($278+) Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Minneapolis, MN, runs anywhere from $278 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,864 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 244 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $919, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,864 or more.
- Moving containers run $804 - $2,391, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $278 - $729.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Minneapolis, MN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,435 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from Des Moines to Minneapolis 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 $1,435 - $4,421 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 26% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 79% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 244 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 244-mile route from Des Moines to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $919 - $3,648 with full-service movers, $804 - $1,382 with a container, $278 - $514 with a rental truck, or $767 - $1,296 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,435 - $4,421 full-service, $1,068 - $1,976 by container, $301 - $561 by rental truck, or $837 - $1,517 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,061 - $5,864 full-service, $1,392 - $2,391 by container, $357 - $729 by rental truck, or $1,070 - $2,053 by freight.
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 Minneapolis, MN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 244-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with costs ranging from $919 - $5,864. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $285 - $1,900. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $3,648
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,435 - $4,421
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,061 - $5,864
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 Minneapolis.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Minneapolis, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $475 - $4,750 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $190 - $1,140/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $285 - $2,280 |
| 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 | $950 - $2,850 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,375 - $9,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $712 - $1,352 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $950 - $2,375 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $760 - $3,325 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $285 - $1,425 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $618 - $1,900 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $285 - $14,250+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $285 - $3,325+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Minneapolis?
Movers licensed to operate in Minnesota are typically members of the Minnesota Transport Services Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Des Moines, IA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Minneapolis with a local mover averages $1,435 - $4,421. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Des Moines, IA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,052 customers, 93.8% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $804 and $2,391. 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 Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $804 - $1,382
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,068 - $1,976
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,391
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Minneapolis, MN. 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 $665 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 $71 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $143 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 Minnesota 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 $804. 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 $1,068 - $1,976.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Minneapolis?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 244 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, running $278 - $729. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $74 - $84
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $278 - $514
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $301 - $561
- 4+ bedrooms: $357 - $729
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Minneapolis starts at $278 - $729, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($74 - $84), overnight lodging ($143/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $74 - $84 for the 244-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 $665.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 244-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $143 per night, adding $285 - $428 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $48 and $285.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Minneapolis?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $837 and $1,517.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $767 - $1,296
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $837 - $1,517
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,070 - $2,053
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?
- 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 $665.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $71 and $143 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Minneapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Minneapolis, MN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Minneapolis, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 107 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,484/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $345,294 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $80,269/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 9.85% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 43.94/100 |
| 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 Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Minnesota in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 67 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 244-mile route.
Our take
The 244-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Minneapolis, MN, costs between $919 and $5,864 with full-service movers, $804 - $2,391 with a moving container, and $278 - $729 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,435 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Minneapolis, MN
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($74 - $84), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $143/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 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 is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN?
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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN?
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.
Is Minneapolis a safe place to live?
Minneapolis has a safety index of 43.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 56.06, 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 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.