($785+) Des Moines, IA to Boston, MA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Boston, MA, runs anywhere from $785 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,109 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,213, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,109 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,265 - $4,455, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $785 - $2,265.
- 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 $2,641 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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,641 - $6,766 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 67% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,300 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days.
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 | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,213 - $4,825 | $1,265 - $2,261 | $785 - $1,500 | $1,161 - $2,249 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,641 - $6,766 | $1,615 - $3,486 | $874 - $1,747 | $1,318 - $2,709 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,795 - $9,109 | $2,235 - $4,455 | $1,056 - $2,265 | $1,807 - $3,705 |
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 Boston, MA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,300-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Boston, Massachusetts, with prices running from $2,213 - $9,109. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $338 - $2,252 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Boston are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,213 - $4,825
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,641 - $6,766
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,795 - $9,109
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.
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 Boston, MA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Boston, 76% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $563 - $5,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% 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 coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% 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 items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $1,126 - $2,815 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $901 - $3,941 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $338 - $1,689 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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?
Massachusetts Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Massachusetts, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,265 and $4,455. 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 Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,265 - $2,261
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,615 - $3,486
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,235 - $4,455
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 $1,265. 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 $1,615 - $3,486.
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:
- 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 Boston, MA
A rental truck for this 1,300-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Boston, Massachusetts, costs between $785 and $2,265. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $785 - $1,500
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $874 - $1,747
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,056 - $2,265
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Boston starts at $785 - $2,265, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($466 - $532), overnight lodging ($169/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $84 and $394.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $169.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $466 and $532 for the 1,300-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $788 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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 well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Boston, Massachusetts, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,318 and $2,709.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,161 - $2,249
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,318 - $2,709
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,807 - $3,705
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $788.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $84 and $169 per foot.
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.
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 is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Massachusetts, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 67 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,300-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Boston, MA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,213 for a studio to $9,109 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,300-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,265 - $4,455. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $785 - $2,265, 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 $2,641 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 General Electric and Fidelity Investments.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Boston, MA
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 is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Boston, MA?
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 $874 - $1,747. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Boston, MA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 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 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.
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.