Top-rated movers to make your Des Moines to Phoenix move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Phoenix can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 13 top local movers in Des Moines who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Des Moines to Phoenix.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Phoenix?
In Iowa, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,271 – $4,958 | $916 – $2,317 | $892 – $1,659 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,011 – $6,643 | $1,737 – $3,618 | $966 – $1,973 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,818 – $9,427 | $2,407 – $4,772 | $1,111 – $2,292 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Phoenix
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Phoenix from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,271 and $4,958. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,011 to $6,643 for the trip from Des Moines to Phoenix. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,818 and $9,427.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Phoenix
Moving containers from Des Moines to Phoenix will cost you $916 to $2,317 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,737 to $3,618. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,407 to $4,772. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Phoenix
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Phoenix typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $892 and $1,659 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $966 to $1,973. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,111 to $2,292.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Phoenix move
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,506 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,466 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $892 to $2,181, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Phoenix
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Phoenix runs about 25% higher for singles and 19% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,369 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,226 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,664 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,634 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 2.5% |
- Planning a move to Phoenix? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 47% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Phoenix are about 114% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 10% higher in Phoenix compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Phoenix, as living costs for a single person are 25% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Phoenix, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 19% higher than in Des Moines.
- Phoenix shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 12%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Phoenix are 23% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Arizona are 43% below those in Iowa. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Phoenix:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $75.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $34.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Phoenix, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Phoenix.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Phoenix
| Des Moines | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 1,608,139 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 56 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 53.06 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 46.94 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Phoenix’s population is about 130% greater than Des Moines.
- Phoenix’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Phoenix is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 56 out of 100, Phoenix is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Phoenix’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 53.06 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Phoenix is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 46.94 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Phoenix is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Phoenix move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Arizona’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Phoenix. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Phoenix
Planning your move to Arizona’s Urban Heart? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Phoenix.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
After settling into your new Arizona home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Phoenix has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Phoenix features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Arizona Cardinals (NFL)Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)Phoenix Suns (NBA)Arizona Coyotes (NHL)Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)Arizona Rattlers (IFL)Phoenix Rising FC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Phoenix?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Phoenix? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Phoenix?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Phoenix in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Phoenix take?
The 1,400-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, , typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Phoenix.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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