($628+) Des Moines, IA to Winston-Salem, NC Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Winston-Salem, NC, runs anywhere from $628 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,315 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,011 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 $2,147, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,315 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,104 - $3,797, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $628 - $1,759.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Winston-Salem, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,417 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 Winston-Salem, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Winston-Salem: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,417 - $6,285. Moving containers run about 36% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 69% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,011-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,011-mile route from Des Moines to Winston-Salem, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,147 - $4,834 | $1,104 - $2,139 | $628 - $1,242 | $1,025 - $1,906 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,417 - $6,285 | $1,554 - $2,856 | $742 - $1,401 | $1,195 - $2,379 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,919 - $8,315 | $1,956 - $3,797 | $905 - $1,759 | $1,565 - $3,254 |
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 Winston-Salem, NC
For the 1,011-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, full-service movers cost between $2,147 and $8,315. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $257 - $1,716 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Winston-Salem:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,147 - $4,834
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,417 - $6,285
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,919 - $8,315
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 Winston-Salem.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Winston-Salem, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Winston-Salem, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $429 - $4,290 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $172 - $1,030/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $257 - $2,059 |
| 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 | $858 - $2,574 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,145 - $8,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $643 - $1,221 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $858 - $2,145 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $686 - $3,003 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $257 - $1,287 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $558 - $1,716 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $257 - $12,870+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $257 - $3,003+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Winston-Salem?
Movers licensed to operate in North Carolina are typically members of the North Carolina Movers 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Winston-Salem, NC
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, cost between $1,104 and $3,797. 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 Winston-Salem:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,104 - $2,139
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,554 - $2,856
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,956 - $3,797
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $64 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $129 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $601 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Winston-Salem, NC, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to North Carolina 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 $1,104. 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 $1,554 - $2,856.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Winston-Salem?
- 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 Winston-Salem, NC
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, range from $628 - $1,759 for the 1,011-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $276 - $315
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- 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 Winston-Salem based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $628 - $1,242
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $742 - $1,401
- 4+ bedrooms: $905 - $1,759
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $628 - $1,759 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Winston-Salem. Fuel alone runs $276 - $315, and overnight lodging ($129/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $601.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $276 - $315 for the 1,011-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $51 and $279, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $129 per night for hotel stops on the 1,011-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $257 - $386.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Winston-Salem?
- 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 Winston-Salem, NC
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $772 and $2,379.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Winston-Salem:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,025 - $1,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,195 - $2,379
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,565 - $3,254
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $601.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $64 and $129 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Winston-Salem?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Winston-Salem. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Winston-Salem, NC
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Des Moines and Winston-Salem to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 84. Average rent: $1,150/mo vs. $1,300/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 22. Safety index: 57.8 vs. 67.33.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Winston-Salem, NC 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 North Carolina, 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 67 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 1,011-mile move.
Our take
The 1,011-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Winston-Salem, NC, costs between $2,147 and $8,315 with full-service movers, $1,104 - $3,797 with a moving container, and $628 - $1,759 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 $2,417 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Winston-Salem tend to point to no traffic and friendly people, though summertime humidity and allergy-inducing pollen come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Winston-Salem, NC
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Winston-Salem, NC?
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. North Carolina also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. 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 Winston-Salem, NC?
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 Winston-Salem a safe place to live?
Winston-Salem has a safety index of 67.33 out of 100 and a crime index of 32.67, 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.
How walkable is Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem has a walkability score of 22 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 29, 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.
What are the best neighborhoods in Winston-Salem?
For families, Sherwood Forest, Ardmore, and Buena Vista are worth a look in Winston-Salem. If you're moving solo or without kids, West End, Ardmore, and Buena Vista tend to be popular picks instead.
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.