($390+) Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Indianapolis, IN, runs anywhere from $390 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,277 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 477 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 $1,197, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,277 or more.
- Moving containers run $908 - $2,967, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $390 - $1,092.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Indianapolis, IN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,911 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 Indianapolis, IN
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Indianapolis: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,911 - $5,029. Moving containers run about 35% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 78% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 477-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 477-mile route from Des Moines to Indianapolis, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,197 for a studio up to $7,277 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $908 - $2,967 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $390 - $1,092, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $833 - $2,373, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN
Full-service movers for the 477-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $1,197 and $7,277. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $260 - $1,732, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Des Moines typically charge a base rate around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,197 - $3,929
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,911 - $5,029
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,408 - $7,277
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 Indianapolis.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Indianapolis, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $433 - $4,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $173 - $1,039/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $260 - $2,078 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $866 - $2,598 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,165 - $8,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $649 - $1,232 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $866 - $2,165 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $693 - $3,031 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $260 - $1,299 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $563 - $1,732 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $260 - $12,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $260 - $3,031+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Indianapolis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 Indianapolis with a local mover averages $1,968 - $5,179. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Des Moines, IA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,052 customers, 93.8% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $908 and $2,967. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $908 - $1,692
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,245 - $2,380
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,594 - $2,967
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $65 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $130 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 $606 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 Indianapolis, IN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Indiana 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 $908. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,245 - $2,380.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Indianapolis?
- 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:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Indianapolis, Indiana, range from $390 - $1,092 for the 477-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $131 - $150
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- 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 Indianapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $390 - $735
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $420 - $889
- 4+ bedrooms: $538 - $1,092
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Indianapolis starts at $390 - $1,092, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($131 - $150), overnight lodging ($130/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $131 - $150 for the 477-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $606.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 477-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $130 per night, adding $260 - $390 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $43 and $260.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Indianapolis?
- 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 Indianapolis, IN
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Indianapolis, Indiana.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $969 and $1,739.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $833 - $1,492
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $969 - $1,739
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,262 - $2,373
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $65 and $130.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $606.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Indianapolis?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Indianapolis. 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 Indianapolis, IN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Des Moines and Indianapolis to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 86. Average rent: $1,150/mo vs. $1,399/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 31. Safety index: 57.8 vs. 39.29.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Indiana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 67 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 477-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Indianapolis, IN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,197 for a studio to $7,277 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 477-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $908 - $2,967. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $390 - $1,092, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,911 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Anthem and Eli Lilly and Company.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Indianapolis, IN
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN?
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 $420 - $889. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($131 - $150), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $130/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN?
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 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.