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Top-rated local movers that handle Bakersfield to Des Moines moves
When planning a move from Bakersfield to Des Moines, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield to Des Moines.
- Meathead Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Hansen’s Moving and Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Fit Movers LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Express Moving & Storage : 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0130609
Years in Business: 53
DOT #: 2728836
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192218
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3455958
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2911596
Alternate Names: Smooth Move & Smooth Move USA , Excel Relocation Systems
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190666
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 076235
Alternate Names: Express Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield to Des Moines?
Movers in California 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 | $1,247 – $4,687 | $1,031 – $2,593 | $1,005 – $1,949 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,955 – $7,014 | $1,820 – $3,675 | $1,076 – $2,318 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,800 – $10,003 | $2,407 – $4,876 | $1,316 – $2,863 |
Cost to hire movers from Bakersfield to Des Moines
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Bakersfield to Des Moines, you can expect to spend between $1,247 and $4,687. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,955 to $7,014 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Bakersfield to Des Moines typically runs between $5,800 and $10,003.
Cost of moving containers from Bakersfield to Des Moines
When moving from Bakersfield to Des Moines, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,031 and $2,593. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,820 to $3,675. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,407 up to $4,876. 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 California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck in Bakersfield is usually your cheapest option to get to Des Moines. 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 $1,005 and $1,949. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,076 and $2,318. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,316 and $2,863.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Bakersfield to Des Moines
The cost of Bakersfield movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,529, but larger homes can run up to $9,503.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Bakersfield.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,005–$2,366) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Bakersfield – roughly 24% less for singles and 37% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,493 in Bakersfield. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $6,940.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Bakersfield | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 32% lower in Des Moines than in Bakersfield, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 51% lower in Des Moines than in Bakersfield.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 21% less in Des Moines than in Bakersfield.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, where the cost of living for a single person is 24% less than in Bakersfield.
- Moving to Des Moines could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 37% less than in Bakersfield.
- Both Des Moines and Bakersfield present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 15% lower in Des Moines than in Bakersfield. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Des Moines can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 67% lower in Iowa compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Bakersfield with Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Bakersfield than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Bakersfield than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Bakersfield than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Des Moines
| Bakersfield | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 39 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 23% less than Bakersfield.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Bakersfield’s score of 4.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Bakersfield’s 37 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Bakersfield, which has a score of 44.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 5.0 compared to Bakersfield’s 58.49. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 57.8 vs Bakersfield’s 41.51.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Bakersfield it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Des Moines 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: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Iowa 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 Des Moines smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you’ve chosen Hartford of the West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, it’s time to see what Des Moines 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, Des Moines offers cultural landmarks like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — 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 Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Des Moines?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Bakersfield to Des Moines are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Bakersfield are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Des Moines?
Because spring and fall moves from Bakersfield to Des Moines 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 Bakersfield to Des Moines take?
A move of 1,698 miles from Bakersfield, CA to Des Moines, generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in Bakersfield sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Des Moines is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Bakersfield offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 2 movers in Bakersfield have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 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.
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