($883+) Des Moines, IA to Boston, MA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Boston, MA, runs anywhere from $892 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,564 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,300 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,231, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,564 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,342 - $4,723, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $892 - $2,354.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Boston, MA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,977 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 Boston, MA
Moving options from Des Moines to Boston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,977 - $7,036 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,300 miles, this route usually takes 3 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,300-mile route from Des Moines to Boston, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,231 - $5,379 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,342 - $2,624), rental truck ($892 - $1,590), or freight trailer ($1,231 - $2,226). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,977 - $7,036 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,564.
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 Boston, MA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,300-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Boston, Massachusetts, with costs ranging from $2,231 - $9,564. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $338 - $2,252. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Boston. Local movers in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,231 - $5,379
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,977 - $7,036
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,084 - $9,564
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 Boston.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Massachusetts. 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 Boston, MA
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Boston, 96% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $563 - $5,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $225 - $1,351/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $338 - $2,702 |
| 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 | $1,126 - $3,378 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,815 - $11,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $843 - $1,602 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,126 - $2,815 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $901 - $3,941 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $338 - $1,689 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $732 - $2,252 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $338 - $16,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $338 - $3,941+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Boston?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Massachusetts Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Boston, MA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Boston, Massachusetts, cost between $1,342 and $4,723. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Boston. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,342 - $2,624
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,747 - $3,344
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,370 - $4,723
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Boston, MA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $788 in Des Moines, IA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $84 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $169 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Massachusetts 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 $1,342. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,747 - $3,344, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Boston?
- 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 Boston, MA
Plan on $892 - $2,354 for a rental moving truck on the 1,300-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Boston, Massachusetts. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $466 - $532
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Boston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $892 - $1,590
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $918 - $1,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,097 - $2,354
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $892 - $2,354 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Boston. Fuel alone runs ($466 - $532) , and overnight lodging ($169/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $466 - $532 for the 1,300-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 $788.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,300-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $169 per night, adding $338 - $507 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $56 and $338.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Boston?
- 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 Boston, MA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Boston, Massachusetts. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,013 and $2,703.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,231 - $2,226
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,467 - $2,703
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,877 - $3,816
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $788.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $84 - $169 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Boston?
- 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Boston fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Boston, MA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Boston, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 151 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $3,400/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $710,400 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $94,755/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 9.0% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 98/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 60.12/100 |
| 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 Boston, MA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Massachusetts, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 36 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 1,300-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Boston, MA, 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 $2,231 - $9,564 on the 1,300-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,342 - $4,723, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $892 - $2,354. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,977 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include General Electric and Fidelity Investments.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Boston, MA
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Boston run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Massachusetts?
Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each.
What are the best neighborhoods in Boston?
For families, Charlestown, East Boston, and Hyde Park are worth a look in Boston. If you're moving solo or without kids, Allston-Brighton, Back Bay-Beacon Hill, and East Boston tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Boston?
Boston has a walkability score of 98 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 86, 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.
Is Boston a safe place to live?
Boston has a safety index of 60.12 out of 100 and a crime index of 39.88, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
