($680+) Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $721 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,480 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,014 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 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 $2,321, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,480 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,231 - $3,985, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $721 - $1,808.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,776 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 Washington DC, MD
Moving options from Des Moines to Washington DC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,776 - $6,407 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 1,014 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,014-mile route from Des Moines to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,321 for a studio up to $8,480 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,231 - $3,985 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $721 - $1,808, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,097 - $3,286, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $2,321 and $8,480. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,014-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $338 - $2,252, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Washington DC. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,321 - $5,126
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,776 - $6,407
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,243 - $8,480
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 Washington DC.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Maryland. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Washington DC, 93% 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 Washington DC?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Maryland Motor Truck 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,231 and $3,985. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,231 - $2,223
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,632 - $2,966
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,180 - $3,985
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Des Moines, IA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $788, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $84 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $169 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Washington DC, MD, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Maryland 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 $1,231. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,632 - $2,966, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Washington DC?
- 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 Washington DC, MD
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,014 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Washington DC, Maryland, running $721 - $1,808. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $363 - $415
- 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 Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $721 - $1,264
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $749 - $1,517
- 4+ bedrooms: $988 - $1,808
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $721 - $1,808 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Washington DC. Fuel alone runs ($363 - $415) , 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 $363 - $415 for the 1,014-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 1,014-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 Washington DC?
- 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 Washington DC, MD
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Washington DC, Maryland, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,230 and $2,497.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,097 - $2,041
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,230 - $2,497
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,710 - $3,286
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $84 and $169.
- 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 $788.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Washington DC quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Washington DC, MD
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Washington DC, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Washington DC, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 151 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $594,337 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $101,027/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 39.63/100 |
| 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 Washington DC, MD 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 Maryland, 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 1,014-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Washington DC, MD, 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 $2,321 - $8,480 on the 1,014-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,231 - $3,985, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $721 - $1,808. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,776 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 Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Washington DC, MD
What are the best neighborhoods in Washington DC?
For families, AU-Tenleytown, Chevy Chase, and Cleveland Park are worth a look in Washington DC. If you're moving solo or without kids, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, and Cleveland Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Washington DC?
Washington DC has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 70, 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 Washington DC a safe place to live?
Washington DC has a safety index of 39.63 out of 100 and a crime index of 60.37, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD?
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 is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Washington DC, MD?
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 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.
