Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A typical 1,386-mile move from Mesa to Des Moines runs $1,123–$8,033 and takes three to eight days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to Mesa guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 47 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Mesa, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Mesa mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Mesa, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Mesa to Des Moines
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Mesa to Des Moines, a full-service mover is the way to go. These companies can manage everything, so you can focus on the big picture instead of the heavy lifting.
Here are our top picks for full-service movers that can get you from Mesa to Des Moines with less stress and more peace of mind.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
What moving services are available in Mesa?
How we chose the best moving companies for your AZ to IA move
The top local movers servicing Mesa to Des Moines moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Mesa that also handles long-distance moves to Des Moines. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Mesa who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Mesa to Des Moines.
- Gilbert Moving & Storage: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- B Line Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Camelback Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3190108
Alternate Names: Gilbert Moving and Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1759501
Alternate Names: Just-In Time Moving And Delivery LLC, Just In TIme Moving, Just In Time Moving and Delivery
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2911596
Alternate Names: Mentors Moving & Storage of Arizona LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1635834
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Mesa to Des Moines?
Mesa movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,482 - $5,783 | $1,256 - $2,992 | $1,006 - $2,048 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,672 - $8,033 | $2,138 - $4,232 | $1,123 - $2,388 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,093 - $11,711 | $2,961 - $5,691 | $1,472 - $2,826 |
Cost to hire movers from Arizona to Iowa
Planning a move from Arizona to Iowa? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,482 and $5,783. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,672 and $8,033 for the same journey (AZ to IA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,093 to $11,711.
Cost of moving containers from Arizona to Iowa
Moving from Arizona to Iowa? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,256 and $2,992. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,138 to $4,232. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,961 up to $5,691. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Arizona.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Arizona to Iowa
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,006 and $2,048 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,123 to $2,388. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,472 to $2,826.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Mesa to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Mesa to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Mesa — roughly 22% less for singles and 21% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,416 in Mesa. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $5,566.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 36% lower than in Mesa, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 55.6% lower than in Mesa. - Income in Des Moines is 9.3% lower than in Mesa, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines — including MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 21.7% lower than in Mesa.
- A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 21.3% less than what it costs in Mesa.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 3.28% lower than in Mesa.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city's sales taxes in Des Moines are 15.66% lower than in Mesa.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 76.00% higher than in Mesa.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Mesa and Des Moines:
| Mesa | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.69 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $2.5 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20 | $16 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75 | $77.5 |
| Gym membership | $42 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Mesa than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Mesa than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Mesa than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Mesa than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Mesa than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Mesa than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Mesa than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Mesa vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 504,258 |
| Transportation Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 38 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 60 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 44.67 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 55.33 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 39% greater than Mesa.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Mesa's lower score of 4.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Mesa with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Mesa's 38 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Mesa, which has a score of 60 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Mesa with a score of 5.0 compared to Mesa's 44.67. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67%.
- Des Moines and Mesa are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Mesa it's good.
Other things to consider for your Mesa vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- 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: 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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
Now that you've decided to make the move to Hartford of the West, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, it's time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- 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, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- 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 Mesa to Des Moines?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Mesa to Des Moines. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Mesa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mesa to Des Moines?
Because spring and fall moves from Mesa to Des Moines are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Mesa to Des Moines take?
The 1,386-mile journey from Mesa, AZ to Des Moines, IA, typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Mesa 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.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Mesa?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Mesa, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 4 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
How many movers in Mesa can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Mesa, 46 movers can handle pianos. 33 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of AZ, there are 65 piano movers and 45 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2173 and 1398 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
