($1,013+) Long Beach, CA to Des Moines, IA Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Long Beach, CA to Des Moines, IA

The cost to move from Long Beach, CA to Des Moines, IA ranges from $1,256 to $10,185, with an average cost of $3,900. Moves can be as low as $1,013 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,695 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.

Compare moving options from Long Beach, CA to Des Moines, IA

Moving options from Long Beach to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,256 - $10,185 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,900, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,695 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 1,695-mile route from Long Beach to Des Moines, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,256 - $5,243 $1,510 - $2,958 $1,024 - $1,986 $1,399 - $2,636
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,198 - $7,436 $1,989 - $4,017 $1,084 - $2,267 $1,528 - $3,182
4+ bedrooms $6,149 - $10,185 $2,794 - $5,493 $1,481 - $2,861 $2,127 - $4,093

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Long Beach, CA to Des Moines, IA

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,695-mile move from Long Beach, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,256 - $10,185. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $396 - $2,640. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Long Beach and Des Moines. Local movers in Long Beach typically start around $162 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Long Beach to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,256 - $5,243
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,198 - $7,436
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,149 - $10,185

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 Long Beach to Des Moines.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

Don't see your company listed?

Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Long Beach, CA to Des Moines, IA

Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Long Beach movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$660 - $6,600
Storage in transitNew place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines$264 - $1,584/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$396 - $3,168
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage40% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers$1,320 - $3,960
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,300 - $13,200
Car shippingSecond vehicle$989 - $1,878
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines$1,320 - $3,300
PianoAny piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines$1,056 - $4,620
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers$396 - $1,980
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines$858 - $2,640
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$396 - $19,800+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$396 - $4,620+

What are the best full-service movers from Long Beach 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Long Beach, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Long Beach, CA to Des Moines, IA

Moving containers from Long Beach, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,510 and $5,493. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Long Beach typically runs around $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Long Beach to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,510 - $2,958
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,989 - $4,017
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,794 - $5,493

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $924 in Long Beach, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $99 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $198 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.

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 $1,510. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,989 - $4,017, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Long Beach to Des Moines?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach:

  • Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
  • Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
  • Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Long Beach, CA to Des Moines, IA

Truck rentals from Long Beach, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $1,024 - $2,861 for the 1,695-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $712 - $814
  • Daily insurance: $40/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
  • Long Beach daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Long Beach to Des Moines based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,024 - $1,986
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,084 - $2,267
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,481 - $2,861

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,024 - $2,861 when pricing out a rental truck from Long Beach to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs ($712 - $814) , and overnight lodging ($198/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $198 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 $86 and $429 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $712 - $814 in fuel for the 1,695-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $924 in Long Beach, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Long Beach to Des Moines?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Long Beach, CA to Des Moines, IA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Long Beach, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,528 and $3,182.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Long Beach to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,399 - $2,636
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,528 - $3,182
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,127 - $4,093

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Long Beach, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $924.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $99 and $198 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Long Beach to Des Moines?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Sea-Logix, LLC (4.76/5 stars): Sea-Logix, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Des Moines quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.

Cost of living: Long Beach, 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 Long Beach on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Long Beach, CA Des Moines, IA
Cost of living index16287
Average rent$2,075/mo$1,150/mo
Median home value$762,188$183,553
Average income$83,969/yr$63,966/yr
Unemployment rate5.2%5.9%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 4.4%
Walkability score73/10045/100
Safety index41.42/10057.8/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Long Beach, CA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Iowa, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,695-mile move.

30%+
Save 30%+
Our readers who compare movers before booking save more than 30% on average.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
Book a moveBuddha Certified mover for added protection and dedicated support.
Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong with a Certified mover, we help resolve it for you.

Our take

The 1,695-mile move from Long Beach, CA, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,256 and $10,185 with full-service movers, $1,510 - $5,493 with a moving container, and $1,024 - $2,861 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,198 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.

FAQs: Moving from Long Beach, CA, to Des Moines, IA

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 Long Beach, 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

Is Des Moines a safe place to live?

Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 41.42 and 58.58 in Long Beach. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Long Beach, CA to Des Moines, IA?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,084 - $2,267. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What percentage of Long Beach movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 79% of movers in Long Beach handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.