($1,097+) Des Moines, IA to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $1,076 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,027 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,680 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 $2,419, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,027 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,449 - $5,655, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,076 - $2,890.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,296 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 Irvine, CA
Moving options from Des Moines to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,296 - $7,730 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,680 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,680-mile route from Des Moines to Irvine, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,419 for a studio up to $11,027 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,449 - $5,655 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,076 - $2,890, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,344 - $4,352, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Irvine, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,680-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Irvine, California, with costs ranging from $2,419 - $11,027. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $355 - $2,364. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Irvine. Local movers in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,419 - $5,404
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,296 - $7,730
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,970 - $11,027
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 Irvine.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Irvine, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $591 - $5,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $236 - $1,418/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $355 - $2,837 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $1,182 - $3,546 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,955 - $11,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $885 - $1,682 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,182 - $2,955 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $946 - $4,137 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $355 - $1,773 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $768 - $2,364 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $355 - $17,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $355 - $4,137+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Irvine?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,449 and $5,655. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,449 - $2,900
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,891 - $4,017
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,633 - $5,655
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Des Moines, IA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $827, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $89 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $177 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Irvine, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,449. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,891 - $4,017, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Irvine?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Irvine, CA
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Irvine, California, range from $1,076 - $2,890 for the 1,680-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $632 - $722
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,076 - $1,966
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,095 - $2,267
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,381 - $2,890
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,076 - $2,890 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Irvine. Fuel alone runs ($632 - $722) , and overnight lodging ($177/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $177 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 $77 and $384 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $632 - $722 in fuel for the 1,680-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $827 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 Irvine?
- 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 Irvine, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Irvine, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,544 and $3,085.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,344 - $2,714
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,544 - $3,085
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,127 - $4,352
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 $89 - $177 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $827.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Irvine?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Irvine quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Irvine, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 68.99/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Irvine, CA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,680-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,680-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Irvine, CA, run $2,419 - $11,027 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,449 - $5,655, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,076 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,296, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Irvine, CA
Is Irvine a safe place to live?
Irvine has a safety index of 68.99 out of 100 and a crime index of 31.01, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Irvine, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($632 - $722), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $177/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
