $73 - $146 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $679.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Olympia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
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 67 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 $2,227 - $9,897 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,509 - $5,469, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,023 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,036, 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
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Olympia, WA?
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.
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 $1,129 - $2,437. 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.
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.