($831+) Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Manchester, NH, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $831 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,584 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,334 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,581, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,584 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,278 - $4,373, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $831 - $2,169.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Manchester, NH, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,071 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 Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Manchester to Des Moines: 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 $3,071 - $7,465. Containers cost roughly 48% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 71% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,334 miles, expect 3 to 8 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 1,334-mile route from Manchester to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,581 - $5,633 | $1,278 - $2,358 | $831 - $1,526 | $1,127 - $2,231 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,071 - $7,465 | $1,598 - $3,493 | $899 - $1,853 | $1,278 - $2,659 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,372 - $10,584 | $2,282 - $4,373 | $1,176 - $2,169 | $1,825 - $3,571 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA
For the 1,334-mile move from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $2,581 and $10,584. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $304 - $2,028 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Manchester generally start around $682 plus $210 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Manchester to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,581 - $5,633
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,071 - $7,465
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,372 - $10,584
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 Manchester to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 73% of Manchester movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $507 - $5,070 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready73% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Trend Moving & Storage | $203 - $1,217/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $304 - $2,434 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $1,014 - $3,042 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,535 - $10,140 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $759 - $1,443 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Bound Movers | $1,014 - $2,535 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Trend Moving & Storage | $811 - $3,549 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $304 - $1,521 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc | $659 - $2,028 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $304 - $15,210+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $304 - $3,549+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Manchester to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Manchester, NH. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,278 and $4,373. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Manchester typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Manchester to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,278 - $2,358
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,598 - $3,493
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,282 - $4,373
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $76 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $152 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 $710 in Manchester, NH, 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 New Hampshire 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 $1,278. 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 $1,598 - $3,493.
What are the best moving containers Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester:
- College Bound Movers (4.7/5), 34 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 16 years in business
- Boston Best Rate Movers (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $831 - $2,169 for a rental moving truck on the 1,334-mile route from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $430 - $492
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Manchester 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 Manchester to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $831 - $1,526
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $899 - $1,853
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,176 - $2,169
Pro tip: The base rate of $831 - $2,169 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Manchester to Des Moines. Fuel ($430 - $492), lodging at around $152/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $152 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $66 and $330 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $430 - $492 in fuel for the 1,334-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $710 in Manchester, New Hampshire, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Manchester 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 Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Des Moines, Iowa. 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 $913 and $2,659.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Manchester to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,127 - $2,231
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,278 - $2,659
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,825 - $3,571
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Manchester, New Hampshire, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $710.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $76 and $152 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Manchester to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Des Moines fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Manchester, NH 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 Manchester on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Manchester, NH | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 111 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,004/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $335,093 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $77,415/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.0% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 43.91/100 | 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 Manchester, NH guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New Hampshire to Iowa over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 41 movers in our New Hampshire network to compare for this 1,334-mile move.
Our take
A move from Manchester, NH, to Des Moines, IA, 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 $2,581 - $10,584 on the 1,334-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,278 - $4,373, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $831 - $2,169. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,071 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 MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Manchester, NH, to Des Moines, IA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($430 - $492), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $152/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $899 - $1,853. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $831 to $10,584, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,581 and $10,584, 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 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 do local movers charge in Manchester?
Local movers based in Manchester typically start around $682 as a base rate, plus $210/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 percentage of Manchester movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Manchester handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.