$1,028 Movers From Des Moines, IA to Illinois
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Illinois averages from $374 to $5,233 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a professional Des Moines moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Illinois to Des Moines, IA guide.
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Illinois resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Illinois. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best Des Moines, IA to Illinois movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Des Moines to Illinois.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Des Moines, IA to Illinois car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 277 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best Des Moines to Illinois moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from Des Moines to Illinois is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to Illinois.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Illinois?
Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Des Moines to Illinois:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,028 - $3,422 | $702 - $1,726 | $366 - $662 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,925 - $5,233 | $1,211 - $2,345 | $374 - $723 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,612 - $7,000 | $1,682 - $2,877 | $477 - $926 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 277 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.
The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Illinois will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Des Moines, IA to Illinois?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Illinois will cost between $1,028 to $3,422. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Des Moines to IL will range from $1,925 to $5,233, and a large move from Des Moines to Illinois will cost from $2,612 to $7,000.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Des Moines, IA to Illinois?
Moving pods from Des Moines to Illinois will cost you $702 to $1,726. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,211 to $2,345. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,682 to $2,877. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Des Moines to Illinois.
How much is a moving truck from Des Moines, IA to Illinois?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $366 to $662. A larger move will cost $374 to $723, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Des Moines to Illinois costs from $477 to $926.
Is moving from Des Moines, IA to Illinois a good idea?
If you’re moving to Illinois from Des Moines, IA, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Illinois
| Des Moines, IA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,150 | $1,038 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $78,433 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.6% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 14% less expensive in Illinois than in Des Moines.
- Home prices are about 27.4% higher in Illinois than in Des Moines.
- The average income is about 28.3% higher in Illinois than in Des Moines.
- Illinois has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 40.6%.
- Income taxes are 12.50% higher in Illinois than in Des Moines.
How is life different in Des Moines, IA from Illinois?
| Des Moines, IA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 12,582,032 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Democrat 58-41 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 33" | 22" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 18.79 |
Illinois sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Illinois is approximately 1,699% greater than the population of Des Moines.
- In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democrat and Des Moines voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Illinois is 86ºF and in Des Moines, it’s 86ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches the temperature of 17ºF and Des Moines gets down to 13ºF.
- You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois vs 36 inches of rainfall in Des Moines.
- In Illinois, it snows about 22 inches annually vs 33 inches of snow in Des Moines.
- Illinois has a higher crime rate than Des Moines with a crime index of 18.79 vs 5.0.
Considerations for moving to Illinois
- Weather: Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley".
- 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 you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Illinois. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Des Moines movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 (515) 216-3654 |
| Black Belt Movers | Get A Quote |
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1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA, 50023 (515) 393-4253 |
| Iowa Moving 1 | Get A Quote |
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2958 99th St., Ste. 5, Des Moines, IA, 50322 (515) 975-2840 |
Visit our best movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Illinois?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Illinois.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
- Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden
- World's Tallest Man Statue
- Halim Time & Glass Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Graue Mill & Museum
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
- Shawnee National Forest
- Castle Rock State Park
- Rock Cut State Park
- Giant city State Park
- Ferne Clyffe State Park
Sports Teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
- Chicago Red Stars (NWSL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
- DePaul University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Loyola University Chicago
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Illinois State University
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
- Western Illinois University
Moving from Des Moines to Illinois FAQs
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Des Moines?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.
