Quick answer: For a 534-mile move from Des Moines to Lansing, expect to spend around $505–$5,773 and one to six days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lansing to Des Moines guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Des Moines, IA, to Lansing, MI, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Des Moines, there are 9 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Des Moines, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Des Moines you can trust with your Des Moines to Lansing relocation.
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Lansing
Making the trip from Des Moines to Lansing is easier when you hire a full-service moving company to handle every stage of the relocation. From packing and loading to delivery and unpacking, they manage the process so you can focus on the bigger picture.
We’ve put together a list of the best full-service movers for this route to help you make the move with ease.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Des Moines?
How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to MI move
The best local movers servicing Des Moines to Lansing moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Lansing can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Des Moines who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Des Moines to Lansing.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Lint Van Lines: 4.2 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
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
Company Info
Years in Business: 79
DOT #: 1098759
Alternate Names: Mayflower
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 65
DOT #: 543541
Alternate Names: Lint Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Lansing?
Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,279 - $3,629 | $785 - $1,816 | $502 - $906 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,483 - $5,773 | $1,432 - $2,583 | $505 - $1,116 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,062 - $9,364 | $1,815 - $3,465 | $642 - $1,269 |
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Michigan
Planning a move from Iowa to Michigan? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,279 and $3,629. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,483 and $5,773 for the same journey (IA to MI). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,062 to $9,364.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Michigan
If you're relocating from Iowa to Michigan, you'll typically spend between $785 and $1,816 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,432 up to $2,583. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,815 and $3,465. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Michigan
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $502 to $906. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $505 to $1,116, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Iowa to Michigan costs around $642 to $1,269.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Lansing move
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Lansing
Budget-wise, Lansing tends to come out ahead — about 16% lower for singles and 4% lower for families than Des Moines.
One person’s costs run $1,595 in Lansing vs. $1,891 in Des Moines; for a family of four, think $4,199 vs. $4,380.
Scan the comparison below to see where you’ll save most:
- Rent prices in Lansing are 2% lower than in Des Moines, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
Home prices in Lansing are 22.8% lower than in Des Moines. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Lansing, where incomes are, on average, 10.7% higher than in Des Moines. Major employers in Lansing include Health Management Associates, Michigan State Police, and Sparrow Health System.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Lansing. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 15.7% lower than in Des Moines.
- A move to Lansing can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 4.1% less than what it costs in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Lansing is 25.42% higher than in Des Moines.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Lansing, since the city's sales taxes in Lansing are 14.29% lower than in Des Moines.
- One perk of moving to Lansing is paying less in state income taxes, which are 3.41% lower than in Des Moines.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Lansing.
Des Moines | Lansing | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $144.82 | $172.97 |
Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $46 |
Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.52 |
Loaf of bread | $2.5 | $2.91 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16 | $18 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.5 | $68.5 |
Gym membership | $66.67 | $31.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Lansing, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Lansing.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Lansing.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Lansing
Lansing | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Population | 112,644 | 699,292 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 46 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 55 | 39 |
Crime Index | 48.66 | 5.0 |
Safety Index | 51.34 | 57.8 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lansing's population is about 84% less than Des Moines.
- Lansing's public transportation has a similar score to Des Moines.
- Lansing and Des Moines are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Lansing 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 they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Lansing's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 48.66 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Lansing is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 51.34 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Lansing is good, and in Des Moines it's good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Lansing move
- Weather: Best months to consider moving in Lansing are August, July and June as these months have favorable weather. Summer in Lansing are one of the best in the country as the heat are not that extreme so it's still comfortable. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Michigan doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 Lansing. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lansing
Now that you've decided to make the move to Capital City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Lansing.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Haslett
- Waverly
- Edgemont Park
- DeWitt
- Mason
Best neighborhoods for families
- Okemos
- Haslett
- Waverly
- DeWitt Charter Township
- Holt
Things to do in Lansing
After settling into your new Michigan home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lansing has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Lansing, such as the Michigan History Center, Impression 5 Science Center, and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Woldumar Nature Center, Potter Park Zoo, Hawk Island Park, and River Trail — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Lansing Lugnuts (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Lansing?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Lansing are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Des Moines. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Lansing?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Lansing 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 Lansing take?
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Lansing, MI covers 534 miles and usually takes one to six days Need to move faster? Some Des Moines movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Lansing.
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 22 piano movers and 14 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2175 and 1400 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.