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Highly rated local moving companies for Tacoma to Des Moines moves
Organizing a move from Tacoma to Des Moines can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 63 local movers in Tacoma known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Tacoma to Des Moines.
- All Ready Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Mountain Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Ed’s Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2083124
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1941425
Years in Business: 15
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 885643
Years in Business: 62
DOT #: 885643
Alternate Names: Mountain Trucking Co Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 914878
Years in Business: 60
DOT #: 914878
Alternate Names: Eds Moving and Storage, Inc. , Ace Moving and Warehousing
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 1809
Years in Business: 122
DOT #: 586615
Alternate Names: Olympic Moving & Storage , Olympic Moving & Storage II, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Tacoma to Des Moines?
On average, moving companies in Washington charge about $143 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,356 – $5,727 | $1,012 – $2,707 | $1,011 – $1,983 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,686 – $7,471 | $1,956 – $4,077 | $1,106 – $2,384 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,474 – $11,309 | $2,568 – $5,265 | $1,421 – $2,717 |
Cost to hire movers from Tacoma to Des Moines
When planning a move to Des Moines from Tacoma, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,356 and $5,727. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,686 and $7,471 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,474 to $11,309.
Cost of moving containers from Tacoma to Des Moines
When you’re heading from Tacoma to Des Moines, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,012 and $2,707. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,956 and $4,077. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,568 to $5,265. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Washington easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Des Moines
A moving rental truck from Tacoma to Des Moines is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,011 to $1,983. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,106 to $2,384, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Tacoma to Des Moines costs around $1,421 to $2,717.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Tacoma to Des Moines
The cost of Tacoma movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Tacoma to Des Moines may only cost $2,801, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,397.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Tacoma.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,011–$2,585), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Tacoma to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Tacoma – roughly 54% less for singles and 40% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $4,133 in Tacoma. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $7,260.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Tacoma | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,935 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,389 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $477,289 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,341 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,133 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,260 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.3% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent is about 30% less expensive in Des Moines than in Tacoma, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 60% cheaper in Des Moines than in Tacoma.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 20% less in Des Moines than in Tacoma.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person there is 54% below that of Tacoma.
- A move to Des Moines can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 40% lower compared to Tacoma.
- Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate than Tacoma by about 19%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 32% cheaper in Des Moines compared to Tacoma. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Iowa has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Tacoma versus Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Tacoma | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.80 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.50 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.84 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.21 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $51.67 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tacoma than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tacoma than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Tacoma than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Tacoma than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Tacoma than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tacoma than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tacoma than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Des Moines
| Tacoma | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,968 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 39 |
| Crime index | 55.55 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 44.45 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 212% greater than Tacoma.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Tacoma’s score of 6.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Tacoma with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Tacoma’s 54 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 Tacoma, which has a score of 48.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Tacoma with a score of 5.0 compared to Tacoma’s 55.55. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 57.8 vs Tacoma’s 44.45.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Tacoma it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Tacoma to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Costs across Tacoma and Des Moines are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Iowa, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Des Moines?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tacoma to Des Moines. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Tacoma.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Des Moines?
Want to save on your move from Tacoma to Des Moines? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Tacoma to Des Moines take?
The 1,770-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Des Moines, , takes five to 16 days. Some Tacoma movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
What kinds of discounts do Tacoma movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Tacoma?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 48 movers in Tacoma provide piano moving services. 38 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 73 piano movers and 46 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Tacoma moving services
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