Top-rated movers to make your Des Moines to Wichita move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Wichita 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 Wichita.
- 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 Wichita?
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 | $1,004 – $2,900 | $625 – $1,526 | $334 – $626 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,802 – $4,602 | $1,108 – $2,098 | $374 – $795 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,974 – $6,568 | $1,528 – $2,869 | $470 – $907 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Wichita
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Wichita from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,004 and $2,900. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,802 to $4,602 for the trip from Des Moines to Wichita. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,974 and $6,568.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Wichita
Moving containers from Des Moines to Wichita will cost you $625 to $1,526 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,108 to $2,098. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,528 to $2,869. 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 Wichita
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Wichita typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $334 and $626 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $374 to $795. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $470 to $907.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Wichita move
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,446 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,636 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 $334 to $794, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Wichita
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Wichita runs about 11% higher for singles and 33% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,107 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,818 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Wichita | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $979 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $1,920 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $190,905 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $60,712 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,107 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,818 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.7% |
- When relocating from Des Moines to Wichita, expect to find rent about 19% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- Home pricing is relatively consistent, with less than a 5% difference between Wichita and Des Moines, making significant budget changes unnecessary unless you opt for a larger space.
- In terms of average income, Wichita and Des Moines are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Wichita, as living costs for a single person are 11% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Wichita, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Wichita is 33% higher than in Des Moines.
- With Wichita and Des Moines having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
- Sales taxes in Wichita are 7% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Kansas are 30% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Wichita:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $319.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $54.23 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.05 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $46.88 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Wichita, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Wichita.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Wichita.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Wichita.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Wichita.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Wichita.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Wichita.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Wichita
| Des Moines | Wichita | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 397,532 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 44 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 49.19 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 50.81 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Wichita’s population is about 43% less than Des Moines.
- Wichita’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Wichita is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 44 out of 100, Wichita 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.
- Wichita’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 49.19 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Wichita neighborhoods are safer than 49.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Wichita is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 50.81 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Wichita is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Wichita 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: In Kansas, the Transportation Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission monitors, licenses, and regulates intrastate motor carriers like movers. The state’s Corporation Commission issues moving companies operating authority in the form of KCC Numbers, which customers can verify online here before hiring a mover. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Kansas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Kansas 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 Wichita. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you’re hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Wichita
Planning your move to Air Capital of the World? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Wichita.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sleepy Hollow
- Riverside
- Cottonwood Village
- Delano
- College Hill
- Uptown
Best neighborhoods for families
- College Hill
- Courtland
- Village
- Crown Heights
- Sleepy Hollow
- Uptown
Things to do in Wichita
After settling into your new Kansas home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Wichita has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Wichita features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Old Cowtown Museum, Exploration Place, Museum of World Treasures, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Sedgwick Park, Harrison Park, and Osage 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 Wichita Thunder (ECHL)Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A Central)Wichita Wings (MASL 2)Wichita State University Shockers (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Wichita?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Wichita? 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 Wichita?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Wichita 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 Wichita take?
The 391-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Wichita, , typically takes one to four 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 Wichita.
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
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!