Top-rated local movers that handle Des Moines to Stockton moves
When planning a move from Des Moines to Stockton, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 13 local movers in Des Moines who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Des Moines to Stockton.
- 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 Stockton?
Movers in Iowa charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,252 – $4,641 | $1,086 – $2,602 | $1,011 – $1,983 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,047 – $6,903 | $1,899 – $4,077 | $1,083 – $2,220 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,973 – $9,924 | $2,542 – $5,317 | $1,366 – $2,746 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Stockton
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Stockton, you can expect to spend between $1,252 and $4,641. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,047 to $6,903 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Stockton typically runs between $5,973 and $9,924.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Stockton
When moving from Des Moines to Stockton, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,086 and $2,602. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,899 to $4,077. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,542 up to $5,317. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Stockton
Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Stockton. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,011 and $1,983. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,083 and $2,220. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,366 and $2,746.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Stockton
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,584, but larger homes can run up to $9,217.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Des Moines.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,011–$2,611) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Stockton
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Stockton runs about 99% higher for singles and 55% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $3,767 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $6,810 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Stockton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,500 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,750 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $437,561 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $63,915 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $3,767 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Stockton, note that rent can be roughly 54% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 127% higher in Stockton than in Des Moines.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 9% higher in Stockton compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Stockton, since the cost of living for a single person is 99% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Stockton, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Stockton is 55% more than it is in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Stockton is 75% higher compared to Des Moines, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 29% higher in Stockton than in Des Moines. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 202% higher in California compared to Iowa. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Stockton:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Stockton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $48.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $5.91 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.63 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $36.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Stockton, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Stockton.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Stockton.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Stockton.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Stockton.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Stockton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Stockton.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Stockton
| Des Moines | Stockton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 320,804 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 44 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 52 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 75.2 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 24.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Stockton’s population is about 54% less than Des Moines.
- Stockton’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Stockton and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Stockton 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.
- Stockton’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 75.2 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Stockton neighborhoods are safer than 75.2% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Stockton is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 24.8 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Stockton is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Stockton move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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 “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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Stockton smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Stockton
Now that you’ve chosen Asparagus Capital of the World as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Stockton to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Stonewood
- Spanos Park
- Weston Ranch
- Lincoln Village Proper
- Lakeview
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brookside
- Spanos Park
- Stonewood
- Lincoln Village West
- Weston Ranch
Things to do in Stockton
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Stockton is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Stockton offers cultural landmarks like the The Haggin Museum and Children’s Museum of Stockton.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s University Park World Peace Rose Garden — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Stockton Heat (AHL)Stockton Kings (NBA G League)Stockton Ports (Low-A West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Stockton?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Stockton are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Stockton?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Stockton are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Stockton take?
A move of 1,756 miles from Des Moines, IA to Stockton, generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Stockton is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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