($340+) Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $333 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,479 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 333 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,148, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,479 or more.
- Moving containers run $869 - $2,718, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $333 - $931.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,835 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 Chicago, IL
Moving options from Des Moines to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,835 - $5,104 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 333-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 333-mile route from Des Moines to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,148 - $3,689 with full-service movers, $869 - $1,571 with a container, $333 - $638 with a rental truck, or $806 - $1,428 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,835 - $5,104 full-service, $1,134 - $2,227 by container, $376 - $763 by rental truck, or $898 - $1,782 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,709 - $6,479 full-service, $1,469 - $2,718 by container, $467 - $931 by rental truck, or $1,250 - $2,310 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 Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,148 and $6,479. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 333-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $284 - $1,892, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,148 - $3,689
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,835 - $5,104
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,709 - $6,479
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 Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Illinois. 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 Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $473 - $4,730 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $189 - $1,135/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $284 - $2,270 |
| 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 | $946 - $2,838 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,365 - $9,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $709 - $1,346 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $946 - $2,365 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $757 - $3,311 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $284 - $1,419 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $615 - $1,892 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $284 - $14,190+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $284 - $3,311+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in Des Moines, IA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,835 - $5,104. A local mover in Des Moines, IA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 251 customers, 91.6% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $869 and $2,718. 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 Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $869 - $1,571
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,134 - $2,227
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,469 - $2,718
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $142 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $662 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Illinois 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 $869. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,134 - $2,227, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Chicago?
- 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 Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $333 - $931 for the 333-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $100 - $115
- 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 Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $333 - $638
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $376 - $763
- 4+ bedrooms: $467 - $931
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Chicago starts at $333 - $931, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($100 - $115) , overnight lodging ($142/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $142 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $61 and $307 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $100 - $115 in fuel for the 333-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $662 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Chicago?
- 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 Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chicago, Illinois, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $898 and $1,782.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $806 - $1,428
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $898 - $1,782
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,250 - $2,310
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $71 - $142 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $662.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- 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 operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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 Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 33.87/100 |
| 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 Chicago, IL 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 Illinois, 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 333-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,148 - $6,479 on the 333-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $869 - $2,718, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $333 - $931. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,835 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Chicago, IL
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($100 - $115), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $142/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,148 to $6,479, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,148 and $6,479, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL?
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 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.
