Top-rated movers to make your Montgomery to Des Moines move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Montgomery that offers long-distance services to Des Moines can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed five top local movers in Montgomery who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Montgomery to Des Moines.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- C & R Movers, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- McCorquodale Transfer: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Admiral Movers: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 457
Years in Business: 111
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World-Wide Moving, Inc. , Coleman American Moving Services , Coleman World Group, LLC , Coleman Worldwide Moving , Covan Worldwide Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4043
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2813027
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 3783
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 713589
Alternate Names: McCorquodale Transfer Warehouse Division
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 18
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 1254788
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Montgomery to Des Moines?
In Alabama, moving services typically cost around per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,278 – $4,669 | $809 – $1,929 | $618 – $1,145 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,619 – $5,795 | $1,453 – $2,994 | $653 – $1,417 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,350 – $8,059 | $1,936 – $3,590 | $862 – $1,705 |
Cost to hire movers from Montgomery to Des Moines
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Montgomery, you can expect prices to land between $1,278 and $4,669. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,619 to $5,795 for the trip from Montgomery to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,350 and $8,059.
Cost of moving containers from Montgomery to Des Moines
Moving containers from Montgomery to Des Moines will cost you $809 to $1,929 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,453 to $2,994. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,936 to $3,590. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Montgomery to Des Moines typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $618 and $1,145 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $653 to $1,417. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $862 to $1,705.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Montgomery to Des Moines move
The cost of Montgomery movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,269 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,863 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Montgomery.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $618 to $1,485, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Montgomery to Des Moines
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Des Moines runs about 15% higher for singles and 23% higher for families than Montgomery.
Singles spend around $1,891 in Montgomery versus $1,651 in Montgomery; families pay $4,380 compared with $3,569.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Montgomery | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,232 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $140,563 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,989 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,651 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,569 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 4.4% |
- Moving to Des Moines from Montgomery won’t change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Des Moines are about 37% higher than those in Montgomery.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 17% higher in Des Moines compared to Montgomery, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Des Moines, as living costs for a single person are 15% higher than in Montgomery. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Des Moines, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 23% higher than in Montgomery.
- With Des Moines and Montgomery having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
- Sales taxes are 30% less in Des Moines relative to Montgomery. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Iowa are 12% below those in Alabama. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Montgomery and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Montgomery | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $180.00 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.33 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.99 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $1.57 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $51.49 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $37.50 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Montgomery than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Montgomery than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Montgomery than in Des Moines.
- Bread costs less in Montgomery than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Montgomery than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Montgomery than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Montgomery than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Montgomery vs. Des Moines
| Montgomery | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 26 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 33 | 39 |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 34.75 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 249% greater than Montgomery.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Montgomery’s score of 2.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Montgomery with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Montgomery’s 26 out of 100.
- With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Montgomery, which has a score of 33 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 Montgomery with a score of 5.0 compared to Montgomery’s 65.25. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Montgomery with a safety index of 57.8 vs Montgomery’s 34.75.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Montgomery it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Montgomery to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Des Moines
Planning your move to Hartford of the West? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Iowa home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Des Moines?
Planning your move from Montgomery to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Montgomery.
When is the cheapest time to move from Montgomery to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Montgomery to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Montgomery to Des Moines take?
The 935-mile journey from Montgomery, AL to Des Moines, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Montgomery offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.
Are there special savings available from movers in Montgomery?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Montgomery?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Montgomery, 4 movers can manage piano relocations. 3 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Alabama has 35 piano movers and 16 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Montgomery moving services
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