Top-rated local movers that handle Des Moines to Winston-Salem moves
When planning a move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 13 local movers in Des Moines who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Des Moines to Winston-Salem.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 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
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- 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
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem?
Movers in Iowa charge $128 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 | $1,223 – $5,028 | $817 – $2,051 | $634 – $1,291 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,543 – $5,922 | $1,450 – $2,856 | $735 – $1,475 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,919 – $7,998 | $2,056 – $3,952 | $878 – $1,706 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Winston-Salem
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Winston-Salem, you can expect to spend between $1,223 and $5,028. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,543 to $5,922 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Winston-Salem typically runs between $3,919 and $7,998.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Winston-Salem
When moving from Des Moines to Winston-Salem, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $817 and $2,051. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,450 to $2,856. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,056 up to $3,952. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Winston-Salem
Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Winston-Salem. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $634 and $1,291. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $735 and $1,475. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $878 and $1,706.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Des Moines to Winston-Salem
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,387, but larger homes can run up to $6,684.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Des Moines.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($634–$1,562) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Winston-Salem
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Winston-Salem runs about 28% higher for singles and 20% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,420 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,265 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,490 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,260 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $248,806 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $62,431 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,420 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,265 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Winston-Salem, note that rent can be roughly 13% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 29% higher in Winston-Salem than in Des Moines.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 7% higher in Winston-Salem compared to Des Moines, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Winston-Salem, since the cost of living for a single person is 28% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Winston-Salem, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Winston-Salem is 20% more than it is in Des Moines.
- Winston-Salem experiences an unemployment rate that is about 12% lower than that of Des Moines. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Winston-Salem and Des Moines (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are quite comparable between North Carolina and Iowa, being within a range of about 5%. This similarity helps to maintain steady financial outflows, providing a smooth transition phase.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Des Moines with Winston-Salem:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $188.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $52.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $17.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Winston-Salem
| Des Moines | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 249,545 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 22 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 29 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 32.67 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 67.33 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Winston-Salem’s population is about 64% less than Des Moines.
- Winston-Salem’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Winston-Salem is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 22 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- Winston-Salem has a bike-friendliness score of 29 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
- Winston-Salem’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 32.67 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Winston-Salem is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 67.33 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Winston-Salem is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Winston-Salem move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Winston-Salem smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Winston-Salem
Now that you’ve chosen Camel City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Winston-Salem to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West End
- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- Old Salem
- Washington Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- West Highlands
- West Salem
Things to do in Winston-Salem
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Winston-Salem is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Winston-Salem offers cultural landmarks like the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Frank L Horton Museum Center, Kaleideum Downtown, and Kaleideum North.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s REYNOLDA ESTATE, SALEM LAKE, QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, and POLO PARK — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA)Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East)Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL)Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League)Wake Forest (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?
Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Winston-Salem are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem take?
A move of 1,011 miles from Des Moines, IA to Winston-Salem, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Des Moines sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Winston-Salem is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
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