Quick answer: A move from New Haven to Des Moines costs $1,052–$7,690 and takes two to eight days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,186-mile move yourself.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to New Haven guide.

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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers by type

For a move from New Haven to Des Moines, you’ll have no shortage of options. There are 46 interstate movers in your area, giving you plenty of choices… but also a big decision to make about whether to go full-service or take on more of the work yourself.

We reviewed every New Haven company against key criteria, including service variety, affordability, and what people are saying in online reviews. Only the best long-distance movers in New Haven made our final list.

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Best professional movers from New Haven to Des Moines

When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from New Haven to Des Moines, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.

Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from New Haven to Des Moines without the headaches.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in New Haven?toggle

Markets differ, and so do mover offerings. Scan this table to compare New Haven with the broader CT landscape and national totals, helping you spot services that are common versus those that might be tougher to find.

Service New Haven (Count) New Haven (%) Connecticut (Count) Connecticut (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 59 100% 57 100% 2830 98%
Unpacking 58 98% 57 100% 2795 97%
Fragile-only packing 10 17% 9 16% 714 25%
Packing materials 13 22% 12 21% 1681 58%
Storage
Storage 55 93% 55 96% 2498 87%
Climate-controlled storage 26 44% 28 49% 973 34%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 44 75% 44 77% 1884 65%
Art 32 54% 35 61% 1397 48%
Antiques 32 54% 35 61% 1398 48%
Piano 46 78% 46 81% 2172 75%
Hot tub 9 15% 12 21% 668 23%
Pool table 16 27% 17 30% 941 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your CT to IA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 48 Connecticut movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Local moving companies servicing New Haven to Des Moines moves

When planning a move from New Haven to Des Moines, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?

We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in New Haven who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.

These are the best local moving companies for getting from New Haven to Des Moines.

  1. Hands On Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. First Class Movers, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  3. RT Relocation: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  4. Collegian Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. Meyer, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/HandsOnMovingCT/, https://twitter.com/handsonmoving?lang=en
83% of all reviews were positive
15% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave reviews dominate customer feedback for Hands On Moving. Out of 288 reviews analyzed, 83% of customers shared positive experiences. Clients routinely praise the professionalism, efficiency, careful handling of belongings, clear communication, and the swift moving process—making the company stand out among local movers.
Many reviewers highlight friendly, polite crews who work hard, arrive on time, and handle items with care, matching or exceeding expectations set by competitors. Some customers note excellent value and straightforward booking. In contrast, negative feedback centers around damage to items, missing or lost belongings, and final charges higher than expected. A smaller portion of customers faced issues with lost items in storage and inconsistent compensation for damages, citing difficulties with follow-up and claims resolution. Neutral input typically points to minor mishaps or communication gaps, but rarely severe enough to overshadow the company’s strengths. Those seeking careful movers and professional service find Hands On Moving compares favorably to others, though complex moves or storage services warrant extra vigilance.
Show more
Get a Quote (203) 937-2156

Company Info

State license #: 1785

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 76628


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/RTrelocation, https://twitter.com/RTrelocation
94% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Feedback for RT Relocation stands out for its overwhelmingly positive nature: out of 282 reviews, 93.6% express satisfaction with the moving experience. Customers highlight fast, efficient service, a professional and polite staff, careful handling of belongings, and quick moving processes. Many would highly recommend the company, often emphasizing the respectful attitude and attention to customer needs.
On the downside, a handful of complaints—about 6.4% of input—focus on damage to items, unexpected charges, or challenges with insurance claims if problems occurred. Some mention missing or delayed compensation for lost or broken belongings. Pricing disputes, such as final costs exceeding estimates, appear occasionally. Compared with typical moving companies, RT Relocation receives much stronger praise regarding professionalism and efficiency, but the rare negative input points to areas for potential improvement in communication and damage resolution. The company’s reputation for courteous, hard-working crews and dependable moving services sets it apart in a competitive industry.
Show more
Get a Quote (833) 668-3978

Company Info

State license #: 1802

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 3285714


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/collegianmoversnewhaven/, https://x.com/collegianmovers
88% of all reviews were positive
11% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful—Collegian Movers earns high marks from most customers, with 236 reviews yielding 88% positive feedback. People consistently highlight efficient service, a professional team, careful handling, quick processes, and clear communication. Many share that their possessions arrived unharmed, the teams worked swiftly, and staff was courteous throughout.
Transparent pricing and prompt arrival further added to smooth moves. A small number of customers, about 11%, encountered issues such as item damage, unexpectedly high final bills, or lateness. Reports of broken furniture or walls, final costs exceeding estimates, and late arrivals stemmed from a handful of moves and resulted in frustration when management was slow to respond or resolve issues. Some neutral input cited minor damages or a drop in care towards the end of larger jobs. Compared to many movers, Collegian stands out for friendly professionalism and reliability, although clarity on pricing and extra care to avoid damage could elevate trust further. Most who used their services say they’d recommend them, especially for local and mid-sized moves.
Show more
Get a Quote (203) 283-5050

