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Highly rated local moving companies for Atlanta to Des Moines moves
Organizing a move from Atlanta to Des Moines can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 49 local movers in Atlanta known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Atlanta to Des Moines.
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Atlanta Peach Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Wirks Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8948
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3306591
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8292
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 797586
Alternate Names: Georgia Peach Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 206366
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Relocation , Armstrong Companies
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 500873
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1942465
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9035
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Atlanta to Des Moines?
On average, moving companies in Georgia charge about $139 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,180 – $4,768 | $833 – $2,024 | $629 – $1,087 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,372 – $6,005 | $1,410 – $2,792 | $641 – $1,292 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,205 – $7,905 | $1,936 – $3,548 | $845 – $1,653 |
Cost to hire movers from Atlanta to Des Moines
When planning a move to Des Moines from Atlanta, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,180 and $4,768. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,372 and $6,005 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,205 to $7,905.
Cost of moving containers from Atlanta to Des Moines
When you’re heading from Atlanta to Des Moines, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $833 and $2,024. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,410 and $2,792. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,936 to $3,548. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Georgia easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Atlanta to Des Moines
A moving rental truck from Atlanta to Des Moines is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $629 to $1,087. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $641 to $1,292, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Atlanta to Des Moines costs around $845 to $1,653.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Atlanta to Des Moines
The cost of Atlanta movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Atlanta to Des Moines may only cost $2,276, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,797.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Atlanta.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($629–$1,424), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Atlanta to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Atlanta – roughly 40% less for singles and 44% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $3,134 in Atlanta. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $7,822.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Atlanta | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,810 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,039 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $388,167 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,107 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,134 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,822 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.9% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.4% |
- Rent is about 39% less expensive in Des Moines than in Atlanta, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 50% cheaper in Des Moines than in Atlanta.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 12% less in Des Moines than in Atlanta.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person there is 40% below that of Atlanta.
- A move to Des Moines can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 44% lower compared to Atlanta.
- Des Moines and Atlanta have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Sales taxes are 21% cheaper in Des Moines compared to Atlanta. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 20% less in Iowa compared to Georgia, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Atlanta versus Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Atlanta | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.80 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.65 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.13 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.96 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $46.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Atlanta than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Atlanta than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Atlanta than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Atlanta than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Atlanta than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Atlanta than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Atlanta than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Atlanta vs. Des Moines
| Atlanta | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 498,715 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 42 | 39 |
| Crime index | 64.23 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 35.77 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 40% greater than Atlanta.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Atlanta’s score of 8.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Atlanta with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Atlanta’s 48 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Atlanta, which has a score of 42.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Atlanta with a score of 5.0 compared to Atlanta’s 64.23. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Atlanta with a safety index of 57.8 vs Atlanta’s 35.77.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Atlanta it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Atlanta to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Costs across Atlanta and Des Moines are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is 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: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
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
With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Des Moines?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Atlanta to Des Moines. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Atlanta.
When is the cheapest time to move from Atlanta to Des Moines?
Want to save on your move from Atlanta to Des Moines? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Atlanta to Des Moines take?
The 902-mile move from Atlanta, GA, to Des Moines, , takes two to seven days. Some Atlanta movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
What kinds of discounts do Atlanta movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 3 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Atlanta?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 31 movers in Atlanta provide piano moving services. 28 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 54 piano movers and 39 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
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Atlanta moving services
Popular Georgia routes
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