Quick answer: The cost to move from Des Moines to Columbus ranges from $802 to $7,010 and the journey will take approximately two to seven days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 994-mile move on your own.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbus to Des Moines guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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Best movers by type

Choosing an interstate mover from Des Moines, IA, to Columbus, GA, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Des Moines, there are 9 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.

Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Des Moines, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Des Moines you can trust with your Des Moines to Columbus relocation.

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Professional
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Columbus

When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Des Moines to Columbus, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.

Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Des Moines to Columbus without the headaches.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in Des Moines?toggle

Availability varies a lot by market. Use this table to see how common each service is among movers in Des Moines, compared to all of IA and nationwide, so you can spot what’s easy to book and what may take extra planning.

Service Des Moines (Count) Des Moines (%) Iowa (Count) Iowa (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 12 92% 29 97% 2834 98%
Unpacking 12 92% 29 97% 2799 97%
Fragile-only packing 4 31% 8 27% 717 25%
Packing materials 11 85% 24 80% 1683 58%
Storage
Storage 8 62% 23 77% 2500 87%
Climate-controlled storage 1 8% 5 17% 975 34%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 8 62% 17 57% 1885 65%
Art 7 54% 17 57% 1399 48%
Antiques 6 46% 14 47% 1400 48%
Piano 10 77% 22 73% 2174 75%
Hot tub 2 15% 3 10% 669 23%
Pool table 3 23% 7 23% 942 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to GA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 24 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Find trusted moving companies for your Des Moines to Columbus journey

Organizing a move from Des Moines to Columbus can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?

We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Des Moines known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Des Moines to Columbus.

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  3. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  4. Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
  5. Lint Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/TwoMenAndATruckDesMoines, https://twitter.com/TwoMenDesMoines
92% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck earns its reputation for being fast, careful, and professional, with 92% of customer feedback praising efficient service, attention to detail, and courteous movers. Most people said the crews worked quickly, handled belongings with care, communicated well, and made moving less stressful. Many customers noted the movers were polite, helpful, and followed directions accurately, setting them apart from less organized competitors.
Some even reported coming in under budget due to team efficiency, and highlighted transparent pricing and great office support. Negative feedback primarily cited issues with item damage, inexperienced movers, and unexpected costs. A small number of reviewers mentioned poor packing, lack of effort to resolve damages, and occasional rude remarks, especially in more complex moves. While damage to belongings arose more often than other negatives, the vast majority of feedback still positions this company as one of the most reliably consistent options for moving services in the region.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Company Info

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/Allmightymovers/,
64% of all reviews were positive
36% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast, affordable, and careful—most customer feedback praises All Mighty Movers LLC for their quick moving process, professional crews, and attentive handling of belongings. Out of 25 reviews analyzed, 64% are positive, often highlighting low rates, polite staff, and efficient service. Clients commonly appreciate how speedily and safely items were moved, noting that furniture and fragile goods arrived undamaged.
Many mention the company beats local competitors in both price and quality, thanks to thoughtful movers who keep an upbeat attitude even with challenging jobs. On the downside, 36% of feedback centers on inaccurate estimates, unexpected charges, and unclear communication, especially regarding additional fees and scheduling. Some customers feel misled when final costs exceeded quoted amounts. Compared to many moving companies, All Mighty Movers earns high marks for efficiency and pricing but leaves room to improve transparency and customer relations, especially for billing and communication during more complex moves.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 313-1395

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
https://www.facebook.com/adamantinespinemoving/,
100% of all reviews were positive
0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave reviews consistently place Adamantine Spine Moving at the top of moving services in Iowa and beyond. Analyzing 223 customer reviews, 99.6% of feedback highlights professionalism, efficient service, excellent communication, careful handling, and quick moving crews. Customers repeatedly mention that staff are polite, approachable, and make stressful moves easy with precise organization and prompt responses.
Quotes tend to be accurate, crews are well-trained, and moves large or small are handled with care. Compared to larger moving firms, Adamantine stands out for its hard-working teams and reliable pricing, with many clients calling the experience the best they've had. The only significant complaint noted involves a billing discrepancy where the final charge was much higher than the initial estimate, and the situation wasn't resolved effectively. This single negative input strongly contrasts the otherwise outstanding reputation. Adamantine’s client input sets it apart from typical moving companies and makes it a top recommendation for anyone looking for trusted moving professionals.
Show more
Get a Quote (319) 519-0154

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
https://www.facebook.com/SelectVanMoving/, https://x.com/mayflowermoving
68% of all reviews were positive
29% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Select Van & Storage Co. comes with strong benefits, as most customer feedback praises their professional and polite staff, quick moving process, and efficient service. Out of 34 reviews, over two-thirds are positive, highlighting helpful movers who keep pricing transparent, and jobs often completed faster or under budget compared to competitors. Customers frequently describe interactions as courteous, emphasize smooth experiences, and value responsive communication.
Some reviewers appreciated a detailed and upfront estimate process as well as careful handling of items. On the downside, many negative reports focus on late or unreliable deliveries, occasional damage or loss of items, and frustrating lapses in communication. Delayed pickups, items left behind, and slow claim responses stand out as key drawbacks when compared to top moving services. Input shows Select Van & Storage excels with professionalism and efficient handling, but clients looking for guaranteed timeliness and consistent communication may want to confirm all details before booking.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 223-8329

