($534+) Des Moines, IA to Colorado Springs, CO Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Colorado Springs, CO, runs anywhere from $523 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,447 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 741 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,727, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,447 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,095 - $3,408, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $523 - $1,429.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Colorado Springs, CO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,416 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 Colorado Springs, CO
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Colorado Springs: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,416 - $5,719. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 741-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 741-mile route from Des Moines to Colorado Springs, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,727 for a studio up to $8,447 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,095 - $3,408 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $523 - $1,429, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,035 - $2,927, 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 Colorado Springs, CO
For the 741-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, full-service movers cost between $1,727 and $8,447. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $289 - $1,924 (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 Colorado Springs:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,727 - $4,746
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,416 - $5,719
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,094 - $8,447
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 Colorado Springs.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Colorado. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Colorado Springs, CO
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Colorado Springs, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $481 - $4,810 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $192 - $1,154/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $289 - $2,309 |
| 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 | $962 - $2,886 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,405 - $9,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $721 - $1,369 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $962 - $2,405 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $770 - $3,367 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $289 - $1,443 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $625 - $1,924 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $289 - $14,430+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $289 - $3,367+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Colorado Springs?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
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 Colorado Springs, CO
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, cost between $1,095 and $3,408. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Colorado Springs:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,095 - $1,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,364 - $2,758
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,809 - $3,408
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $72 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $144 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Colorado Springs, CO, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $673 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Colorado 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 $1,095. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,364 - $2,758, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Colorado Springs?
- 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 Colorado Springs, CO
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 741 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, running $523 - $1,429. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $227 - $259
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Colorado Springs based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $523 - $1,004
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $583 - $1,204
- 4+ bedrooms: $714 - $1,429
Pro tip: The base rate of $523 - $1,429 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Colorado Springs. Fuel ($227 - $259) , lodging at around $144/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $227 - $259 for the 741-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $673.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 741-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $144 per night, adding $289 - $433 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $48 and $289.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Colorado Springs?
- 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 Colorado Springs, CO
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,068 and $2,250.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Colorado Springs:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,035 - $1,737
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,068 - $2,250
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,583 - $2,927
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 $72 - $144 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $673.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Colorado Springs?
- 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: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Colorado Springs, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 110 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,799/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $419,923 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $83,198/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 36/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 58.06/100 |
| 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 Colorado Springs, CO to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Colorado in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 36 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 741-mile route.
Our take
The 741-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Colorado Springs, CO, costs between $1,727 and $8,447 with full-service movers, $1,095 - $3,408 with a moving container, and $523 - $1,429 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 $2,416 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 XAware and Vectrus.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Colorado Springs, CO
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Colorado Springs, CO?
Costs on this route range from around $1,727 to $8,447, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,727 and $8,447, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Colorado Springs, CO?
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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs, CO 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 Colorado Springs?
For families, Briargate, Northgate, and Old North End are worth a look in Colorado Springs. If you're moving solo or without kids, Briargate, East Colorado Springs, and Northeast Colorado Springs tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
