($765+) Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Virginia Beach, VA, runs anywhere from $813 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,411 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,218 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 $2,392, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,411 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,296 - $4,666, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $813 - $2,094.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Virginia Beach, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,797 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 Virginia Beach, VA
Moving options from Des Moines to Virginia Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,797 - $6,356 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,218 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,218-mile route from Des Moines to Virginia Beach, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,392 - $5,016, container $1,296 - $2,431, rental truck $813 - $1,490, freight trailer $1,238 - $2,275.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,797 - $6,356, container $1,620 - $3,489, rental truck $871 - $1,898, freight trailer $1,364 - $2,628.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,041 - $9,411, container $2,308 - $4,666, rental truck $1,105 - $2,094, freight trailer $1,829 - $3,409.
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 Virginia Beach, VA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,218-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, with prices running from $2,392 - $9,411. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $283 - $1,884 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Virginia Beach are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Virginia Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,392 - $5,016
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,797 - $6,356
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,041 - $9,411
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 Virginia Beach.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Virginia Beach, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $471 - $4,710 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $188 - $1,130/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $283 - $2,261 |
| 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 | $942 - $2,826 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,355 - $9,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $706 - $1,340 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $942 - $2,355 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $754 - $3,297 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $283 - $1,413 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $612 - $1,884 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $283 - $14,130+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $283 - $3,297+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Virginia Beach?
Look for Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Virginia beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, cost between $1,296 and $4,666. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Virginia Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,296 - $2,431
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,620 - $3,489
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,308 - $4,666
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Virginia Beach, VA. 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 $659 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 $71 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $141 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 Virginia 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 $1,296. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,620 - $3,489, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Virginia Beach?
- 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 Virginia Beach, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,218 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, running $813 - $2,094. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $365 - $417
- Daily insurance: $28/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 Virginia Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $813 - $1,490
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $871 - $1,898
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,105 - $2,094
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $813 - $2,094 does not include fuel ($365 - $417) , lodging ($141/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Virginia Beach typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $71 and $330.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $141.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $365 and $417 for the 1,218-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $659 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Virginia Beach?
- 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 Virginia Beach, VA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,364 and $2,628.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Virginia Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,238 - $2,275
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,364 - $2,628
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,829 - $3,409
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $71 - $141 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 $659.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Virginia Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Virginia Beach, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 105 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,950/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $366,324 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $90,685/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 58.0/100 |
| 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 Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia, 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 1,218-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,218-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Virginia Beach, VA, run $2,392 - $9,411 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,296 - $4,666, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $813 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,797, 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 Stihl and Navy Exchange.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Virginia Beach, VA
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA?
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. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Virginia Beach a safe place to live?
Virginia Beach has a safety index of 58.0 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.0, 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.
How walkable is Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach has a walkability score of 33 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 42, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach?
For families, Great Neck, Red Mill, and Kempsville are worth a look in Virginia Beach. If you're moving solo or without kids, Hilltop, Alanton, and Great Neck tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