Company Info

Years in Business: 79

DOT #: 1098759

Alternate Names: Mayflower


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/pages/lint%20van%20lines,%20dsm,Ia/218222321536290/,
92% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Lint Van Lines means your belongings are in the hands of a reliable and dedicated team. After evaluating 226 pieces of customer feedback, 91.6% were positive, reflecting a strong reputation for professionalism, efficiency, careful item handling, consistent communication, and speedy moves. Clients praised courteous staff and the stress-free organization, making long and local relocations easier than expected.
On the downside, some experienced frustration from damaged items and delayed or poorly communicated deliveries, making claims difficult to resolve in a few cases. Compared to the moving industry, Lint Van Lines stands out for service quality and responsiveness but should improve consistency during claims and post-move support to satisfy every customer.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 265-8161

Company Info

Years in Business: 65

DOT #: 543541

Alternate Names: Lint Van Lines


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Columbus?

Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,411 - $5,383 $944 - $2,324 $734 - $1,337
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,911 - $7,010 $1,662 - $3,501 $802 - $1,672
4+ bedrooms $4,652 - $9,423 $2,171 - $4,297 $1,006 - $2,034
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 994 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Georgia

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Georgia will cost between $1,411 and $5,383. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to GA will range from $2,911 to $7,010, and a large move from Iowa to Georgia will cost from $4,652 to $9,423.

Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Georgia

Moving containers from Iowa to Georgia will cost you $944 to $2,324 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,662 to $3,501. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,171 to $4,297. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Georgia

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $734 and $1,337. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $802 and $1,672. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,006 up to $2,034 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Columbus movetoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Columbus might cost as little as $1,411, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,031.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Des Moines, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $734 to $1,844 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Columbus

Looking to trim monthly costs? Columbus usually runs cheaper than Des Moines — about 8% for singles and 12% for families.

Singles average $2,041 in Columbus vs. $1,891 in Des Moines; families see $3,834 vs. $4,380.

The breakdown below shows where those savings appear:

Des Moines Columbus
Average 1 BR rent $1,229 $1,250
Average 3 BR rent $1,763 $1,400
Average home value $192,347 $157,861
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $50,542
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.0%
State income tax 4.4% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 4% lower than in Des Moines, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
    Home prices in Columbus are 17.9% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Columbus is 13.6% lower than in Des Moines, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus — including Aflac, TSYS, and Synovus — may pay more.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 7.9% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • A move to Columbus 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 12.5% less than what it costs in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 10.17% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbus, since its sales taxes are 28.57% higher than what you are paying in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 24.77% higher than in Des Moines.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Columbus.

Des Moines Columbus
Basic utilities $144.82 $211.4
Cell phone plan $51.25 $40.33
Dozen eggs $3.61 $2.24
Loaf of bread $2.5 $3.52
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $16 $18
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $77.5 $50
Gym membership $66.67 $10
  • Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Columbus.
  • Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Columbus.
  • Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Columbus.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Columbus.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Columbus.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Columbus.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Columbus

Columbus Des Moines
Population 206,922 699,292
Transportation Score 2 5
Walkability score 25 45
Bike friendliness score 31 39
Crime Index 72.18 5.0
Safety Index 27.82 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 70% less than Des Moines.
  • Getting around Columbus without a car might be more difficult than in Des Moines. Columbus has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Des Moines is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Columbus neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Des Moines. Based on its score of 25 out of 100, Columbus isn't as walkable as Des Moines, which has a score of 45 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Columbus, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Des Moines. While Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, Columbus earned a 31. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • The crime rate in Columbus is higher than in Des Moines, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 72.18 in Columbus, it is 5.0 in Des Moines. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Columbus. With a crime index of 27.82, Columbus ranks lower in overall safety than Des Moines, whose index is 57.8. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Columbus and Des Moines is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Columbus move

  • Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Georgia, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbus Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Columbus

Now that you've decided to make the move to Lowell of the South[, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbus.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • MidTown
  • Uptown
  • Downtown Columbus
  • Overlook
  • Lakebottom

Best neighborhoods for families

  • North Columbus
  • Brookstone
  • Green Island Hills
  • MidTown
  • Ivy Park

Things to do in Columbus

Now that you've made the move to Georgia it's the perfect time to explore Columbus From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, and The Lunch Box Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Flat Rock Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Columbus Lions (NAL), Columbus River Dragons (FPHL), Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL), or Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Columbus?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Columbus are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines. are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Columbus 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 Columbus take?

Moving from Des Moines, IA to Columbus, GA covers 994 miles and usually takes two to seven days Need to move faster? Some Des Moines movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbus.

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 22 piano movers and 14 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2174 and 1400 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.

Helpful moving resources