Local moving companies in Des Moines

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  3. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  4. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  5. Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.34 out of 5 stars

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 27

2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322 US

Two Men and a Truck earns its reputation for being fast, careful, and professional, with 92% of customer feedback praising efficient service, attention to detail, and courteous movers. Most people said the crews worked quickly, handled belongings with care, communicated well, and made moving less stressful. Many customers noted the movers were polite, helpful, and followed directions accurately, setting them apart from less organized competitors. Some even reported coming in under budget due to team efficiency, and highlighted transparent pricing and great office support. Negative feedback primarily cited issues with item damage, inexperienced movers, and unexpected costs. A small number of reviewers mentioned poor packing, lack of effort to resolve damages, and occasional rude remarks, especially in more complex moves. While damage to belongings arose more often than other negatives, the vast majority of feedback still positions this company as one of the most reliably consistent options for moving services in the region.

Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

Years in Business: 12

5545 Lydia Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64110 US

Bellhop Moving earns high marks for professionalism, speed, and friendly movers, with 56% positive input from 45 customers. Clients frequently mention efficient service, affordability, and clear communication. Customers appreciate quick booking, polite staff, and that jobs are often completed faster than anticipated. On the other hand, 40% report problems like property damage, delays, and movers arriving late or not at all. Feedback about broken items, missed appointments, and inexperienced crews stands out among the complaints. Bellhop's value and reliability outpace some competitors, but inconsistencies in service delivery remain a risk for potential customers.

Get a Quote (816) 656-3399

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

All Mighty Movers LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.48 / 5

DOT #: 2468266

Pricing: $130/hr

Years in Business: 10

59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314 US

Fast, affordable, and carefulโ€”most customer feedback praises All Mighty Movers LLC for their quick moving process, professional crews, and attentive handling of belongings. Out of 25 reviews analyzed, 64% are positive, often highlighting low rates, polite staff, and efficient service. Clients commonly appreciate how speedily and safely items were moved, noting that furniture and fragile goods arrived undamaged. Many mention the company beats local competitors in both price and quality, thanks to thoughtful movers who keep an upbeat attitude even with challenging jobs. On the downside, 36% of feedback centers on inaccurate estimates, unexpected charges, and unclear communication, especially regarding additional fees and scheduling. Some customers feel misled when final costs exceeded quoted amounts. Compared to many moving companies, All Mighty Movers earns high marks for efficiency and pricing but leaves room to improve transparency and customer relations, especially for billing and communication during more complex moves.

Get a Quote (515) 313-1395

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Safes

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Adamantine Spine Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.42 / 5

DOT #: 1471037

Pricing: $100/hr

Years in Business: 25

4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA 50322 US

Rave reviews consistently place Adamantine Spine Moving at the top of moving services in Iowa and beyond. Analyzing 223 customer reviews, 99.6% of feedback highlights professionalism, efficient service, excellent communication, careful handling, and quick moving crews. Customers repeatedly mention that staff are polite, approachable, and make stressful moves easy with precise organization and prompt responses. Quotes tend to be accurate, crews are well-trained, and moves large or small are handled with care. Compared to larger moving firms, Adamantine stands out for its hard-working teams and reliable pricing, with many clients calling the experience the best they've had. The only significant complaint noted involves a billing discrepancy where the final charge was much higher than the initial estimate, and the situation wasn't resolved effectively. This single negative input strongly contrasts the otherwise outstanding reputation. Adamantineโ€™s client input sets it apart from typical moving companies and makes it a top recommendation for anyone looking for trusted moving professionals.

Get a Quote (319) 519-0154

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 1471037
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Select Van & Storage Co.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.34 / 5

DOT #: 1098759

Years in Business: 79

523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 US

Moving with Select Van & Storage Co. comes with strong benefits, as most customer feedback praises their professional and polite staff, quick moving process, and efficient service. Out of 34 reviews, over two-thirds are positive, highlighting helpful movers who keep pricing transparent, and jobs often completed faster or under budget compared to competitors. Customers frequently describe interactions as courteous, emphasize smooth experiences, and value responsive communication. Some reviewers appreciated a detailed and upfront estimate process as well as careful handling of items. On the downside, many negative reports focus on late or unreliable deliveries, occasional damage or loss of items, and frustrating lapses in communication. Delayed pickups, items left behind, and slow claim responses stand out as key drawbacks when compared to top moving services. Input shows Select Van & Storage excels with professionalism and efficient handling, but clients looking for guaranteed timeliness and consistent communication may want to confirm all details before booking.

Get a Quote (515) 223-8329

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Mayflower
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to California

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Des Moines, IA, to California

If youโ€™re moving to California from Des Moines, IA, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Des Moines vs. California

Des Moines, IA California
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,856
Average home cost $192,347 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $91,905
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.4%
State income tax 4.4% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 77% more expensive in California than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices are about 262.7% higher in California than in Des Moines.
  • The average income is about 47.3% higher in California than in Des Moines.
  • California has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 16.7%.
  • Income taxes are 202.27% higher in California than in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines, IA, from California

Des Moines, IA California
Population 699,292 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 57-41 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 86ยบF 87ยบF
Winter low 13ยบF 59ยบF
Annual rain 36" 22"
Annual snow 33" 7"
Crime index 5.0 28.43
  • The population of California is approximately 5,481% greater than the population of Des Moines.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Des Moines voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ยบ F and in Des Moines, itโ€™s 86ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ยบ F and Des Moines gets down to 13ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs. 36 inches of rainfall in Des Moines.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs. 33 inches of snow in Des Moines.

Other considerations when moving to California from Des Moines

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
  • 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, youโ€™ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in California

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.

Museums in Californiatoggle

  • The Getty Center
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Hess Persson Estates
  • California State Railroad Museum
  • The Getty Villa
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Norton Simon Museum
  • Mission San Luis Rey
  • Tallac Historic Site
  • Petersen Automotive Museum
  • Original McDonald's Site and Museum
  • Oakland Museum of California
  • March Field Air Museum
  • Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum

Parks in Californiatoggle

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Heisler Park
  • Sonoma Plaza
  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Redwood Regional Park
  • MacKerricher State Park
  • Tilden Regional Park
  • Dinosaur Caves Park
  • Greystone Mansion and Park
  • Rancho San Antonio County Park
  • Serra Cross Park
  • Coyote Hills Regional Park
  • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
  • Palisades Park
  • Irvine Regional Park

Sports Teams in Californiatoggle

  • Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
  • Oakland Athletics (MLB)
  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Francisco Giants (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
  • Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
  • San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
  • Golden State Warriors (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
  • Sacramento Kings (NBA)
  • LA Galaxy (MLS)
  • Los Angeles FC (MLS)
  • San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Universities in Californiatoggle

  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Southern California
  • University of California, San Diego
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Irvine
  • California Institute of Technology
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
  • University of California, Riverside
  • University of California, Santa Cruz
  • University of California, San Francisco
  • San Diego State University
  • California State University, Northridge

FAQs

How long does a move from Des Moines to California take?

The time it takes to move from Des Moines, IA, to California depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Des Moines to California?

Need to get your car from Des Moines to California? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Des Moines to California car shippers.

Why are people moving from Des Moines to California?

Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Des Moines?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.

Helpful moving resources