($1,021+) Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $1,021 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,423 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,769 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,581, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,423 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,529 - $5,109, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,021 - $2,860.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,402 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 Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Tacoma to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,402 - $7,550 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 46% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 67% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,769 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,769-mile route from Tacoma to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,581 - $5,961 | $1,529 - $2,857 | $1,021 - $1,964 | $1,375 - $2,597 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,402 - $7,550 | $1,823 - $3,883 | $1,117 - $2,454 | $1,519 - $3,137 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,215 - $11,423 | $2,490 - $5,109 | $1,449 - $2,860 | $2,096 - $4,338 |
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 Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,769-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,581 - $11,423. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $326 - $2,172. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tacoma and Des Moines. Local movers in Tacoma typically start around $316 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,581 - $5,961
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,402 - $7,550
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,215 - $11,423
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 Tacoma to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $543 - $5,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $217 - $1,303/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,606 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,086 - $3,258 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,715 - $10,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $813 - $1,545 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $1,086 - $2,715 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $869 - $3,801 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $326 - $1,629 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $706 - $2,172 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,801+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Tacoma, WA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,529 and $5,109. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Tacoma adds around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,529 - $2,857
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,823 - $3,883
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,490 - $5,109
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $81 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $163 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $760 in Tacoma, WA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington to Iowa 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 $1,529. 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 $1,823 - $3,883.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma to Des Moines?
- 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,769-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,021 and $2,860. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $611 - $699
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| 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 Tacoma to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,021 - $1,964
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,117 - $2,454
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,449 - $2,860
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,021 - $2,860 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tacoma to Des Moines. Fuel ($611 - $699), lodging at around $163/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 Tacoma, Washington, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $760.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $611 - $699 for the 1,769-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 $65 and $353, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $163 per night for hotel stops on the 1,769-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $326 - $489.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Des Moines?
- 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 Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Tacoma, Washington, to Des Moines, Iowa. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,519 and $3,137.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,375 - $2,597
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,519 - $3,137
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,096 - $4,338
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $81 - $163 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 Tacoma, Washington, typically costs $760.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Des Moines?
- 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Des Moines quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tacoma, WA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 123 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,650/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $454,577 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $83,857/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 44.45/100 | 57.8/100 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA to Tacoma, WA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Washington to Iowa, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 279 movers in Washington, so you have real options to compare for this 1,769-mile move.
Our take
The 1,769-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $2,581 and $11,423 with full-service movers, $1,529 - $5,109 with a moving container, and $1,021 - $2,860 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,402 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Des Moines, IA
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 54 and 48 in Tacoma. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($611 - $699), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $163/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.