Top-rated movers to make your Des Moines to Los Angeles move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Los Angeles can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 13 top local movers in Des Moines who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Des Moines to Los Angeles.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Los Angeles?
In Iowa, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,246 – $4,880 | $1,031 – $2,439 | $985 – $1,855 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,264 – $6,874 | $1,839 – $3,827 | $1,022 – $2,296 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,744 – $10,301 | $2,610 – $4,978 | $1,289 – $2,671 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Los Angeles
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Los Angeles from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,246 and $4,880. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,264 to $6,874 for the trip from Des Moines to Los Angeles. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,744 and $10,301.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Los Angeles
Moving containers from Des Moines to Los Angeles will cost you $1,031 to $2,439 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,839 to $3,827. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,610 to $4,978. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Los Angeles
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Los Angeles typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $985 and $1,855 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,022 to $2,296. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,289 to $2,671.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Los Angeles move
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,429 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,688 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $985 to $2,490, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Los Angeles
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Los Angeles runs about 208% higher for singles and 190% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $5,833 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $12,720 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,603 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $4,443 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Los Angeles? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 157% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Los Angeles are about 1131% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 28% higher in Los Angeles compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Los Angeles, as living costs for a single person are 208% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Los Angeles, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 190% higher than in Des Moines.
- Los Angeles shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 80%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Los Angeles are 36% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 202% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Los Angeles:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $192.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $62.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $7.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $47.76 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Los Angeles, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Los Angeles.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Los Angeles.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Los Angeles.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Los Angeles.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Los Angeles.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Los Angeles
| Des Moines | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 3,820,914 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 59 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 53.81 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 46.19 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Los Angeles’s population is about 446% greater than Des Moines.
- Los Angeles’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Los Angeles is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Los Angeles’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 53.81 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 46.19 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Los Angeles move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Los Angeles. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Los Angeles
Planning your move to City of Angels? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Los Angeles.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City
Things to do in Los Angeles
After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Los Angeles has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Los Angeles features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)Los Angeles FC (MLS)Los Angeles Kings (NHL)Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)Los Angeles Rams (NFL)Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Los Angeles?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Los Angeles? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Los Angeles?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Los Angeles in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Los Angeles take?
The 1,683-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, , typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Los Angeles.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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