($265+) Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $265 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,035 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 243 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 $908, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,035 or more.
- Moving containers run $779 - $2,516, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $265 - $681.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,570 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 Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Minneapolis to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,570 - $4,684 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 31% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 82% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 243 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 243-mile route from Minneapolis to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $908 - $3,572 with full-service movers, $779 - $1,483 with a container, $265 - $514 with a rental truck, or $723 - $1,360 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,570 - $4,684 full-service, $1,079 - $1,976 by container, $284 - $614 by rental truck, or $812 - $1,565 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,183 - $6,035 full-service, $1,420 - $2,516 by container, $346 - $681 by rental truck, or $1,147 - $2,092 by freight.
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 Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 243-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $908 - $6,035. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $297 - $1,980. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Minneapolis and Des Moines. Local movers in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $109/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $908 - $3,572
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,570 - $4,684
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,183 - $6,035
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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of Minneapolis 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 packing82% of local movers | $495 - $4,950 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $198 - $1,188/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $297 - $2,376 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $990 - $2,970 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,475 - $9,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $742 - $1,409 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $990 - $2,475 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $792 - $3,465 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $297 - $1,485 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $644 - $1,980 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $297 - $14,850+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $297 - $3,465+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Minneapolis to Des Moines with a local mover averages $1,508 - $4,497. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Minneapolis, MN 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.
Premium Moving Services (4.52/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Minneapolis, based on our analysis of feedback from 280 customers, 85.7% of which is positive.
Address: 949 Schaller Dr, S Maplewood, MN, 55119 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $779 and $2,516. 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 Minneapolis runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $779 - $1,483
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,079 - $1,976
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,420 - $2,516
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Minneapolis, MN 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 $693 in Minneapolis, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $74 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $149 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 Minnesota 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 $779. 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 $1,079 - $1,976.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 243-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $265 and $681. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $77 - $87
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Minneapolis to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $265 - $514
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $284 - $614
- 4+ bedrooms: $346 - $681
Pro tip: A rental truck from Minneapolis to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $265 - $681. But once you factor in fuel ($77 - $87), overnight lodging ($149/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $74 and $347.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $149.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $77 and $87 for the 243-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $693 for 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Des Moines, Iowa. 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 $812 and $1,565.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $723 - $1,360
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $812 - $1,565
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,147 - $2,092
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $74 and $149.
- 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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly five hours typically average $693.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Des Moines?
- 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.
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 Des Moines 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: Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 107 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,484/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $345,294 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $80,269/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 43.94/100 | 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 Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to Iowa, 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 151 movers licensed in Minnesota, useful context for sizing up this 243-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 243-mile route from Minneapolis, MN, to Des Moines, IA, run $908 - $6,035 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $779 - $2,516, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $265 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,570, 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 MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Des Moines, IA
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 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 do local movers charge in Minneapolis?
Local movers based in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate, plus $109/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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Minneapolis, MN 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.
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $265 to $6,035, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $908 and $6,035, 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 percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.