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Highly rated local moving companies for San Jose to Des Moines moves
Organizing a move from San Jose to Des Moines can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 80 local movers in San Jose known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from San Jose to Des Moines.
- Lunardi Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Vector Moving and Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Southwest Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190625
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2762936
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191802
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3152229
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191389
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 1922488
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0189789
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Pros Movers , Pure Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Jose to Des Moines?
On average, moving companies in California charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,297 – $5,035 | $1,122 – $2,582 | $1,110 – $2,057 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,368 – $7,428 | $1,883 – $3,937 | $1,203 – $2,424 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,085 – $10,569 | $2,786 – $5,401 | $1,501 – $2,966 |
Cost to hire movers from San Jose to Des Moines
When planning a move to Des Moines from San Jose, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,297 and $5,035. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,368 and $7,428 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,085 to $10,569.
Cost of moving containers from San Jose to Des Moines
When you’re heading from San Jose to Des Moines, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,122 and $2,582. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,883 and $3,937. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,786 to $5,401. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Jose to Des Moines
A moving rental truck from San Jose to Des Moines is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,110 to $2,057. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,203 to $2,424, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Jose to Des Moines costs around $1,501 to $2,966.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from San Jose to Des Moines
The cost of San Jose movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Jose to Des Moines may only cost $2,465, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,586.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Jose.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,110–$2,601), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from San Jose to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than San Jose – roughly 49% less for singles and 48% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $3,674 in San Jose. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $8,354.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Jose | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,027 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,240 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $1,453,657 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,421 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,674 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,354 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.38% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
- Rent is about 63% less expensive in Des Moines than in San Jose, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 87% cheaper in Des Moines than in San Jose.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 30% less in Des Moines than in San Jose.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person there is 49% below that of San Jose.
- A move to Des Moines can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 48% lower compared to San Jose.
- Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate than San Jose by about 11%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 25% cheaper in Des Moines compared to San Jose. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 67% less in Iowa compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in San Jose versus Des Moines:
| Living Expense | San Jose | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $293.08 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.44 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.80 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.93 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $123.75 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Jose than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Jose than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in San Jose than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in San Jose than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Jose than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Jose than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Jose than in Des Moines.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Des Moines
| San Jose | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 39 |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 52.27 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 28% less than San Jose.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than San Jose’s score of 7.
- Des Moines is less walkable than San Jose with a score of 45 out of 100 vs San Jose’s 51 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Jose, which has a score of 62.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than San Jose with a score of 5.0 compared to San Jose’s 47.73. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than San Jose with a safety index of 57.8 vs San Jose’s 52.27.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in San Jose it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Jose to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Costs across San Jose and Des Moines are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Iowa, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- 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, 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Jose to Des Moines?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Jose to Des Moines. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Jose.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Des Moines?
Want to save on your move from San Jose to Des Moines? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from San Jose to Des Moines take?
The 1,831-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Des Moines, , takes five to 16 days. Some San Jose movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
What kinds of discounts do San Jose movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Jose, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Jose?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 63 movers in San Jose provide piano moving services. 54 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
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