The Best Long-Distance Movers in Des Moines, IA
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Let's get moving.
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Safeway Moving
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Safeway Moving
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
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All Mighty Movers LLC
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PODS
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
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U-Haul Truck Rental
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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 when moving out of state
When you are getting ready to relocate from Iowa, take a look at our top choices for the best interstate movers in Des Moines:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
rating
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- 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
Best long-distance movers in Des Moines when staying in state
Relocating from Des Moines to another spot in Iowa can still involve serious mileage. When that's the case, it pays to go with one of the top-rated long-distance movers that specialize in local routes.
We’ve rounded up the best Des Moines-based long-distance moving companies to help you start your search:
- 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
- Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Lint Van Lines: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
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
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
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
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
What add-on services do Des Moines movers offer?
When it comes to extra moving services, offerings can vary widely depending on where you’re located. Movers in Des Moines may focus on different specialties than those in nearby areas or nationally.
Take a look at how Des Moines movers line up with Iowa averages and the national landscape, plus our recommendations for top-performing companies.
Art handling
Comparing Des Moines, IA, & national movers
Des Moines
Iowa
Nationwide
Top Des Moines art movers
Junk removal
Comparing Des Moines, IA, & national movers
Des Moines
Iowa
Nationwide
Top Des Moines junk removal movers
Fragile-only packing
Comparing Des Moines, IA, & national movers
Des Moines
Iowa
Nationwide
Top Des Moines fragile-only packing movers
Storage
Comparing Des Moines, IA, & national movers
Des Moines
Iowa
Nationwide
Top Des Moines storage movers
Hot tub relocation
Comparing Des Moines, IA, & national movers
Des Moines
Iowa
Nationwide
Top Des Moines hot tub movers
Best long-distance movers in Des Moines for small moves
If your move is on the lighter side — think dorm room, studio apartment, or just a few personal items — many full-service movers with weight minimums may not be a good fit.
Instead, check out Des Moines movers that specialize in long-distance small moves.
Here are the ones we recommend:
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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 top moving container companies:
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Labor-only moving companies in Des Moines
You do the driving, they handle the lifting — that’s the beauty of working with a labor-only moving crew. It’s a solid option if you’re moving out of Des Moines and just need help on either end.
Check out these trusted companies:
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Rental trucks in Des Moines for a total DIY long-distance move
Going the DIY route keeps more cash in your pocket, especially when moving from Des Moines. Handling everything yourself—including the driving—can bring your daily truck rental cost to around $19–$39, with a mileage fee of $0.69–$1.19 per mile on top.
It’s the most labor-intensive option, but these rental truck providers are ideal for budget-conscious movers:
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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
In Des Moines, you can expect to pay about $142 per hour for professional movers. To get a reliable estimate, even the most reputable interstate movers will need specifics about your move’s distance and volume.
Factors that affect the cost of moving from Des Moines
- How long the trip is: How far you're moving is the biggest factor in how much you'll pay. Moving just a few hundred miles within Iowa typically costs a lot less than making a cross-country trek from Des Moines.
- How much stuff you’re bringing: Since moving rates are based on the weight of your belongings, take time to create a detailed inventory for the most precise quote. Want to save money when moving out of Des Moines? Declutter and lighten your load before you pack.
- Extra help: Getting help with packing, unpacking, or extra hands can make your move a lot less stressful—but keep in mind, these add-on services will raise your overall price.
- The kind of mover you hire: Moving costs can differ a lot depending on whether you hire a full-service company, rent a moving container, or drive a rental truck yourself. Every move is unique, so think about your budget and what you need before deciding which option is right for you.
- The date you’re planning to move: When it comes to moving, timing is everything if you want to save money. Peak season runs through the summer, so you'll score the best rates by booking between October and April. For even bigger savings, try to move mid-month or on a weekday—these times are less popular, which means lower prices for you.
Looking for a quick, reliable estimate for your long-distance move? Try our moving cost calculator and get your price instantly. Curious to learn more? Check out our in-depth guide on moving costs in Des Moines.
FAQs
What else should I know about moving out of Iowa?
Getting ready to move out of Iowa? Make sure any moving company you choose has proper licensing and a valid US Department of Transportation number. Every mover we recommend in Des Moines meets these requirements, so you can relax knowing you’re choosing reliable pros. If you want to verify a company's credentials yourself, just check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.
If you’re gearing up for an out-of-state move, be sure to read the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide. It’s packed with tips on what to expect and explains all the protections you have throughout your move.
Local vs. national movers: what’s best for your Des Moines move?
If you’re planning a move within Des Moines or nearby, hiring a local mover is almost always the most economical choice. You’ll have 9 local movers to consider, and we’ve flagged the standouts to make it easier.
For relocations leaving Iowa, however, national movers may be worth the extra cost because of their experience in coordinating long-distance moves across state lines.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Des Moines?
Moving in Des Moines during November and December can actually work in your favor. With temperatures around 13°F and fewer people moving because of the holidays and school, moving companies tend to have more availability. This gives you a great opportunity to land discounts and even negotiate for better rates. Don’t miss these tips on how to negotiate with moving companies and save even more.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Des Moines?
For moves under 50 miles in Des Moines, doing it yourself is often the most affordable route. Renting a truck from U-Haul or using a moving container service like PODS can help you save a lot. Want even more budget-friendly tips? Take a look at our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
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