The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Des Moines, IA

Quick answer: After comparing prices, services, quality ratings, and customer satisfaction, we recommend Safeway Moving as the top long-distance moving company in Des Moines, IA. Safeway Moving provides the best overall value, thanks to its balance of stellar service and reasonable rates.

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We know that every move is different. Jump to a mover that fits your unique needs:
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

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Recommended by Time Magazine
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Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

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:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(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
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(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
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 825-0554
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
(866) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(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
(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:

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  3. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  4. Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
  5. Lint Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/TwoMenAndATruckDesMoines, https://twitter.com/TwoMenDesMoines
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Professional and polite staff (31%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
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


Two Men and a Truck, a reputable moving company in Urbandale, IA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1998. Renowned for their packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out by requiring no deposit and accepting credit cards, adding convenience for their clients. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google from over 500 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they excel in customer satisfaction compared to other nearby movers. Their proven track record makes them a trusted choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/Allmightymovers/,
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


All Mighty Movers LLC, a trusted local moving company serving Des Moines, IA, has been providing top-notch residential moving services since 2015. Unlike many other local movers, All Mighty Movers stands out with their ability to handle challenging items like pianos, hot tubs, and pool tables. Their consumer reviews reflect their reputation: they boast an impressive 4.8 average rating on Google with 455 reviews and maintain an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. With competitive rates at $130 per hour and convenient payment options including credit cards, All Mighty Movers offers reliable and professional services without requiring a deposit.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/adamantinespinemoving/,
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


Adamantine Spine Moving, a trusted local moving company serving Des Moines, IA, has been a reliable choice for residential moves since 2000. With a remarkable average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and a perfect 5.0 on Google, it consistently outshines other nearby movers. Renowned for its A+ BBB rating, the company offers comprehensive services including packing, crating, and the careful handling of pianos, art, and antiques. Charging $100 per hour for local moves, Adamantine Spine Moving accepts cash, credit cards, and money orders, ensuring flexible payment options for their clients.

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
https://www.facebook.com/SelectVanMoving/, https://x.com/mayflowermoving
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


Select Van & Storage Co., established in 1946, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around West Des Moines, IA. While their Yelp profile shows mixed reviews, averaging at 1.0 from four reviews, their Google My Business profile is more favorable with an average rating of 4.3 from 18 reviews. This long-standing company provides essential moving services, including packing, unpacking, and even moving delicate items like pianos and antiques. Unlike some other local movers, Select Van & Storage Co. also offers storage solutions and accepts credit card payments, making them a flexible choice for your moving needs.

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
https://www.facebook.com/pages/lint%20van%20lines,%20dsm,Ia/218222321536290/,
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


Lint Van Lines, serving Des Moines, IA since 1960, specializes in local residential moving services, setting themselves apart in the region with over six decades of experience. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also offer packing, unpacking, and crating services, along with full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind. Consumer reviews reveal a mixed sentiment; while their Yelp profile shows room for improvement with an average rating of 2.1, their Google My Business profile boasts a much stronger rating of 4.6. Lint Van Lines also stands out by accepting credit cards and not requiring a deposit, making them a trustworthy and convenient choice for local moves.

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:

Best for Small Moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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
best for small moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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:

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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
Check prices
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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
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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:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(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
(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:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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, IAtoggle

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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?toggle

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?toggle

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?toggle

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?toggle

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.

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