($497+) Des Moines, IA to Denver, CO Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Denver, CO, runs anywhere from $507 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,774 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 670 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 $1,647, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,774 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,019 - $3,377, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $507 - $1,308.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Denver, CO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,223 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 Denver, CO
Moving options from Des Moines to Denver 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 $2,223 - $5,542 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 670 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 670-mile route from Des Moines to Denver, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,647 - $4,313 with full-service movers, $1,019 - $1,920 with a container, $507 - $949 with a rental truck, or $974 - $1,694 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,223 - $5,542 full-service, $1,321 - $2,712 by container, $553 - $1,104 by rental truck, or $1,133 - $2,212 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,110 - $8,774 full-service, $1,912 - $3,377 by container, $655 - $1,308 by rental truck, or $1,414 - $2,785 by freight.
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 Denver, CO
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 670-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Denver, Colorado, with costs ranging from $1,647 - $8,774. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $310 - $2,068. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Denver. 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 Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,647 - $4,313
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,223 - $5,542
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,110 - $8,774
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 Denver.
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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Denver, CO
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Denver, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $517 - $5,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $207 - $1,241/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $310 - $2,482 |
| 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 | $1,034 - $3,102 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,585 - $10,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $774 - $1,471 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,034 - $2,585 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $827 - $3,619 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $310 - $1,551 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $672 - $2,068 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $310 - $15,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $310 - $3,619+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Denver?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Denver, CO
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Denver, Colorado, cost between $1,019 and $3,377. 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 Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,019 - $1,920
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,321 - $2,712
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,912 - $3,377
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $155 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Denver, 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 $724 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 $1,019. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,321 - $2,712, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Denver?
- 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 Denver, CO
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 670 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Denver, Colorado, running $507 - $1,308. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $220 - $252
- 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 Denver based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $507 - $949
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $553 - $1,104
- 4+ bedrooms: $655 - $1,308
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Denver starts at $507 - $1,308, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($220 - $252) , overnight lodging ($155/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $220 - $252 for the 670-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 $724.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 670-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $155 per night, adding $310 - $465 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $310.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Denver?
- 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 Denver, CO
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 Denver, Colorado.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,133 and $2,212.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $974 - $1,694
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,133 - $2,212
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,414 - $2,785
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $724.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $155 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Denver?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Denver fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Denver, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Denver, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 128 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,900/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $586,595 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $91,681/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 95/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 52.16/100 |
| 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 Denver, 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 670-mile route.
Our take
The 670-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Denver, CO, costs between $1,647 and $8,774 with full-service movers, $1,019 - $3,377 with a moving container, and $507 - $1,308 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 $2,223 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 Re/max and DaVita.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Denver, CO
What are the best neighborhoods in Denver?
For families, Berkeley, Fort Logan, and Hilltop are worth a look in Denver. If you're moving solo or without kids, Capitol Hill, Five Points, and Highland tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Denver?
Denver has a walkability score of 95 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 96, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Denver a safe place to live?
Denver has a safety index of 52.16 out of 100 and a crime index of 47.84, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Denver, 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 is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Denver, CO?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.
