The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Des Moines, IA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.

I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.

Preferred partner:
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best Des Moines-based mover:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

4.66
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

HireAHelper

4.5
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Our track record

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

Best long-distance movers in Des Moines for those moving out of state

If you’re moving out of Iowa, here are our top picks for best interstate moving companies in Des Moines:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

At A Glance

GPS tracking en route
Veteran-owned
Dedicated move coordinator
Flat-rate pricing
Donates a portion of moves to charity

read our full review

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

At A Glance

Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
Hands-on customer service
24/7 support
Price-matching policy

read our full review

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

At A Glance

Experienced & fully trained moving crews
Specializes in moving art & antiques
Competitive pricing
Can handle last-minute moves
Climate-controlled storage

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

At A Glance

Custom crates for electronics & art
Satellite shipment tracking
1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
Self-packing option
No deposit required

read our full review

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Best long-distance movers in Des Moines for those staying in state

Even if you’re just relocating from Des Moines to another Iowa city, your move could still be a couple hundred miles or more. In that case, you’ll want to hire one of the top long-distance movers.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies that are located within Des Moines:

Preferred Partner

Other top partners:

All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Lint Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars

All Mighty Movers LLC

59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (44%)
Professional and polite staff (40%)
Good communication (36%)

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges (36%)
Lack of communication (32%)
Damage to items (28%)

Review Analysis

Fast, affordable, and careful—most customer feedback praises All Mighty Movers LLC for their quick moving process, professional crews, and attentive handling of belongings. Out of 25 reviews analyzed, 64% are positive, often highlighting low rates, polite staff, and efficient service. Clients commonly appreciate how speedily and safely items were moved, noting that furniture and fragile goods arrived undamaged. Many mention the company beats local competitors in both price and quality, thanks to thoughtful movers who keep an upbeat attitude even with challenging jobs. On the downside, 36% of feedback centers on inaccurate estimates, unexpected charges, and unclear communication, especially regarding additional fees and scheduling. Some customers feel misled when final costs exceeded quoted amounts. Compared to many moving companies, All Mighty Movers earns high marks for efficiency and pricing but leaves room to improve transparency and customer relations, especially for billing and communication during more complex moves.

Get a Quote (515) 313-1395

Company Info

Pricing: $130/hr

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2468266

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Safes
Pay by credit card

Adamantine Spine Moving

4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA 50322 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (37%)
Professional and polite staff (35%)
Good communication (30%)

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges (18%)
Minor damages to items (15%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (12%)

Review Analysis

Rave reviews consistently place Adamantine Spine Moving at the top of moving services in Iowa and beyond. Analyzing 223 customer reviews, 99.6% of feedback highlights professionalism, efficient service, excellent communication, careful handling, and quick moving crews. Customers repeatedly mention that staff are polite, approachable, and make stressful moves easy with precise organization and prompt responses. Quotes tend to be accurate, crews are well-trained, and moves large or small are handled with care. Compared to larger moving firms, Adamantine stands out for its hard-working teams and reliable pricing, with many clients calling the experience the best they've had. The only significant complaint noted involves a billing discrepancy where the final charge was much higher than the initial estimate, and the situation wasn't resolved effectively. This single negative input strongly contrasts the otherwise outstanding reputation. Adamantine’s client input sets it apart from typical moving companies and makes it a top recommendation for anyone looking for trusted moving professionals.

Get a Quote (319) 519-0154

Company Info

Pricing: $100/hr

Years in Business: 25

DOT #: 1471037

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
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

Select Van & Storage Co.

523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (44%)
Professional and polite staff (38%)
Careful handling (32%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (32%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (26%)
Lack of communication (24%)

Review Analysis

Moving with Select Van & Storage Co. comes with strong benefits, as most customer feedback praises their professional and polite staff, quick moving process, and efficient service. Out of 34 reviews, over two-thirds are positive, highlighting helpful movers who keep pricing transparent, and jobs often completed faster or under budget compared to competitors. Customers frequently describe interactions as courteous, emphasize smooth experiences, and value responsive communication. Some reviewers appreciated a detailed and upfront estimate process as well as careful handling of items. On the downside, many negative reports focus on late or unreliable deliveries, occasional damage or loss of items, and frustrating lapses in communication. Delayed pickups, items left behind, and slow claim responses stand out as key drawbacks when compared to top moving services. Input shows Select Van & Storage excels with professionalism and efficient handling, but clients looking for guaranteed timeliness and consistent communication may want to confirm all details before booking.