Company Info

State license #: 589

Years in Business: 35

DOT #: 482141


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
https://www.facebook.com/meyerincorporated, https://twitter.com/meyerincorp
89% of all reviews were positive
9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Meyer, Inc. stands out for its consistent reliability and professionalism in the moving and storage industry, with 89% of customer feedback praising quick service, careful handling, excellent communication, and a courteous staff. Clients commonly mention moves completed quickly and safely, handled by knowledgeable, polite crews. Many customers find the process efficiently organized from booking through delivery, which compares favorably to typical experiences at other moving companies where these strengths can be uncommon.
Some also note trustworthiness and accurate pricing. Negative input, while much less frequent, focuses on rare cases of lost or damaged belongings, unsatisfactory communication during delays, and occasional missed delivery windows. Only a small percentage of clients experience these issues. Compared to competitors, Meyer, Inc.'s rate of positive experiences is notably high. Out of 225 reviews analyzed, customer satisfaction is among the best in the field, with problems like misplacement and communication delays rarely reported but taken seriously by those affected.
Show more
Get a Quote (203) 375-5801

Company Info

State license #: 122

Years in Business: 109

DOT #: 17847

Alternate Names: Meyer Records & Off-Site Data Management, United Van Lines Agent


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

How much does it cost to move from New Haven to Des Moines?

New Haven movers charge $180 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 $1,333 - $5,768 $1,093 - $2,699 $917 - $1,694
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,992 - $7,690 $2,096 - $4,082 $1,052 - $2,015
4+ bedrooms $5,270 - $9,376 $2,594 - $5,032 $1,335 - $2,585
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,186 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from Connecticut to Iowa

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Connecticut to Iowa, you can expect prices to land between $1,333 and $5,768. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,992 to $7,690 for the trip from CT to IA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $5,270 and $9,376.

Cost of moving containers from Connecticut to Iowa

If you're moving from Connecticut to Iowa, expect to pay between $1,093 and $2,699 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,096 up to $4,082. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,594 and $5,032. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Connecticut.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Connecticut to Iowa

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $917 and $1,694. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,052 and $2,015. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,335 up to $2,585 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

Factors influencing moving costs from New Haven to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of New Haven movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from New Haven to Des Moines can be as low as $1,333 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,058.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in New Haven so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $917 to $2,248. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from New Haven to Des Moines

Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than New Haven — roughly 18% less for singles and 25% less for families.

Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,314 in New Haven. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $5,876.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

New Haven Des Moines
Average 1 BR rent $1,992 $1,229
Average 3 BR rent $4,020 $1,763
Average home value $301,257 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $72,325 $58,492
Unemployment rate 9.7% 5.9%
Sales tax 6.35% 7.0%
State income tax 3.0% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 52% lower than in New Haven, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
    Home prices in Des Moines are 36.2% lower than in New Haven.
  • Income in Des Moines is 19.1% lower than in New Haven, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines — including MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings — may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 18.3% lower than in New Haven.
  • A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 25.5% less than what it costs in New Haven.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 39.18% lower than in New Haven.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Des Moines, since its sales taxes are 10.24% higher than what you are paying in New Haven.
  • State income taxes in Des Moines are 46.67% higher than in New Haven.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between New Haven and Des Moines:

New Haven Des Moines
Basic utilities $147.18 $144.82
Cell phone plan $43.75 $51.25
Dozen eggs $4.71 $3.61
Loaf of bread $4.07 $2.5
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $18.5 $16
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $75 $77.5
Gym membership $26 $66.67
  • Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in New Haven than in Des Moines.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in New Haven than in Des Moines.
  • Eggs cost more in New Haven than in Des Moines.
  • Bread is more expensive in New Haven than in Des Moines.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in New Haven than in Des Moines.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in New Haven than in Des Moines.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in New Haven than in Des Moines.

How life is different in New Haven vs. Des Moines

Des Moines New Haven
Population 699,292 135,081
Transportation Score 5 7
Walkability score 45 68
Bike friendliness score 39 66
Crime Index 5.0 58.2
Safety Index 57.8 41.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Des Moines's population is about 418% greater than New Haven.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus New Haven's higher score of 7.
  • Des Moines is less walkable than New Haven with a score of 45 out of 100 vs New Haven's 68 out of 100.
  • Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as New Haven, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than New Haven with a score of 5.0 compared to New Haven's 58.2. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New Haven neighborhoods are safer than 58.2%.
  • Des Moines is considered to be safer than New Haven with a safety index of 57.8 vs New Haven's 41.8.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in New Haven it's good.

Other things to consider for your New Haven vs. Des Moines move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Iowa, visit 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: 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: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

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
  • North of Grand
  • Arbor Peaks
  • Beaverdale
  • Westwood

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Waterbury
  • 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: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
  • 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from New Haven to Des Moines?

The best time to move from New Haven to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in New Haven.

When is the cheapest time to move from New Haven to Des Moines?

With many people choosing to move from New Haven 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 New Haven to Des Moines take?

The 1,186-mile move from New Haven, CT, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to eight days. Some New Haven movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

Which movers in New Haven give price breaks?

Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.

Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.

Which movers in New Haven offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 46 movers in New Haven have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 32 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CT, there are 46 piano movers and 35 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2172 and 1398.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.

Helpful moving resources