($1,320) Movers From Des Moines, IA to California

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to California

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to California will cost between $1,320 and $5,132. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,218 to $7,395, and a large move will cost from $5,614 to $10,178.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to California

If you’re moving from Des Moines to California, expect to pay between $1,092 and $2,590 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,926 up to $3,787. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,660 and $5,515. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to California

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 from Des Moines to California, expect to spend between $994 and $2,013. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,097 and $2,395. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,498 up to $2,814 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

When calculating the price of Des Moines movers, consider:

• Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
• Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
• DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.

• With rent about 61% higher in California than Des Moines, prepare for steeper monthly costs.
• Homes in California cost about 301% more than in Des Moines, so expect a higher mortgage payment.
• Expect incomes in California to be about 57% higher than in Des Moines, offering more opportunities to save or spend.
• Moving to California means the cost of living runs about 54% higher than in Des Moines, so you’ll want a clear financial plan.
• In California, the unemployment rate is about 8% below Des Moines’s, a positive sign of healthier job opportunities.
• Income taxes run about 202% higher in California than in Iowa, which means less spending money.

• In the last presidential election, both Des Moines and California voted Democratic.
• Comparable summer highs of about 87ºF in California match those of 86ºF in Des Moines. With similarly warm temperatures, adjusting to your new climate might prove easy. Consider examining humidity, climate patterns, and energy demands for a full representation of how summers will unfold in your new home.
• Winter lows in California are milder, around 59ºF, compared to the colder 13ºF in Des Moines. This means easier winters, fewer icy days, and potentially lower heating bills.
• You’ll enjoy about 22 inches of annual rain in California, which is less than the 36 inches you’re used to in Des Moines. That means brighter skies, extra outdoor time, and fewer rainy-day interruptions.
• In California, you can expect about 7 inches of snow each year, much less than the 33 inches you’d deal with in Des Moines. So, if you’re moving to California, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
• California has a higher crime rate than Des Moines, with indexes at 28.43 vs 5.0. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s smart to research neighborhoods and consider how it might affect your daily routine.

• HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check a California moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
• Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.