The Best Long-Distance Movers in Des Moines, IA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 19, 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:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best Des Moines-based mover:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

4.8
Best for small moves:

All Mighty Movers LLC

4.42
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

4.8
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
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5
North 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:

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Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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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

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

4.5 / 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

4.5 / 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

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

4.9 / 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

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: 4.8 out of 5 stars
All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Lint Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322 US

92% of all reviews were positive

8% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Two Men and a Truck earns its reputation for being fast, careful, and professional, with 92% of customer feedback praising efficient service, attention to detail, and courteous movers. Most people said the crews worked quickly, handled belongings with care, communicated well, and made moving less stressful. Many customers noted the movers were polite, helpful, and followed directions accurately, setting them apart from less organized competitors.

Some even reported coming in under budget due to team efficiency, and highlighted transparent pricing and great office support. Negative feedback primarily cited issues with item damage, inexperienced movers, and unexpected costs. A small number of reviewers mentioned poor packing, lack of effort to resolve damages, and occasional rude remarks, especially in more complex moves. While damage to belongings arose more often than other negatives, the vast majority of feedback still positions this company as one of the most reliably consistent options for moving services in the region.

Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Company Info

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 2527384

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

All Mighty Movers LLC

59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314 US

64% of all reviews were positive

36% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

100% of all reviews were positive

0% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

68% of all reviews were positive

29% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

92% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

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:

All Mighty Movers LLC

rating

4.42 / 5

Years in Business: 10
Yelp: 3.5 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(515) 313-1395

Adamantine Spine Moving

rating

4.42 / 5

Years in Business: 25
Yelp: 5 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(319) 519-0154

Select Van & Storage Co.

rating

4.28 / 5

Years in Business: 79
Yelp: 1 / 5
BBB: NR

Get A Quote

(515) 223-8329

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:

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Get A Quote

(352) 322-2920

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:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

rating

4.8 / 5

Years in Business: 27
Yelp: 3.5 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(515) 216-3654

All Mighty Movers LLC

rating

4.42 / 5

Years in Business: 10
Yelp: 3.5 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(515) 313-1395

Select Van & Storage Co.

rating

4.28 / 5

Years in Business: 79
Yelp: 1 / 5
BBB: NR

Get A Quote

(515) 223-8329

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:

U-Haul Truck Rental

rating

4.15 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Greatest coverage
7 truck sizes
One way rentals

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Penske Truck Rental

rating

4 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Most expensive
4 truck sizes
Unlimited mileage

Check prices (844) 847-9517

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

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.

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

If you’re moving in Des Moines, choosing a local moving company is often the most affordable choice. Planning a move out of Iowa? While national movers might be pricier, their expertise with long-distance moves can make your relocation much smoother.

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.