($1,034+) Des Moines, IA to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,076 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,709 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,696 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 $2,322, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,709 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,525 - $5,493, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,076 - $3,007.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,197 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Long Beach, CA
Moving options from Des Moines to Long Beach 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 $3,197 - $7,141 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 1,696 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,696-mile route from Des Moines to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,322 - $5,185 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,525 - $2,757), rental truck ($1,076 - $2,107), or freight trailer ($1,441 - $2,559). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,197 - $7,141 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,709.
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 Long Beach, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,696-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Long Beach, California, with costs ranging from $2,322 - $10,709. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $351 - $2,340. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Long Beach. 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 Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,322 - $5,185
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,197 - $7,141
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,269 - $10,709
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 Long Beach.
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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Long Beach, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $351 - $2,808 |
| 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 | $1,170 - $3,510 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,925 - $11,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $876 - $1,665 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $761 - $2,340 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $351 - $17,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $351 - $4,095+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Long Beach?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Des Moines, IA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,525 and $5,493. 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 Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,525 - $2,757
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,950 - $4,017
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,606 - $5,493
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $819 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $88 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $176 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Long Beach, CA, destination before booking.
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 $1,525. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,950 - $4,017, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Long Beach?
- 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 Long Beach, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,696 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Long Beach, California, running $1,076 - $3,007. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $631 - $722
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,076 - $2,107
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,174 - $2,291
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,438 - $3,007
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Long Beach starts at $1,076 - $3,007, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($631 - $722) , overnight lodging ($176/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $88 and $410.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $176.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $631 and $722 for the 1,696-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $819 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Long Beach?
- 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 Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Long Beach, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,654 and $3,342.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,441 - $2,559
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,654 - $3,342
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,235 - $4,481
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $88 - $176 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $819.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Long Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Long Beach. 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 Long Beach, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Long Beach, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 41.42/100 |
| 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 Long Beach, 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 1,696-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,696-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Long Beach, CA, costs between $2,322 and $10,709 with full-service movers, $1,525 - $5,493 with a moving container, and $1,076 - $3,007 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 $3,197 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 UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Long Beach, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Long Beach, 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 Long Beach run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Long Beach, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Long Beach?
For families, Bixby Village, Los Altos, and Wrigley Heights are worth a look in Long Beach. If you're moving solo or without kids, Belmont Shore, Recreation Park, and Carroll Park tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Long Beach, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,174 - $2,291. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.
