($1,025+) Des Moines, IA to Santa Clarita, CA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Santa Clarita, CA, runs anywhere from $1,025 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,001 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,680 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,373, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,001 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,395 - $4,927, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,025 - $2,863.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Santa Clarita, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,077 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 Santa Clarita, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Santa Clarita: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,077 - $7,152. Containers cost roughly 40% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 65% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,680 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,680-mile route from Des Moines to Santa Clarita, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,373 - $5,045 | $1,395 - $2,844 | $1,025 - $1,836 | $1,281 - $2,486 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,077 - $7,152 | $1,839 - $3,941 | $1,076 - $2,138 | $1,426 - $3,122 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,406 - $10,001 | $2,610 - $4,927 | $1,383 - $2,863 | $2,067 - $4,226 |
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 Santa Clarita, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Santa Clarita, California, costs between $2,373 and $10,001. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,680-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $351 - $2,340, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Santa Clarita. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,373 - $5,045
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,077 - $7,152
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,406 - $10,001
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 Santa Clarita.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Santa Clarita, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Santa Clarita, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $351 - $2,808 |
| 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 | $1,170 - $3,510 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,925 - $11,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $876 - $1,665 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $761 - $2,340 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $351 - $17,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $351 - $4,095+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Santa Clarita?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Des Moines, IA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Santa Clarita, CA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Santa Clarita, California, cost between $1,395 and $4,927. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,395 - $2,844
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,839 - $3,941
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,610 - $4,927
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Santa Clarita, CA. 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 $819 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 $88 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $176 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 California 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 $1,395. 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 $1,839 - $3,941.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Santa Clarita?
- 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 Santa Clarita, CA
Plan on $1,025 - $2,863 for a rental moving truck on the 1,680-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Santa Clarita, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $625 - $715
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Santa Clarita based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,025 - $1,836
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,076 - $2,138
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,383 - $2,863
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,025 - $2,863 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Santa Clarita. Fuel ($625 - $715), lodging at around $176/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $819.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $625 - $715 for the 1,680-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $70 and $380, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $176 per night for hotel stops on the 1,680-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $351 - $527.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Santa Clarita?
- 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 Santa Clarita, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Santa Clarita, California. 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 $1,053 and $3,122.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,281 - $2,486
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,426 - $3,122
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,067 - $4,226
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $819.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $88 - $176 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Santa Clarita?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Santa Clarita. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Santa Clarita, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Clarita, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Santa Clarita, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $3,295/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $722,430 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $119,926/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 9.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 64.08/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Santa Clarita, CA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 67 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 1,680-mile route.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Santa Clarita, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,373 - $10,001 on the 1,680-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,395 - $4,927, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,025 - $2,863. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,077 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Princess Cruises and Wesco Aircraft.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Santa Clarita, CA
How walkable is Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 33, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Santa Clarita, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,025 to $10,001, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,373 and $10,001, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Santa Clarita, CA?
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.
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Santa Clarita run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Santa Clarita, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
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.