($144+) Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Omaha, NE, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $152 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,634 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 134 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 $703, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,634 or more.
- Moving containers run $767 - $2,035, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $152 - $323.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Omaha, NE, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,230 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 Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Omaha to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,230 - $3,624 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 134-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 134-mile route from Omaha 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 $703 - $2,984 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($767 - $1,283), rental truck ($152 - $254), or freight trailer ($697 - $1,133). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,230 - $3,624 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $4,634.
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 Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Omaha, Nebraska, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $703 and $4,634. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 134-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $268 - $1,788, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Omaha and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Omaha tend to start around $154 plus $106/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Omaha to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $703 - $2,984
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,230 - $3,624
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,610 - $4,634
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 Omaha to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Nebraska to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Omaha movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $447 - $4,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Select Van & Storage Co. | $179 - $1,073/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $268 - $2,146 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage31% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs69% of local movers | $894 - $2,682 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,235 - $8,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $670 - $1,272 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items54% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Select Van & Storage Co. | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type92% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Select Van & Storage Co. | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: King's Moving | $581 - $1,788 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $268 - $13,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $268 - $3,129+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Omaha 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.
How much do local movers cost in Omaha, NE?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Omaha to Des Moines with a local mover averages $1,169 - $3,443. A local mover in Omaha, NE is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Select Van & Storage Co. (4.64/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Omaha, ranked #1 in Nebraska, based on our analysis of feedback from 244 customers, 89.3% of which is positive.
Address: 8006 J Street, Omaha, NE, 68127 | Founded: 1945
Moving container costs from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Omaha, Nebraska, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $767 and $2,035. 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 Omaha costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Omaha to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $767 - $1,283
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $966 - $1,800
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,279 - $2,035
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Omaha, NE, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $626, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $67 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $134 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Omaha, NE, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Nebraska 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 $767. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $966 - $1,800, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Omaha 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 Omaha 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 Omaha:
- Select Van & Storage Co. (4.9/5), 81 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 31 years in business
- Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 134-mile move from Omaha, Nebraska, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $152 and $323, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $38 - $44
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Omaha daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
| 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 Omaha to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $152 - $254
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $162 - $271
- 4+ bedrooms: $185 - $323
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $152 - $323 when pricing out a rental truck from Omaha to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs ($38 - $44) , and overnight lodging ($134/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $134 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Omaha, Nebraska, usually costs about $626 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 134-mile drive falls between $38 and $44, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $45 and $268 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Omaha 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 Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Omaha, Nebraska, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $743 and $1,329.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Omaha to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $697 - $1,133
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $743 - $1,329
- 4+ bedrooms: $934 - $1,629
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $67 - $134 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 Omaha, Nebraska, typically costs $626.
What are the best freight companies from Omaha 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.
- Werner Enterprises, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Werner Enterprises, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Omaha to Des Moines, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Omaha, NE vs Des Moines, IA
Omaha and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Omaha and 87 in Des Moines, and rent tracks closely too ($1,295/mo vs. $1,150/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (48 vs 45) and safety scores (54.28 vs 57.8) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Nebraska 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. Nebraska alone has 20 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 134-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Omaha, NE, 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 $703 - $4,634 on the 134-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $767 - $2,035, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $152 - $323. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,230 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 Omaha, NE, 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 ($38 - $44), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $134/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA 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 is the best time of year to move from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA?
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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Omaha, NE 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.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 54.28 and 45.72 in Omaha. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Omaha movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 92% of movers in Omaha handle piano moves, and 54% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
