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Highly rated local moving companies for Birmingham to Des Moines moves
Organizing a move from Birmingham to Des Moines can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 11 local movers in Birmingham known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Birmingham to Des Moines.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Changing Spaces Moving Inc: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Move Daddy: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- New Latitude Movers : 4.34 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 3822
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1164434
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4029
Years in Business: 10
Alternate Names: Move daddy
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2179652
Alternate Names: Move & Store, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3915
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage Of Birmingham, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham to Des Moines?
On average, moving companies in Alabama charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,258 – $4,325 | $738 – $1,923 | $551 – $1,083 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,347 – $5,704 | $1,354 – $2,808 | $583 – $1,261 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,180 – $7,967 | $1,894 – $3,562 | $769 – $1,577 |
Cost to hire movers from Birmingham to Des Moines
When planning a move to Des Moines from Birmingham, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,258 and $4,325. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,347 and $5,704 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,180 to $7,967.
Cost of moving containers from Birmingham to Des Moines
When you’re heading from Birmingham to Des Moines, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $738 and $1,923. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,354 and $2,808. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,894 to $3,562. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Alabama easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Des Moines
A moving rental truck from Birmingham to Des Moines is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $551 to $1,083. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $583 to $1,261, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Birmingham to Des Moines costs around $769 to $1,577.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Birmingham to Des Moines
The cost of Birmingham movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Birmingham to Des Moines may only cost $2,072, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,189.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Birmingham.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($551–$1,431), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Birmingham to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Birmingham – roughly 30% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,697 in Birmingham. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $6,727.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Birmingham | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,612 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $125,988 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $39,403 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,697 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,727 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent is about 8% less expensive in Des Moines than in Birmingham, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 53% steeper in Des Moines compared to Birmingham.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 48% greater in Des Moines than in Birmingham, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person there is 30% below that of Birmingham.
- A move to Des Moines can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 35% lower compared to Birmingham.
- Des Moines and Birmingham have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Sales taxes are 30% cheaper in Des Moines compared to Birmingham. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 12% less in Iowa compared to Alabama, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Birmingham versus Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Birmingham | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.40 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.55 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.20 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.52 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $47.50 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Birmingham than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Birmingham vs. Des Moines
| Birmingham | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,644 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 0 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 39 |
| Crime index | 61.64 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 38.36 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 256% greater than Birmingham.
- Des Moines has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, while Birmingham has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
- Des Moines is more walkable than Birmingham with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Birmingham’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Birmingham, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Birmingham with a score of 5.0 compared to Birmingham’s 61.64. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Birmingham with a safety index of 57.8 vs Birmingham’s 38.36.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Birmingham it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Birmingham to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Costs across Birmingham and Des Moines are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Iowa, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Des Moines?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Birmingham to Des Moines. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Birmingham.
When is the cheapest time to move from Birmingham to Des Moines?
Want to save on your move from Birmingham to Des Moines? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Birmingham to Des Moines take?
The 846-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Des Moines, , takes two to seven days. Some Birmingham movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
What kinds of discounts do Birmingham movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Birmingham?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Birmingham provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 35 piano movers and 16 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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