$1,426 Movers From Des Moines, IA to Michigan
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Michigan averages from $587 to $6,576 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a professional Des Moines moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Michigan to Des Moines, IA guide.
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Michigan resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Michigan. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best Des Moines, IA to Michigan movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Des Moines to Michigan.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Des Moines, IA to Michigan car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 597 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best Des Moines to Michigan moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from Des Moines to Michigan is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to Michigan.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
|
|
|
|
|
|
rating
If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Michigan?
Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Des Moines to Michigan:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,426 - $3,995 | $833 - $1,969 | $529 - $976 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,432 - $6,576 | $1,400 - $2,890 | $587 - $1,123 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,434 - $9,704 | $1,985 - $3,840 | $691 - $1,440 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 597 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Michigan will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Des Moines, IA to Michigan?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Michigan will cost between $1,426 to $3,995. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Des Moines to MI will range from $2,432 to $6,576, and a large move from Des Moines to Michigan will cost from $4,434 to $9,704.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Des Moines, IA to Michigan?
Moving pods from Des Moines to Michigan will cost you $833 to $1,969. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,400 to $2,890. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,985 to $3,840. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Des Moines to Michigan.
How much is a moving truck from Des Moines, IA 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 $529 to $976. A larger move will cost $587 to $1,123, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Des Moines to Michigan costs from $691 to $1,440.
Is moving from Des Moines, IA to Michigan a good idea?
If you’re moving to Michigan from Des Moines, IA, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Michigan
| Des Moines, IA | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,150 | $892 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $232,380 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $68,505 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.25% |
Michigan sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 32% less expensive in Michigan than in Des Moines.
- Home prices are about 19.3% higher in Michigan than in Des Moines.
- The average income is about 14.2% higher in Michigan than in Des Moines.
- Michigan has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 56.3%.
- Income taxes are 3.41% lower in Michigan than in Des Moines.
How is life different in Des Moines, IA from Michigan?
| Des Moines, IA | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 10,034,113 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Democratic 59-48 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 34" |
| Annual snow | 33" | 64" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 18.76 |
Michigan sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Michigan is approximately 1,335% greater than the population of Des Moines.
- In the last presidential election, Michigan voted Democratic and Des Moines voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Michigan is 81ºF and in Des Moines, it’s 86ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Michigan reaches the temperature of 14ºF and Des Moines gets down to 13ºF.
- You can expect about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Michigan vs 36 inches of rainfall in Des Moines.
- In Michigan, it snows about 64 inches annually vs 33 inches of snow in Des Moines.
- Michigan has a higher crime rate than Des Moines with a crime index of 18.76 vs 5.0.
Considerations for moving to Michigan
- Weather: Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section..
- 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 you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Michigan. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Des Moines movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
|
Get A Quote |
 
|
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 (515) 216-3654 |
| Black Belt Movers | Get A Quote |
|
1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA, 50023 (515) 393-4253 |
| Iowa Moving 1 | Get A Quote |
|
2958 99th St., Ste. 5, Des Moines, IA, 50322 (515) 975-2840 |
Visit our best movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Michigan?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Michigan.
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
- Michigan History Center
- Impression 5 Science Center
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- Colonial Michilimackinac
- USS Silversides Submarine Museum
- Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum
- The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
- Ziibiwing Center
- R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
- Castle Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
- 6. Ludington State Park
- 8. Windmill Island Gardens
- 9. Belle Isle Park
- 10. Headlands International Dark Sky Park
- 11. Gaylord's City Elk Park
- 12. Tunnel Park
- 13. Creasey Bicentennial Park
- 14. Riverwalk Pier
- 15. Lakenenland Sculpture Park
Sports Teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
- Michigan State Spartans (NCAA)
- Michigan Wolverines (NCAA)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
- Grand Valley State University
- Calvin University
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
- Central Michigan University
- Oakland University
- Eastern Michigan University
- Ferris State University
- Northern Michigan University
- Hillsdale College
- Hope College
Moving from Des Moines to Michigan FAQs
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Michigan?
Many people are moving to Michigan because of scenic beauty and good higher education.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Des Moines?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.
