($485+) Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $485 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,716 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 649 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,506, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,716 or more.
- Moving containers run $960 - $3,334, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $485 - $1,262.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fort Collins, CO, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,248 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Fort Collins to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,248 - $5,406. Moving containers run about 46% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 77% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 649-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 649-mile route from Fort Collins to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,506 - $4,136 | $960 - $1,718 | $485 - $836 | $855 - $1,642 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,248 - $5,406 | $1,207 - $2,501 | $517 - $992 | $966 - $2,080 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,009 - $7,716 | $1,646 - $3,334 | $640 - $1,262 | $1,385 - $2,436 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA
For the 649-mile move from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $1,506 and $7,716. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $313 - $2,088 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Fort Collins generally start around $301 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Collins to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,506 - $4,136
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,248 - $5,406
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,009 - $7,716
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 Fort Collins to Des Moines.
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 Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Fort Collins movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $522 - $5,220 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $209 - $1,253/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,506 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage16% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $1,044 - $3,132 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,610 - $10,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $782 - $1,486 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,044 - $2,610 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $835 - $3,654 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $313 - $1,566 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationally | $679 - $2,088 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,660+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,654+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fort Collins 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Fort Collins, CO, 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 Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $960 and $3,334. 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 Fort Collins typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Collins to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $960 - $1,718
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,207 - $2,501
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,646 - $3,334
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Fort Collins, CO, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $731, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $157 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Fort Collins, CO, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Colorado 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 $960. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,207 - $2,501.
What are the best moving containers Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins:
- Little Guys Movers (4.9/5), 34 years in business
- Choice Moving Company (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Two College Movers (4.8/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 649 miles from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $485 - $1,262. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $216 - $246
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Fort Collins daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Fort Collins to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $485 - $836
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $517 - $992
- 4+ bedrooms: $640 - $1,262
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Fort Collins to Des Moines starts at $485 - $1,262, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($216 - $246), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $216 - $246 for the 649-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Fort Collins, Colorado, for about 5 hours typically costs around $731.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 649-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $157 per night, adding $313 - $470 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $313.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Fort Collins, Colorado, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Des Moines, Iowa.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $966 and $2,080.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Collins to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $855 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $966 - $2,080
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,385 - $2,436
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final 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 Fort Collins, Colorado, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $731.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $157 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Fort Collins to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Fort Collins to Des Moines. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Fort Collins, CO 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 Fort Collins on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fort Collins, CO | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 116 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,750/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $544,203 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $83,598/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 72.86/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Fort Collins, CO guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 278 movers based in Colorado, handy for sizing up options on this 649-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Fort Collins, CO, to Des Moines, IA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,506 - $7,716 on the 649-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $960 - $3,334 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $485 - $1,262 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,248 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Des Moines, IA
How long does a move from Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Fort Collins, CO 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 $517 - $992. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 72.86 and 17.0 in Fort Collins. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Fort Collins movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Fort Collins handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.