Top local movers for Des Moines to Scottsdale moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Des Moines that also provides long-distance services to Scottsdale can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 13 local movers in Des Moines who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Des Moines to Scottsdale.
- 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 Scottsdale?
Movers in Iowa generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,257 – $5,005 | $908 – $2,273 | $846 – $1,635 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,846 – $6,674 | $1,622 – $3,414 | $878 – $1,830 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,764 – $8,803 | $2,180 – $4,453 | $1,106 – $2,351 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Scottsdale
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Scottsdale typically costs between $1,257 and $5,005. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,846 and $6,674 when moving from Des Moines to Scottsdale. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Des Moines to Scottsdale, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,764 up to $8,803.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Scottsdale
If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Scottsdale, you’ll typically spend between $908 and $2,273 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,622 up to $3,414. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,180 and $4,453. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Scottsdale
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Des Moines to Scottsdale move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $846 and $1,635. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $878 to $1,830. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,106 and $2,351.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Des Moines to Scottsdale
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Des Moines to Scottsdale might be as low as $2,523, while a four-bedroom could reach $8,533.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Des Moines.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $846 to $2,212 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Scottsdale
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Scottsdale runs about 204% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $5,753 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,570 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 2.5% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 187% higher in Scottsdale than in Des Moines, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 330% higher in Scottsdale than in Des Moines.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 10% higher in Scottsdale than in Des Moines, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Scottsdale, as the cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 204% greater than in Des Moines. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Scottsdale and Des Moines, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won’t notice a significant change in expenses.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 20% lower than Des Moines, Scottsdale boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Scottsdale exceed those in Des Moines by 15%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 43% lower in Arizona than in Iowa. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Scottsdale, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.22 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $77.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $34.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Scottsdale, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Scottsdale.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Scottsdale.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Scottsdale.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Scottsdale.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Scottsdale.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Scottsdale
| Des Moines | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 241,361 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 56 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 25.8 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 74.2 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Scottsdale’s population is about 65% less than Des Moines.
- Scottsdale’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
- Scottsdale is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 56 out of 100, Scottsdale 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.
- Scottsdale’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 25.8 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Scottsdale neighborhoods are safer than 25.8% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Scottsdale is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 74.2 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Scottsdale is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Scottsdale move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Arizona, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 Scottsdale without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Scottsdale
Ready to relocate to The West’s Most Western Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Scottsdale.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Gainey Ranch
- Kierland
- Shea Corridor
- South Scottsdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- McCormick Ranch
- DC Ranch
- Grayhawk
- Troon North
- South Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale
Now that you’ve made the move to Arizona, it’s the perfect time to explore Scottsdale. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Scottsdale include museums and art centers like the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Penske Racing Museum, Cosanti, and Wonderspaces Arizona.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Chaparral Park, Xeriscape Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Scottsdale Artists’ School Rose Garden, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Scottsdale?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Scottsdale. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Scottsdale?
With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Scottsdale 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 Des Moines to Scottsdale take?
Covering 1,387 miles, the move from Des Moines, IA to Scottsdale, typically takes three to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Scottsdale can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Scottsdale?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Des Moines, 10 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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