($136+) Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Omaha, NE, runs anywhere from $136 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,241 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 137 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $683, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,241 or more.
- Moving containers run $688 - $1,919, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $136 - $292.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Omaha, NE. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,114 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 Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE
Moving options from Des Moines to Omaha fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,114 - $3,350 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 21% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 87% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 137 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 137-mile route from Des Moines to Omaha, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $683 - $2,786 | $688 - $1,151 | $136 - $226 | $645 - $1,122 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,114 - $3,350 | $875 - $1,698 | $146 - $266 | $679 - $1,240 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,615 - $4,241 | $1,183 - $1,919 | $173 - $292 | $936 - $1,600 |
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 Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 137-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Omaha, Nebraska, with prices running from $683 - $4,241. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $266 - $1,772 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Omaha are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Omaha:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $683 - $2,786
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,114 - $3,350
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,615 - $4,241
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 Des Moines to Omaha.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Omaha, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $886 - $2,658 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,215 - $8,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $664 - $1,261 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $576 - $1,772 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,101+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Omaha?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Nebraska Trucking 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.
How much do local movers cost in Des Moines, IA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Omaha with a local mover averages $1,125 - $3,383. Working with a local mover based in Des Moines, IA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,052 customers, 93.8% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Omaha, Nebraska, cost between $688 and $1,919. 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 Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Omaha:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $688 - $1,151
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $875 - $1,698
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,183 - $1,919
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $133 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 $620 in Des Moines, IA, 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 Omaha, NE, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Nebraska 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 $688. 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 $875 - $1,698.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Omaha?
- 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE
Plan on $136 - $292 for a rental moving truck on the 137-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Omaha, Nebraska. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $39 - $44
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Omaha based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $136 - $226
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $146 - $266
- 4+ bedrooms: $173 - $292
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $136 - $292 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Omaha. Fuel alone runs $39 - $44, and overnight lodging ($133/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $39 - $44 for the 137-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 Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $620.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 137-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $133 per night, adding $266 - $399 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $44 and $266.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Omaha?
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE
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 Des Moines, Iowa, to Omaha, Nebraska. 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 $679 and $1,240.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Omaha:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $645 - $1,122
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $679 - $1,240
- 4+ bedrooms: $936 - $1,600
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 $66 and $133.
- 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 Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $620.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Omaha?
- 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 Omaha 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: Des Moines, IA vs Omaha, NE
Des Moines and Omaha land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 91 in Omaha, and average rent is $1,150/mo vs. $1,295/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 45 vs 48 and safety scores are 57.8 vs 54.28.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Nebraska, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 67 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 137-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Omaha, NE, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $683 for a studio to $4,241 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 137-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $688 - $1,919. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $136 - $292, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,114 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Berkshire Hathaway and C&A Industries.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Omaha, NE
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 is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE?
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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Nebraska?
The Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) regulates local and intrastate moving companies within the state. All movers must have a Certificate of Authority issued by the NPSC, maintain minimum levels of insurance, and comply with regulations set forth by the Commission’s Motor Carrier Division.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($39 - $44), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $133/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Omaha?
Omaha has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 42, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.