Get a Quote (515) 223-8329

Company Info

Years in Business: 79

DOT #: 1098759

Alternate Names: Mayflower

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Crane vans
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Lint Van Lines

4549 Delaware Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (30%)
Efficient service (27%)
Good communication (25%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (18%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Lack of communication (12%)

Review Analysis

Moving with Lint Van Lines means your belongings are in the hands of a reliable and dedicated team. After evaluating 226 pieces of customer feedback, 91.6% were positive, reflecting a strong reputation for professionalism, efficiency, careful item handling, consistent communication, and speedy moves. Clients praised courteous staff and the stress-free organization, making long and local relocations easier than expected. On the downside, some experienced frustration from damaged items and delayed or poorly communicated deliveries, making claims difficult to resolve in a few cases. Compared to the moving industry, Lint Van Lines stands out for service quality and responsiveness but should improve consistency during claims and post-move support to satisfy every customer.

Get a Quote (515) 265-8161

Company Info

Years in Business: 65

DOT #: 543541

Alternate Names: Lint Van Lines

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Crane vans
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by credit card

Best long-distance movers in Des Moines for small moves

Many full-service moving companies have a 3,000-pound minimum requirement and may not be able to help you if you are moving a college dorm or studio apartment — or have decided to just take a few items with you.

In that case, you might be better off going with a long-distance company in Des Moines that specializes in small moves.

Here are our top suggestions:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

No minimum size
Top-quality materials
Full-service packing

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.7 / 5

Check prices 800-626-1257

At A Glance

Specializes in small moves
Guaranteed delivery date
Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
Car shipping services
Gives back with charitable donations

read our full review

Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Des Moines

A moving container can be a great solution if you want to save a little money on your move from Des Moines to another Iowa city or out of state. While you will have to handle the heavy lifting, you can load and unload containers at your preferred pace over several days or more. And the container company will still handle the driving for you.

Container costs vary depending on the distance of your move and the size and number of your containers, so it’s good to get multiple moving quotes to compare pricing for your specific relocation.

You can start with these two companies:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Get A Quote

At A Glance

30 days storage included
Local and long distance moving options
Unlimited loading/unloading time
Store on property or at a facility

read our full review

Get A Quote

Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

5 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

Long distance moves only
Only pay for the space you use
No deposit or initial fees
Fast delivery time frames

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Labor-only moving companies in Des Moines

If you don’t mind driving from Des Moines but want some helping hands in terms of loading and unloading, look into labor-only moving companies.

Here’s who we suggest:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
$1,000 money-back service guarantee
Fast and accurate delivery times
Free damage coverage with additional coverage options

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.3 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

At A Glance

Quick and easy booking process
National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
Dedicated move concierge specialist
Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them

read our full review

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

Rental trucks in Des Moines for a total DIY long-distance move

While you’ll save some money with the two alternatives above, the cheapest way to move out of state is by handling all aspects — the heavy lifting and the driving — yourself. On average, a full DIY move from Des Moines costs $19–$39 a day for a truck rental, plus a per-mile fee of $0.69–$1.19.

Using moving rental trucks definitely requires the most work, but if budget is your biggest concern, check out these options:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.15 / 5

Check prices (800) 468-4285

At A Glance

More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive

read our full review

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Licensed

Insured

Price

4 / 5

Check prices (844) 847-9517

At A Glance

Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool

read our full review

Check prices (844) 847-9517

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Des Moines, IA

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies.

We look at:

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery, and more.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of long-distance movers in Des Moines

The average cost for professional movers in Des Moines is $142 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Factors that affect the cost of moving from Des Moines

How far you’re moving: Distance is the most impactful cost factor. Naturally, the farther you are moving, the more it will cost. Relocating a couple hundred miles from Des Moines to another Iowa city will not be as expensive as a cross-country move.
The moving option you choose: Your costs will vary significantly depending on whether you choose a full-service mover, a moving container, or a rental truck. Every move is different, so balance your needs and your budget when deciding on the best relocation method.
The amount of belongings you have: Movers determine cost by the total estimated weight of your household items and furnishings, so be sure to itemize your belongings to get the most accurate quote. You may also want to consider downsizing before moving out of Des Moines to reduce your moving expenses.
Any add-on services you choose: Additional services like third-party labor assistance or packing and unpacking help are convenient, but they will also contribute to your total moving costs.
When you move: The time of the year, month, and even week can all affect what you pay. Summer moves are typically more expensive because they are the busiest season for movers. Moving between October and April can be more cost-effective. Mid-month and mid-week moves are also cheaper, since most people tend to move on the weekends around the start or end of the month.

To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve created a moving cost calculator to help you get a good idea of your long-distance move cost. Plus, we’ve put together a detailed post all about moving costs in Des Moines.

FAQs

What else should I know about moving out of Iowa?

A moving company helping you move out of Iowa must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all of the Des Moines movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving out of Des Moines?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Des Moines is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of Iowa, using a national moving company comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Des Moines?

Moving companies in Des Moines are usually slower in November and December due to the average winter low of 13°F, the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Des Moines?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Des Moines. The cheapest options for moving out of the Hartford of the West are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.