($1,072+) Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Seattle, WA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $1,072 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,538 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,756 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 $2,658, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,538 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,426 - $5,161, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,072 - $2,917.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Seattle, WA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,650 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 Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Seattle to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,650 - $7,707. Moving containers run about 51% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 69% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 5 to 16 days for this 1,756-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,756-mile route from Seattle to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,658 - $5,961 | $1,426 - $2,857 | $1,072 - $1,983 | $1,283 - $2,447 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,650 - $7,707 | $1,804 - $4,038 | $1,117 - $2,384 | $1,458 - $3,013 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,151 - $11,538 | $2,464 - $5,161 | $1,324 - $2,917 | $2,096 - $4,212 |
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 Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers for the 1,756-mile relocation from Seattle, Washington, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $2,658 and $11,538. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $389 - $2,592, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Seattle typically charge a base rate around $260 plus $141 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Seattle to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,658 - $5,961
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,650 - $7,707
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,151 - $11,538
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 Seattle 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.
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 Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Seattle 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 packing69% of local movers | $648 - $6,480 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $259 - $1,555/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $389 - $3,110 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,296 - $3,888 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,240 - $12,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $971 - $1,844 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,296 - $3,240 |
| Piano | Any piano type32% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,037 - $4,536 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $389 - $1,944 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Hansen Bros Moving and Storage | $842 - $2,592 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $389 - $19,440+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $389 - $4,536+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Seattle to Des Moines?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Seattle, WA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Seattle, Washington, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,426 and $5,161. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Seattle costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Seattle to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,426 - $2,857
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,804 - $4,038
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,464 - $5,161
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Seattle, WA and Des Moines, IA. 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 $907 in Seattle, WA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $97 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $194 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 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 $1,426. 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 $1,804 - $4,038.
What are the best moving containers Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 17 years in business
- On The Go Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,756 miles from Seattle, Washington, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $1,072 - $2,917. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $724 - $828
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Seattle daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.19 - $1.39
| 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 Seattle to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,072 - $1,983
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,117 - $2,384
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,324 - $2,917
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Seattle to Des Moines starts at $1,072 - $2,917, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($724 - $828), overnight lodging ($194/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $194 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 $84 and $421 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $724 - $828 in fuel for the 1,756-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $907 in Seattle, Washington, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Seattle 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 Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA
If you're moving a larger household from Seattle, Washington, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Des Moines, Iowa.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,458 and $3,013.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Seattle to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,283 - $2,447
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,458 - $3,013
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,096 - $4,212
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 Seattle, Washington, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $907.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $97 and $194 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Seattle to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Seattle to Des Moines. 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: Seattle, 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 Seattle on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Seattle, WA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 158 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,975/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $911,938 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $121,984/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 74/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 49.23/100 | 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 Seattle, 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 1,756-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Seattle, WA, to Des Moines, IA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,658 - $11,538 on the 1,756-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,426 - $5,161 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,072 - $2,917 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,650 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Seattle, 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 74 and 71 in Seattle. 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 Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,072 to $11,538, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,658 and $11,538, 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 Seattle, WA 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.
What do local movers charge in Seattle?
Local movers based in Seattle typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $141/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.
How long does a move from Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 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 Seattle movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 32% of movers in Seattle handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.