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Top local movers for Santa Ana to Des Moines moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Santa Ana that also provides long-distance services to Des Moines can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 93 local movers in Santa Ana who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Santa Ana to Des Moines.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Des Moines?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,222 – $4,977 | $1,073 – $2,696 | $946 – $1,892 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,140 – $6,876 | $1,932 – $3,941 | $1,022 – $2,161 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,465 – $9,705 | $2,661 – $5,283 | $1,276 – $2,671 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Des Moines
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Des Moines typically costs between $1,222 and $4,977. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,140 and $6,876 when moving from Santa Ana to Des Moines. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Santa Ana to Des Moines, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,465 up to $9,705.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Des Moines
If you’re relocating from Santa Ana to Des Moines, you’ll typically spend between $1,073 and $2,696 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,932 up to $3,941. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,661 and $5,283. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Santa Ana to Des Moines move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $946 and $1,892. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,022 to $2,161. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,276 and $2,671.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Santa Ana to Des Moines
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Santa Ana to Des Moines might be as low as $2,430, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,046.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Santa Ana.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $946 to $2,465 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 70% less for singles and 61% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
- Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Santa Ana, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 57% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 77% cheaper in Des Moines, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 24% lower in Des Moines than in Santa Ana.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 70% less compared to Santa Ana.
- Relocating to Des Moines could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 61% lower than in Santa Ana.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 16% lower than Santa Ana, Des Moines boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 24% lower in Des Moines than Santa Ana, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 67% lower in Iowa than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Santa Ana and Des Moines, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Des Moines
| Santa Ana | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 39 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 125% greater than Santa Ana.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 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 Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 5.0 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 57.8 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Des Moines without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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
Ready to relocate to Hartford of the West? Here are some of the top 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Iowa, it’s the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- 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 Santa Ana to Des Moines?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Santa Ana to Des Moines. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Des Moines?
With many people choosing to move from Santa Ana to Des Moines in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Des Moines take?
Covering 1,680 miles, the move from Santa Ana, CA to Des Moines, typically takes four to 15 days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Santa Ana offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Santa Ana can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Santa Ana, 73 movers can handle pianos. 60 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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