($652+) Des Moines, IA to Wilmington, DE Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Wilmington, DE, runs anywhere from $652 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,669 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,069 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,222, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,669 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,149 - $3,885, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $652 - $1,922.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Wilmington, DE. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,561 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 Wilmington, DE
Moving options from Des Moines to Wilmington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,561 - $5,988 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 71% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,069-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,069-mile route from Des Moines to Wilmington, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,222 for a studio up to $7,669 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,149 - $3,885 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $652 - $1,922, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,022 - $3,140, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Wilmington, DE
For the 1,069-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wilmington, Delaware, full-service movers cost between $2,222 and $7,669. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $281 - $1,876 (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 Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,222 - $5,052
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,561 - $5,988
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,068 - $7,669
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 Wilmington.
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 Wilmington, DE
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Wilmington, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $469 - $4,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $188 - $1,126/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $281 - $2,251 |
| 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 | $938 - $2,814 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,345 - $9,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $703 - $1,335 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $938 - $2,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $750 - $3,283 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $281 - $1,407 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $610 - $1,876 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $281 - $14,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $281 - $3,283+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Wilmington?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Wilmington, DE
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wilmington, Delaware, cost between $1,149 and $3,885. 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 Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,149 - $2,269
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,583 - $2,917
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,934 - $3,885
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 $657 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 $70 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $141 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 Wilmington, DE, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Delaware 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 $1,149. 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 $1,583 - $2,917.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Wilmington?
- 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 Wilmington, DE
A rental truck for this 1,069-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wilmington, Delaware, costs between $652 and $1,922. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $319 - $365
- Daily insurance: $28/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 Wilmington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $652 - $1,353
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $748 - $1,594
- 4+ bedrooms: $903 - $1,922
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Wilmington starts at $652 - $1,922, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($319 - $365), overnight lodging ($141/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $141 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Des Moines, Iowa, usually costs about $657 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,069-mile drive falls between $319 and $365, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $47 and $281 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Wilmington?
- 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 Wilmington, DE
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wilmington, Delaware. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $844 and $2,310.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,022 - $2,023
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,171 - $2,310
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,613 - $3,140
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $70 and $141.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $657.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Wilmington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Wilmington, DE
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Wilmington, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 104 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,812/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $224,861 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $55,269/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 6.6% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 74/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 32.68/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Wilmington, DE to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Delaware 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 67 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 1,069-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Wilmington, DE, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,222 - $7,669 on the 1,069-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,149 - $3,885 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $652 - $1,922 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,561 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Nestle and DuPont.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Wilmington, DE
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Wilmington, DE?
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 $748 - $1,594. 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 Wilmington, DE?
Costs on this route range from around $652 to $7,669, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,222 and $7,669, 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 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 Wilmington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Delaware?
Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.