($155+) Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Omaha, NE, runs anywhere from $147 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,772 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $689, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,772 or more.
- Moving containers run $782 - $2,162, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $147 - $323.
- 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 $1,193 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,193 - $3,479 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 137-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.
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 | $689 - $3,164 | $782 - $1,296 | $147 - $242 | $704 - $1,178 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,193 - $3,479 | $985 - $1,644 | $150 - $288 | $773 - $1,398 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,610 - $4,772 | $1,279 - $2,162 | $191 - $323 | $983 - $1,714 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE
Full-service movers for the 137-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Omaha, Nebraska, cost between $689 and $4,772. 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 $266 - $1,772, 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 Des Moines typically charge a base rate around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Omaha:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $689 - $3,164
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,193 - $3,479
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,610 - $4,772
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Nebraska. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Omaha, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% 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 coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% 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 items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $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 $1,134 - $3,306. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Des Moines, IA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 251 customers, 91.6% 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 $782 and $2,162. 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 Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Omaha:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $782 - $1,296
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $985 - $1,644
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,279 - $2,162
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 $620 in Des Moines, IA. 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 $66 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $133 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 Omaha, NE, destination before booking.
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 $782. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $985 - $1,644, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Omaha, Nebraska, range from $147 - $323 for the 137-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $147 - $242
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $150 - $288
- 4+ bedrooms: $191 - $323
Pro tip: The base rate of $147 - $323 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Omaha. Fuel ($39 - $44) , lodging at around $133/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $620.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $39 - $44 for the 137-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $53 and $288, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $133 per night for hotel stops on the 137-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $266 - $399.
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
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Omaha, Nebraska.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $773 and $1,398.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Omaha:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $704 - $1,178
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $773 - $1,398
- 4+ bedrooms: $983 - $1,714
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $66 - $133 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $620.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Omaha?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Omaha. 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: Des Moines, IA vs Omaha, NE
Day-to-day costs in Omaha are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 91 versus 87, with average rent of $1,295/mo compared to $1,150/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines versus 48/100 and 54.28/100 in Omaha.
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 36 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 137-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 137-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Omaha, NE, run $689 - $4,772 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $782 - $2,162, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $147 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,193, 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 Berkshire Hathaway and C&A Industries.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Omaha, NE
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE?
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 $150 - $288. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Omaha?
For families, Dundee, Aksarben/Elmwood Park, and West Omaha are worth a look in Omaha. If you're moving solo or without kids, Benson, Aksarben/Elmwood Park, and Old Market tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/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 Omaha 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 Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE?
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 percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.