($752+) Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Hartford, CT, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $752 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,187 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,208 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $1,942, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,187 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,198 - $4,020, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $752 - $2,079.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Hartford, CT, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,582 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 Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Hartford to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,582 - $5,704. Containers cost roughly 40% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 68% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,208 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,208-mile route from Hartford 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 $1,942 - $4,454 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,198 - $2,270), rental truck ($752 - $1,434), or freight trailer ($1,112 - $2,022). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,582 - $5,704 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,187.
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 Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA
For the 1,208-mile move from Hartford, Connecticut, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $1,942 and $8,187. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $293 - $1,956 (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 Hartford generally start around $300 plus $180 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Hartford to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,942 - $4,454
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,582 - $5,704
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,175 - $8,187
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 Hartford to Des Moines.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Hartford 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 packing73% of local movers | $489 - $4,890 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: RT Relocation | $196 - $1,174/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $293 - $2,347 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $978 - $2,934 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,445 - $9,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $733 - $1,392 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: RT Relocation | $978 - $2,445 |
| Piano | Any piano type46% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $782 - $3,423 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $293 - $1,467 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect16% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $636 - $1,956 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $293 - $14,670+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $293 - $3,423+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Hartford to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Hartford, CT. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Hartford, Connecticut, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,198 and $4,020. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Hartford typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Hartford to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,198 - $2,270
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,544 - $3,259
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,069 - $4,020
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $73 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $147 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $685 in Hartford, CT, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Connecticut 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 $1,198. 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 $1,544 - $3,259.
What are the best moving containers Hartford 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 Hartford 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 Hartford:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
- Two Brothers Moving (4.7/5), 18 years in business
- Fresh Start-The Moving Crew (4.9/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,208-mile move from Hartford, Connecticut, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $752 and $2,079, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $376 - $430
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Hartford daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| 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 Hartford to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $752 - $1,434
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $822 - $1,756
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,032 - $2,079
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $752 - $2,079 does not include fuel ($376 - $430), lodging ($147/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Hartford to Des Moines typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Hartford, Connecticut, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $685.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $376 - $430 for the 1,208-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 $59 and $318, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $147 per night for hotel stops on the 1,208-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $293 - $440.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Hartford 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 Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA
If you're moving a larger household from Hartford, Connecticut, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Des Moines, Iowa.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,236 and $2,530.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Hartford to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,112 - $2,022
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,236 - $2,530
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,725 - $3,520
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?
- 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 $73 - $147 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Hartford, Connecticut, for about five hours typically runs $685.
What are the best freight companies from Hartford to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
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: Hartford, CT 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 Hartford on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Hartford, CT | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 105 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,330/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $217,237 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $45,300/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 14.0% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.0% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 36.25/100 | 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 Hartford, CT guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Connecticut 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 120 movers based in Connecticut, handy for sizing up options on this 1,208-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,208-mile route from Hartford, CT, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,942 - $8,187 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,198 - $4,020, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $752 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,582, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Hartford, CT, to Des Moines, IA
What is the cheapest way to move from Hartford, CT 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 $822 - $1,756. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.
How long does a move from Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 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 do local movers charge in Hartford?
Local movers based in Hartford typically start around $300 as a base rate, plus $180/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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Hartford, CT to Des Moines, IA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Hartford movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 46% of movers in Hartford handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.