Top-rated movers to make your Des Moines to Gainesville move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Gainesville can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 13 top local movers in Des Moines who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Des Moines to Gainesville.
- 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 Gainesville?
In Iowa, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,207 – $4,995 | $941 – $2,108 | $756 – $1,444 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,633 – $6,597 | $1,685 – $3,355 | $793 – $1,717 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,535 – $8,699 | $2,262 – $4,447 | $1,029 – $2,094 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Gainesville
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Gainesville from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,207 and $4,995. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,633 to $6,597 for the trip from Des Moines to Gainesville. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,535 and $8,699.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Gainesville
Moving containers from Des Moines to Gainesville will cost you $941 to $2,108 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,685 to $3,355. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,262 to $4,447. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Gainesville
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Gainesville typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $756 and $1,444 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $793 to $1,717. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,029 to $2,094.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Gainesville move
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,516 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,274 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $756 to $1,991, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Gainesville
Many movers find Gainesville easier on the wallet than Des Moines – roughly 9% less for singles and 20% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,727 for one person in Gainesville versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it’s $3,491 compared with $4,380.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Des Moines | Gainesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,444 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $288,002 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $59,013 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,727 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $3,491 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Gainesville? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 39% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Gainesville are about 50% higher than those in Des Moines.
- In terms of average income, Gainesville and Des Moines are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Gainesville, as the cost of living for a single person is 9% lower compared to Des Moines.
- A move to Gainesville can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 20% less than what it costs in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Gainesville is about 25% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Gainesville and Des Moines (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Gainesville:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Gainesville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $310.42 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $49.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.70 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $45.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Gainesville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Gainesville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Gainesville.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Gainesville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Gainesville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Gainesville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Gainesville.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Gainesville
| Des Moines | Gainesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 141,085 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 69 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 52.61 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Gainesville’s population is about 80% less than Des Moines.
- Gainesville’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Gainesville is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville 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.
- Gainesville’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 8.0 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Gainesville is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 52.61 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Gainesville is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Gainesville move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Florida’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Gainesville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Gainesville
Planning your move to Gainesville? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Gainesville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Duckpond
- Midtown
- Northwest Gainesville
- Sugarfoot
- Suburban Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Gainesville
- Duckpond
- Haile Plantation
- Eastside
Things to do in Gainesville
After settling into your new Florida home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Gainesville has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Gainesville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Florida Museum of Natural History, Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, and Matheson History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Depot Park, and Kanapaha Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Florida Gators (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Gainesville?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Gainesville? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Gainesville?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Gainesville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Gainesville take?
The 1,231-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Gainesville, , typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Gainesville.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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