Top local movers for Huntsville to Des Moines moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Huntsville that also provides long-distance services to Des Moines can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed eight local movers in Huntsville who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Huntsville to Des Moines.
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Applewhite Movers LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- This Side Up Moving & Storage : 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 614
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4111
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 2407712
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4119
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2172780
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3959
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1874024
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Huntsville to Des Moines?
Movers in Alabama generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,240 – $3,985 | $782 – $1,750 | $559 – $950 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,346 – $5,938 | $1,340 – $2,712 | $596 – $1,188 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,035 – $7,797 | $1,869 – $3,599 | $726 – $1,426 |
Cost to hire movers from Huntsville to Des Moines
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Huntsville to Des Moines typically costs between $1,240 and $3,985. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,346 and $5,938 when moving from Huntsville to Des Moines. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Huntsville to Des Moines, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,035 up to $7,797.
Cost of moving containers from Huntsville to Des Moines
If you’re relocating from Huntsville to Des Moines, you’ll typically spend between $782 and $1,750 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,340 up to $2,712. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,869 and $3,599. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Huntsville to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Huntsville to Des Moines move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $559 and $950. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $596 to $1,188. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $726 and $1,426.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Huntsville to Des Moines
The cost of Huntsville movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Huntsville to Des Moines might be as low as $2,019, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,552.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Huntsville.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $559 to $1,346 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Huntsville to Des Moines
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Des Moines runs about -40% higher for singles and 6% higher for families than Huntsville.
Singles spend around $1,891 in Huntsville versus $3,133 in Huntsville; families pay $4,380 compared with $4,140.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Huntsville | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,358 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,400 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $266,736 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,959 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,133 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,140 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 4.4% |
- Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Huntsville, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 18% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 28% cheaper in Des Moines, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Huntsville, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 40% less compared to Huntsville.
- As you plan your move to Des Moines, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 6% more than it is in Huntsville.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines exceeds that of Huntsville by about 90%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 22% lower in Des Moines than Huntsville, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 12% lower in Iowa than in Alabama. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Huntsville and Des Moines, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Huntsville | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $180.00 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.56 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.33 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $44.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Huntsville than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Huntsville vs. Des Moines
| Huntsville | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,114 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 24 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 39 |
| Crime index | 42.55 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 57.45 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 190% greater than Huntsville.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Huntsville’s score of 2.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Huntsville with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Huntsville’s 24 out of 100.
- Both Des Moines and Huntsville have similar bike-friendliness scores (40 vs 39), meaning Des Moines is about as safe for cyclists as Huntsville. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Huntsville with a score of 5.0 compared to Huntsville’s 42.55. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55%.
- Des Moines and Huntsville have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 57.45.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Huntsville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Huntsville to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Des Moines without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Des Moines
Ready to relocate to Hartford of the West? Here are some of the top 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Iowa, it’s the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Des Moines?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Huntsville to Des Moines. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Huntsville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Huntsville to Des Moines?
With many people choosing to move from Huntsville to Des Moines in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Huntsville to Des Moines take?
Covering 765 miles, the move from Huntsville, AL to Des Moines, typically takes two to seven days. Some Huntsville movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Huntsville offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Huntsville can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Huntsville, 7 movers can handle pianos. 3 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of AL, there are 35 piano movers and 16 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Huntsville moving services
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