($782+) Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Burlington, VT, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $782 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,625 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,216 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,423, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,625 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,297 - $4,104, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $782 - $2,079.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Burlington, VT, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,855 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Burlington to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,855 - $6,693 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 46% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 72% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,216 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,216-mile route from Burlington to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,423 - $5,557 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,297 - $2,224), rental truck ($782 - $1,449), or freight trailer ($1,079 - $2,125). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,855 - $6,693 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,625.
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 Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,216-mile move from Burlington, Vermont, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $2,423 - $9,625. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $306 - $2,040 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Burlington and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Burlington movers tend to run around $594 as a base rate plus $200/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Burlington to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,423 - $5,557
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,855 - $6,693
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,849 - $9,625
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 Burlington to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Burlington 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 packing80% of local movers | $510 - $5,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Booska Movers | $204 - $1,224/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $306 - $2,448 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage40% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $1,020 - $3,060 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,550 - $10,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $764 - $1,451 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Booska Movers | $1,020 - $2,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type14% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Local Muscle Movers | $816 - $3,570 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $306 - $1,530 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $663 - $2,040 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $306 - $15,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $306 - $3,570+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Burlington to Des Moines?
Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Burlington, VT, 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 Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Burlington, Vermont, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,297 and $4,104. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Burlington runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Burlington to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,297 - $2,224
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,544 - $3,099
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,156 - $4,104
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $714 in Burlington, VT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $77 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $153 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Vermont 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 $1,297. 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 $1,544 - $3,099.
What are the best moving containers Burlington 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 Burlington 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 Burlington:
- Local Muscle Movers (4.9/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,216-mile move from Burlington, Vermont, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $782 and $2,079, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $395 - $451
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Burlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Burlington to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $782 - $1,449
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $789 - $1,654
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,001 - $2,079
Pro tip: A rental truck from Burlington to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $782 - $2,079. But once you factor in fuel ($395 - $451), overnight lodging ($153/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $395 - $451 for the 1,216-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Burlington, Vermont, for about 5 hours typically costs around $714.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,216-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $153 per night, adding $306 - $459 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $306.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Burlington 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 Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Burlington, Vermont, to Des Moines, Iowa, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,338 and $2,607.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Burlington to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,079 - $2,125
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,338 - $2,607
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,725 - $3,351
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $77 and $153.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Burlington, Vermont, for roughly five hours typically average $714.
What are the best freight companies from Burlington to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
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: Burlington, VT 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 Burlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Burlington, VT | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $402,586 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $68,854/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 8.75% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 59/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 56.67/100 | 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 Burlington, VT guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Vermont to Iowa, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Vermont alone has 16 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,216-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,216-mile route from Burlington, VT, to Des Moines, IA, run $2,423 - $9,625 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,297 - $4,104, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $782 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,855, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Burlington, VT, to Des Moines, IA
How long does a move from Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 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 do local movers charge in Burlington?
Local movers based in Burlington typically start around $594 as a base rate, plus $200/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 Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $782 to $9,625, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,423 and $9,625, 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.
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 59 and 81 in Burlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Burlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 14% of movers in Burlington handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.