($741+) Des Moines, IA to Wilmington, DE Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Wilmington, DE, runs anywhere from $727 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,388 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,176, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,388 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,255 - $3,993, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $727 - $1,998.
- 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 $2,580 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Wilmington: 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 $2,580 - $6,672. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,069 miles, expect 2 to 8 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 1,069-mile route from Des Moines to Wilmington, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,176 - $5,408 with full-service movers, $1,255 - $2,314 with a container, $727 - $1,326 with a rental truck, or $1,173 - $2,063 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,580 - $6,672 full-service, $1,550 - $3,252 by container, $800 - $1,593 by rental truck, or $1,318 - $2,526 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,673 - $8,388 full-service, $2,159 - $3,993 by container, $947 - $1,998 by rental truck, or $1,727 - $3,362 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 Wilmington, DE
For the 1,069-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wilmington, Delaware, full-service movers cost between $2,176 and $8,388. 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: $2,176 - $5,408
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,580 - $6,672
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,673 - $8,388
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Delaware. 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 Wilmington, DE
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Wilmington, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $469 - $4,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% 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 coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% 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 items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $938 - $2,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $750 - $3,283 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $281 - $1,407 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $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 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 Wilmington, DE
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wilmington, Delaware, cost between $1,255 and $3,993. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,255 - $2,314
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,550 - $3,252
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,159 - $3,993
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $70 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $141 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Wilmington, DE, 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 $657 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 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 $1,255. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,550 - $3,252, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- 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 Wilmington, DE
Plan on $727 - $1,998 for a rental moving truck on the 1,069-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Wilmington, Delaware. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $727 - $1,326
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $800 - $1,593
- 4+ bedrooms: $947 - $1,998
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Wilmington starts at $727 - $1,998, 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 an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $657.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $319 - $365 for the 1,069-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $56 and $305, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $141 per night for hotel stops on the 1,069-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $281 - $422.
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 $2,526.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,173 - $2,063
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,318 - $2,526
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,727 - $3,362
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $657.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $70 - $141 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Wilmington. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Delaware, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 36 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 1,069-mile move.
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 $2,176 - $8,388 on the 1,069-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,255 - $3,993 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $727 - $1,998 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,580 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($319 - $365), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $141/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 $800 - $1,593. 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 $2,176 to $8,388, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,176 and $8,388, 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 3 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.
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.
