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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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Average cost of local movers in Des Moines, IA
Securing the services of a moving company in Des Moines simplifies the moving process significantly, offering exceptional convenience. This convenience, however, comes with a higher cost than moving on your own would.
Here’s how much professional movers cost in Des Moines based on your move size:
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $768 | $278 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $1,047 | $278 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,659 | $390 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,765 | $546 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,310 | $546 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $6,603 | $764 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Read more cost details
- Studio: A studio apartment move typically requires two movers and can take up to three hours, depending on the amount and types of belongings, at an hourly rate of $278.
- One bedroom: Planning to move from a one-bedroom apartment or home? Anticipate costs of about $278 per hour for a team of two movers working for four hours.
- Two bedrooms: For a move involving a two-bedroom house in Iowa, expect to pay roughly $390 hourly. Usually, it requires three movers working about five hours.
- Three bedrooms: In Iowa, movers charge $546 per hour for managing a three-bedroom home. Completing this move typically involves a team of four over the course of eight hours.
- Four bedrooms: Expect a four-bedroom move in Iowa to require four movers, taking roughly nine hours, at a rate of $546 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring Iowa movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $764 an hour. Homes this size usually require five movers and take about 10 hours.
Heads up: Hourly mover rates in Des Moines, IA, average $199 — that’s higher than the national average of $139.
Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Des Moines move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Best local moving companies in Des Moines, IA
Through meticulous evaluation of license status, insurance offerings, customer testimonials, and a variety of other data, our dedicated team has identified the top moving companies in Des Moines.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Lint Van Lines: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- A-1 Movers: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- The Approved Movers: 4.08 out of 5 stars
- Riley Moving And Storage: 4.02 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Helpful movers
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Inexperienced movers
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #:
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Quick moving process
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Affordable rates
- Efficient service
- Inaccurate estimates
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #:
Pricing: 130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Inaccurate estimates
Company Info
State license #:
Pricing: 100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Unprofessional behavior
Company Info
State license #:
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #:
Pricing: 150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Efficient service
- Transparent pricing
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #:
Years in Business: 79
DOT #: 1098759
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #:
Years in Business: 65
DOT #: 543541
Services Offered
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Higher-than-expected costs
Company Info
State license #:
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 944610
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Affordable rates
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
Company Info
State license #:
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3477744
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Highly recommended
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Misplaced or lost items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Higher-than-expected costs
Company Info
State license #:
DOT #:
Services Offered
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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Average cost to hire interstate movers in Des Moines, IA
Since the cost of moving out of Des Moines depends so much on where you’re moving, we’ve included some example costs below to give you a better idea of pricing. For more detailed guides on your specific destination, find your moving route to Des Moines or use our moving cost calculator to get quotes from the top interstate movers.
Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Des Moines
The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Des Moines and across Iowa state lines mostly depends on the distance, method, and size of your move.
To give you a better idea of pricing, however, here are some example cost ranges for long-distance moves out of Iowa:
- Des Moines to Chicago: $1,274 – $3,114
- Des Moines to Nashville: $1,685 – $3,235
- Des Moines to San Diego: $2,491 – $4,911
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Des Moines
Out-of-state moving costs from Des Moines for two- or three-bedroom homes depend on the total volume and weight of everything you’re bringing. For instance, the cost to move a three-bedroom home that’s lightly furnished and compact might be lower than that of a large, fully furnished two-bedroom space.
That said, here’s a general look at the price ranges you can expect for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distance from Des Moines:
- Des Moines to Milwaukee: $1,661 – $4,043
- Des Moines to Columbus: $2,194 – $4,366
- Des Moines to Mesa: $2,679 – $6,018
Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Des Moines
Out-of-state moves from Des Moines involving moving four-bedroom homes can vary significantly in price. Factors like distance, volume, and seasonal demand all impact the total cost.
Below are sample price ranges for long-distance moves with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines:
- Des Moines to Milwaukee: $2,461 – $5,517
- Des Moines to Detroit: $3,549 – $6,856
- Des Moines to Seattle: $5,181 – $8,654
Best interstate moving companies in Des Moines, IA
Once you have a good idea of the cost to move out of Iowa, your next move is to check out the best long-distance movers serving Des Moines .
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
rating
- Specialty packing services
- White-glove reputation
- 80+ years’ experience
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Average cost of moving containers in Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines, the cost of moving containers begins at approximately $480 for local relocations. For more distant in-state or regional moves, this cost can increase to around $2,980. Should you be considering a coast-to-coast journey, you might face expenses over $6,930. The total cost will primarily be influenced by the distance of your move and the size of the container you choose.
