Top-rated local movers that handle Des Moines to Virginia Beach moves
When planning a move from Des Moines to Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 | $1,266 – $4,703 | $871 – $2,284 | $729 – $1,492 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,584 – $6,247 | $1,672 – $3,035 | $838 – $1,620 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,435 – $8,791 | $2,048 – $4,104 | $1,032 – $2,058 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Virginia Beach
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Virginia Beach, you can expect to spend between $1,266 and $4,703. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,584 to $6,247 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Virginia Beach typically runs between $4,435 and $8,791.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Virginia Beach
When moving from Des Moines to Virginia Beach, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $871 and $2,284. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,672 to $3,035. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,048 up to $4,104. 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 Virginia Beach
Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Virginia 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 $729 and $1,492. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $838 and $1,620. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,032 and $2,058.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Virginia 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 $2,339, but larger homes can run up to $7,635.
- 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 ($729–$1,788) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Virginia Beach
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Virginia Beach runs about 140% higher for singles and 35% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $4,533 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,910 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,776 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,233 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $402,391 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $81,810 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $4,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,910 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.75% |
- As you consider relocating to Virginia Beach, note that rent can be roughly 70% 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 109% higher in Virginia Beach than in Des Moines.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 40% higher in Virginia Beach compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Virginia Beach, since the cost of living for a single person is 140% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Virginia Beach, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Virginia Beach is 35% more than it is in Des Moines.
- Virginia Beach experiences an unemployment rate that is about 19% 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 14% lower in Virginia Beach than in Des Moines. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Virginia Beach can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 31% higher in Virginia 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 Virginia Beach:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $173.67 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $48.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.66 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $2.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $50.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Virginia Beach
| Des Moines | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 457,672 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 42 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 42.0 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 58.0 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Virginia Beach’s population is about 35% less than Des Moines.
- Virginia Beach’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Virginia Beach is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 42 out of 100, Virginia 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.
- Virginia Beach’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 42.0 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Virginia Beach and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 58.0 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Virginia Beach is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Virginia 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Virginia 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 Virginia Beach smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Virginia Beach
Now that you’ve chosen Neptune City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Hilltop
- Alanton
- Great Neck
- Kempsville
- Bayside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Great Neck
- Red Mill
- Kempsville
- Ocean Lakes
- Alanton
Things to do in Virginia Beach
After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, it’s time to see what Virginia 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, Virginia Beach offers cultural landmarks like the Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and Ferry Plantation House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Neptune’s Park, Mount Trashmore Park, Bayville Farms Park, and Great Neck Park — 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 Virginia Beach United FC (USL League Two) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Virginia Beach?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Virginia 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 Virginia Beach?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Virginia 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 Virginia Beach take?
A move of 1,218 miles from Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Virginia 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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