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Top-rated movers to make your Portland to Des Moines move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Portland that offers long-distance services to Des Moines can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed nine top local movers in Portland who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Portland to Des Moines.
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1846942
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT Portland, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Bisson Moving & Storage Company , Bisson I & R Commercial Services , Bisson I & R Document Security , Bisson Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines , Allen & Coles Moving System
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 626233
Alternate Names: Tiny Tims Moving & Trucking, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Des Moines?
In Maine, moving services typically cost around $225 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,308 – $5,425 | $955 – $2,296 | $879 – $1,539 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,114 – $6,940 | $1,690 – $3,448 | $896 – $1,811 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,485 – $10,437 | $2,387 – $4,544 | $1,197 – $2,374 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Des Moines
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Portland, you can expect prices to land between $1,308 and $5,425. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,114 to $6,940 for the trip from Portland to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,485 and $10,437.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Des Moines
Moving containers from Portland to Des Moines will cost you $955 to $2,296 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,690 to $3,448. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,387 to $4,544. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Maine.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Portland to Des Moines typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $879 and $1,539 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $896 to $1,811. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,197 to $2,374.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Des Moines move
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,871 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,527 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Portland.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $879 to $2,022, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Portland to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Portland – roughly 24% less for singles and 28% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,491 in Portland. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $6,060.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Portland | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 4.4% |
- When relocating from Portland to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 42% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 65% more affordable in Des Moines compared to Portland.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 9% lower in Des Moines compared to Portland.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person is 24% lower compared to Portland.
- A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 28% less than what it costs in Portland.
- Des Moines shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Portland by around 13%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Des Moines are 27% more than in Portland, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Iowa are 24% below those in Maine. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Portland and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Portland | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Portland vs. Des Moines
| Portland | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 39 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 922% greater than Portland.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Portland’s score of 6.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Portland with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 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 Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 5.0 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 57.8 vs Portland’s 67.84.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Des Moines
Planning your move to Hartford of the West? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Des Moines.
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 settling into your new Iowa home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Des Moines?
Planning your move from Portland to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Portland to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Portland to Des Moines take?
The 1,398-mile journey from Portland, ME to Des Moines, , typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Portland offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Portland?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Portland, 9 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Maine has 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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