Best moving containers in Des Moines, IA
You can always start by checking out these other top-rated moving container companies.
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Average cost to rent a moving truck in Des Moines, IA
The average cost to rent a moving truck in Des Moines is $60 per day, but prices can be anywhere from $19- $39 daily, with an additional per-mile fee of $1- $1, depending on how far you’re moving and the truck size you need. A moving truck rental is definitely going to be your cheapest option for relocating. Just keep in mind that you will not only be responsible for all the packing and loading, you’ll also need to drive the truck to your new home.
Here are the typical costs of Des Moines rental trucks:
- Base cost: $19 – $39 per day
- Mileage fee: $1 – $1 per mile
- Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
- Truck coverage: $20-$55 based on coverage level
- Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets
The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:
- Rental duration
- Distance driven
- Fuel costs
- Lodging and meals
- Parking permits or fees
- Toll charges
- Rental of moving tools or dollies
- Optional insurance coverage
Best moving truck rentals in Des Moines, IA
The most budget-friendly way to move is by packing everything up and hitting the road with a rental truck. There are plenty of moving truck rental companies to choose from in Des Moines. If you don’t mind the extra effort, here are a few of the best ones:
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Des Moines, IA
When considering labor-only moving companies in Des Moines, expect to pay a rate of $70 per hour for each person on the moving team. Many moves, even compact one-bedroom apartments, necessitate hiring at least two movers, thus bringing your hourly cost to approximately $142 in Des Moines.
Best labor-only moving companies in Des Moines
The best Des Moines labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.
We like these top-notch labor-only movers:
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Factors that affect the cost of movers in Des Moines, IA
Every move is unique, so pricing can vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs. In general, though, here are some of the most common factors can affect your Des Moines move:
- How far you’re moving: The cost goes up the farther you’re moving. Local moves are typically less expensive than out-of-state or cross-country moves, which require more time, fuel, and labor.
- Move size: The more belongings you need to transport, the more it’ll cost. Bigger moves usually require larger trucks and more movers.
- Move date: Prices spike during the busy season (summer), weekends, and the beginning or end of the month. You’ll often save by moving mid-week or mid-month when demand is lower.
- The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
- The services you choose: If you need assistance beyond loading and transportation, you may have to pay extra for it. Full-service movers charge you more for add-on options like packing and unpacking and comprehensive insurance on your items. Even if you go the DIY route, you will pay more if you decide to hire a third-party moving crew to help you with loading and unloading.
Quick tips for a stress-free move
- Consider extra insurance. Full-service movers must provide basic coverage — called released value protection — at no additional charge. It’s free, but offers very limited protection: just $0.60 per pound per item, no matter what it’s worth. So, if a 25-pound TV valued at $1,000 gets damaged, you’d only be reimbursed $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Many movers — and some home insurers — also offer full-value insurance based on your item’s actual worth for an added fee.
- Make sure you’re following the rules. HOAs and managed properties often enforce specific moving times or days. Double-check these restrictions and give your building manager a heads-up to stay compliant and avoid delays.
- Have documentation ready. You might need to show proof of insurance or elevator reservations when moving in or out of an apartment. This info is usually outlined in your moving contract, so gather it before the big day arrives.
What discounts do Des Moines movers offer?
Some movers in Des Moines advertise discounts for specific groups. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available locally compared to state and national averages:
| Type of discount | Des Moines | Iowa | National average |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA members | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1.13% |
| Seniors | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.32% |
| Students | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1.17% |
| Teachers | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.35% |
| Law enforcement | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.72% |
| Military | 0.0% | 2.7% | 3.97% |
Discount availability varies by company, so it’s smart to bring it up when comparing movers in Des Moines.
What is the cheapest way to move to Des Moines?
If you’re looking to save some cash, you could hire a container company to let you handle the packing and loading while they move your items through Des Moines. Alternatively, you might rent a moving truck and manage the entire job solo.
Here are the average moving costs from Des Moines to another state with different types of movers:
| Destination | Professional Movers | Containers | Rental Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $1,125 – $3,315 | $857 – $1,600 | $153 – $277 |
| Trenton | $2,532 – $6,266 | $1,477 – $2,978 | $784 – $1,500 |
| Phoenix | $2,753 – $6,314 | $1,635 – $3,273 | $892 – $1,973 |
How to pay for your Des Moines move
Looking for flexible payment options? See how many movers in Des Moines take cash, money orders, or checks, and how that compares to others across IA and the nation.
| Payment method | Des Moines | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card | 12 | 34 | 2859 |
| Cash | 4 | 13 | 822 |
| Money order | 3 | 5 | 272 |
Whether you’re paying in cash or card, it’s smart to double-check your options before moving day.
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