($952+) Des Moines, IA to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $952 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,965 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,649 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 $2,175, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,965 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,462 - $4,798, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $952 - $2,660.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,008 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 Riverside, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Riverside: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,008 - $7,238. Containers cost roughly 35% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 66% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,649 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,649-mile route from Des Moines to Riverside, 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 $2,175 - $5,291 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,462 - $2,643), rental truck ($952 - $1,828), or freight trailer ($1,316 - $2,500). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,008 - $7,238 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,965.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Riverside, CA
For the 1,649-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Riverside, California, full-service movers cost between $2,175 and $9,965. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $314 - $2,092 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,175 - $5,291
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,008 - $7,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,530 - $9,965
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 Riverside.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Riverside, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing62% of local movers | $523 - $5,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $209 - $1,255/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,510 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,046 - $3,138 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,615 - $10,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $783 - $1,488 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,046 - $2,615 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $837 - $3,661 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $314 - $1,569 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $680 - $2,092 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,661+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Riverside?
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 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 Riverside, CA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,462 and $4,798. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,462 - $2,643
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,944 - $3,885
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,448 - $4,798
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 $732 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 $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $157 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 Riverside, 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 $1,462. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,944 - $3,885.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Riverside?
- 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:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Riverside, CA
Plan on $952 - $2,660 for a rental moving truck on the 1,649-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Riverside, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $549 - $627
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $952 - $1,828
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,020 - $2,220
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,338 - $2,660
Pro tip: The base rate of $952 - $2,660 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Riverside. Fuel ($549 - $627), lodging at around $157/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $78 and $366.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $157.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $549 and $627 for the 1,649-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 $732 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 Riverside?
- 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,481 and $3,017.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,316 - $2,500
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,481 - $3,017
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,999 - $3,960
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $78 - $157 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $732.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Riverside?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Riverside, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Riverside, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Riverside, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 131 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,295/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $539,898 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $88,575/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 59.76/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Riverside, CA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 58 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 1,649-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Riverside, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,175 - $9,965 on the 1,649-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,462 - $4,798, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $952 - $2,660. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,008 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bourns and California Baptist University.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Riverside, CA
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Riverside, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($549 - $627), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $157/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Riverside, 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 $1,020 - $2,220. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Riverside, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $952 to $9,965, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,175 and $9,965, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.