($1,047+) Irvine, CA to Des Moines, IA Movers
The cost to move from Irvine, CA to Des Moines, IA ranges from $1,249 to $9,822, with an average cost of $3,650. Moves can be as low as $1,047 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,679 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Irvine, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Irvine to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,249 - $9,822 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,650, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 65% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,679 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,679-mile route from Irvine to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,249 - $5,314 | $1,514 - $2,741 | $1,047 - $1,915 | $1,349 - $2,541 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,022 - $6,611 | $1,824 - $3,873 | $1,045 - $2,346 | $1,443 - $3,068 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,474 - $9,822 | $2,565 - $4,987 | $1,427 - $2,647 | $2,051 - $3,948 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Irvine, CA to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers for the 1,679-mile relocation from Irvine, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,249 and $9,822. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $401 - $2,676, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Irvine typically charge a base rate around $197 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Irvine to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,249 - $5,314
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,022 - $6,611
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,474 - $9,822
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Irvine to Des Moines.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Irvine, CA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Irvine movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing77% of local movers | $669 - $6,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $268 - $1,606/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $401 - $3,211 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,338 - $4,014 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,345 - $13,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,002 - $1,904 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Best Fit Movers | $1,338 - $3,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Best Fit Movers | $1,070 - $4,683 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $401 - $2,007 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationally | $870 - $2,676 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $401 - $20,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $401 - $4,683+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Irvine to Des Moines?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Irvine, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Irvine, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Irvine, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,514 and $4,987. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Irvine adds around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,514 - $2,741
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,824 - $3,873
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,565 - $4,987
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $100 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $201 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Des Moines, IA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $937 in Irvine, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Iowa move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,514. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,824 - $3,873.
What are the best moving containers Irvine to Des Moines?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Irvine to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Irvine:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Irvine, CA to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,679-mile move from Irvine, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,047 and $2,647. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $715 - $817
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Irvine daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Irvine to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,047 - $1,915
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,045 - $2,346
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,427 - $2,647
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Irvine to Des Moines starts at $1,047 - $2,647, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($715 - $817), overnight lodging ($201/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $201 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $87 and $435 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $715 - $817 in fuel for the 1,679-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $937 in Irvine, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Irvine to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Irvine, CA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Irvine, California, to Des Moines, Iowa. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,204 and $3,068.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,349 - $2,541
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,443 - $3,068
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,051 - $3,948
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $100 - $201 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Irvine, California, for about five hours typically runs $937.
What are the best freight companies from Irvine to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Des Moines fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Irvine, CA vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Irvine on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Irvine, CA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 87 |
| Average rent | $4,000/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $1,113,305 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $129,647/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 68.99/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Irvine, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Iowa, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,126 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,679-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Irvine, CA, to Des Moines, IA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,249 - $9,822 on the 1,679-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,514 - $4,987 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,047 - $2,647 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,022 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Irvine, CA, to Des Moines, IA
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 43 and 69 in Irvine. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($715 - $817), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $201/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Irvine, CA to Des Moines, IA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.