($1,015+) Des Moines, IA to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,015 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,401 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,698 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,396, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,401 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,496 - $5,130, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,015 - $2,863.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,108 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 Des Moines, IA to Bakersfield, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Bakersfield: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,108 - $7,013. Moving containers run about 43% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 65% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,698-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,698-mile route from Des Moines to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,396 - $5,200 with full-service movers, $1,496 - $2,600 with a container, $1,015 - $1,798 with a rental truck, or $1,242 - $2,438 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,108 - $7,013 full-service, $1,783 - $3,865 by container, $1,097 - $2,318 by rental truck, or $1,501 - $3,031 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,913 - $10,401 full-service, $2,407 - $5,130 by container, $1,303 - $2,863 by rental truck, or $1,946 - $4,145 by freight.
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 Des Moines, IA to Bakersfield, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,698-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Bakersfield, California, with prices running from $2,396 - $10,401. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $277 - $1,844 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Bakersfield are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,396 - $5,200
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,108 - $7,013
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,913 - $10,401
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 Des Moines to Bakersfield.
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 Des Moines, IA to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Bakersfield, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $461 - $4,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $184 - $1,106/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $277 - $2,213 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $922 - $2,766 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,305 - $9,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $691 - $1,312 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $922 - $2,305 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $738 - $3,227 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $277 - $1,383 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $599 - $1,844 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $277 - $13,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $277 - $3,227+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Bakersfield?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,496 and $5,130. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,496 - $2,600
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,783 - $3,865
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,407 - $5,130
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $69 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $138 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Bakersfield, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $645 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to California 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 $1,496. 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 $1,783 - $3,865.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Bakersfield?
- 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck for this 1,698-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $1,015 and $2,863. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $498 - $569
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,015 - $1,798
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,097 - $2,318
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,303 - $2,863
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Bakersfield starts at $1,015 - $2,863, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($498 - $569), overnight lodging ($138/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $138 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $60 and $300 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $498 - $569 in fuel for the 1,698-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $645 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Bakersfield?
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Bakersfield, CA
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Bakersfield, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,501 and $3,031.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,242 - $2,438
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,501 - $3,031
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,946 - $4,145
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 $69 - $138 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $645.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Bakersfield?
- 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Bakersfield. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Bakersfield, CA
Day-to-day costs in Bakersfield are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 100 versus 87, with average rent of $1,695/mo compared to $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines versus 37/100 and 41.51/100 in Bakersfield.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 67 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 1,698-mile move.
Our take
The 1,698-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Bakersfield, CA, costs between $2,396 and $10,401 with full-service movers, $1,496 - $5,130 with a moving container, and $1,015 - $2,863 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,108 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Bakersfield, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($498 - $569), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $138/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 44, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Bakersfield, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,015 to $10,401, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,396 and $10,401, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Bakersfield, CA?
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 do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/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 Bakersfield run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.