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Top-rated local movers that handle Stockton to Des Moines moves
When planning a move from Stockton to Des Moines, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 19 local movers in Stockton who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Stockton to Des Moines.
- MidCal Moving and Storage Company: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190750
Years in Business: 169
DOT #: 2778166
Alternate Names: Bekins , D & S Simoni Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191440
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 3314910
Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC , Pete’s Moving Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190630
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3278221
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0115405
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 153088
Alternate Names: Casey Records Management , Dawson Van & Storage , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Stockton to Des Moines?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,265 – $4,692 | $1,076 – $2,523 | $1,000 – $1,885 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,143 – $6,836 | $1,861 – $3,805 | $1,061 – $2,384 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,570 – $10,537 | $2,542 – $5,161 | $1,324 – $2,746 |
Cost to hire movers from Stockton to Des Moines
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Stockton to Des Moines, you can expect to spend between $1,265 and $4,692. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,143 to $6,836 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Stockton to Des Moines typically runs between $5,570 and $10,537.
Cost of moving containers from Stockton to Des Moines
When moving from Stockton to Des Moines, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,076 and $2,523. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,861 to $3,805. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,542 up to $5,161. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Stockton to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck in Stockton is usually your cheapest option to get to Des Moines. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,000 and $1,885. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,061 and $2,384. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,324 and $2,746.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Stockton to Des Moines
The cost of Stockton movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,485, but larger homes can run up to $9,880.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Stockton.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,000–$2,508) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Stockton to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Stockton – roughly 50% less for singles and 36% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $3,767 in Stockton. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $6,810.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Stockton | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,500 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,750 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $437,561 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,915 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,767 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,810 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 35% lower in Des Moines than in Stockton, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 56% lower in Des Moines than in Stockton.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 8% less in Des Moines than in Stockton.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, where the cost of living for a single person is 50% less than in Stockton.
- Moving to Des Moines could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 36% less than in Stockton.
- Des Moines experiences an unemployment rate that is about 43% lower than that of Stockton. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 22% lower in Des Moines than in Stockton. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Des Moines can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 67% lower in Iowa compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Stockton with Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Stockton | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.67 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.63 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $36.67 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Stockton than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Stockton than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Stockton than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Stockton than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Stockton than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Stockton than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Stockton than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Stockton vs. Des Moines
| Stockton | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,804 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 44 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 39 |
| Crime index | 75.2 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 24.8 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 118% greater than Stockton.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Stockton’s score of 4.
- Des Moines and Stockton are similarly walkable.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Stockton, which has a score of 52.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Stockton with a score of 5.0 compared to Stockton’s 75.2. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Stockton neighborhoods are safer than 75.2%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Stockton with a safety index of 57.8 vs Stockton’s 24.8.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Stockton it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Stockton to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Iowa doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Des Moines smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you’ve chosen Hartford of the West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, it’s time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Des Moines offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Stockton to Des Moines?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Stockton to Des Moines are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Stockton are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Stockton to Des Moines?
Because spring and fall moves from Stockton to Des Moines are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Stockton to Des Moines take?
A move of 1,760 miles from Stockton, CA to Des Moines, generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Stockton sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Des Moines is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Stockton offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 16 movers in Stockton have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 9 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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