($992+) Santa Clarita, CA to Des Moines, IA Movers
The cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Des Moines, IA ranges from $1,256 to $10,080, with an average cost of $3,750. Moves can be as low as $992 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,680 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Santa Clarita to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,256 - $10,080 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,750, 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 1,680 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 1,680-mile route from Santa Clarita to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,256 - $5,135 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,495 - $2,986), rental truck ($1,097 - $2,107), or freight trailer ($1,413 - $2,559). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,231 - $6,999 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,080.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,680-mile move from Santa Clarita, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,256 - $10,080. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $396 - $2,640 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Santa Clarita and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Santa Clarita movers tend to run around $291 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Clarita to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,256 - $5,135
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,231 - $6,999
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,972 - $10,080
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 Santa Clarita 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: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Clarita, CA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Santa Clarita 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 packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $660 - $6,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $264 - $1,584/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $396 - $3,168 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,320 - $3,960 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,300 - $13,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $989 - $1,878 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items66% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,320 - $3,300 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,056 - $4,620 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling47% of local movers | $396 - $1,980 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect37% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Affordable Quality Moving and Storage | $858 - $2,640 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $396 - $19,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $396 - $4,620+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Clarita to Des Moines?
Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Santa Clarita, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,495 and $5,601. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Santa Clarita typically costs about /month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Clarita to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,495 - $2,986
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,891 - $3,857
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,740 - $5,601
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $99 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $198 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 $924 in Santa Clarita, 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 $1,495. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,891 - $3,857, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- US Pro Logistics (4.8/5), 4 years in business
- Air 1 Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Santa Clarita, California, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $1,097 - $2,919 for the 1,680-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $706 - $806
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Santa Clarita daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Santa Clarita to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,097 - $2,107
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,185 - $2,458
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,367 - $2,919
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,097 - $2,919 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Santa Clarita to Des Moines. Fuel ($706 - $806) , lodging at around $198/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Santa Clarita, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $924.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $706 - $806 for the 1,680-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $79 and $429, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $198 per night for hotel stops on the 1,680-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $396 - $594.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Santa Clarita, 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 $1,188 and $3,246.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Clarita to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,413 - $2,559
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,544 - $3,246
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,042 - $4,136
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?
- 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 $99 - $198 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Santa Clarita, California, for about five hours typically runs $924.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Clarita to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Stevens Trucking (4.54/5 stars): Stevens Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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: Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Clarita, CA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 87 |
| Average rent | $3,295/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $722,430 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $119,926/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 64.08/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Santa Clarita, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Iowa over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,680-mile move.
Our take
The 1,680-mile move from Santa Clarita, CA, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,256 and $10,080 with full-service movers, $1,495 - $5,601 with a moving container, and $1,097 - $2,919 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 $3,231 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 Santa Clarita, 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 do local movers charge in Santa Clarita?
Local movers based in Santa Clarita typically start around $291 as a base rate, plus $125/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,256 to $10,080, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,256 and $10,080, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Clarita, 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 $1,185 - $2,458. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Santa Clarita movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Santa Clarita handle piano moves, and 66% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
