($848+) Des Moines, IA to Manchester, NH Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Manchester, NH, runs anywhere from $848 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,389 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,338 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,224, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,389 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,291 - $4,734, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $848 - $2,374.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Manchester, NH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,949 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 Manchester, NH
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Manchester: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,949 - $6,882. Containers cost roughly 42% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 71% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,338 miles, expect 3 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,338-mile route from Des Moines to Manchester, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,224 - $5,095 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,291 - $2,407), rental truck ($848 - $1,621), or freight trailer ($1,173 - $2,165). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,949 - $6,882 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,389.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Manchester, NH
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Manchester, New Hampshire, costs between $2,224 and $9,389. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,338-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $290 - $1,932, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Manchester. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Manchester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,224 - $5,095
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,949 - $6,882
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,156 - $9,389
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 Manchester.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to New Hampshire. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Manchester, NH
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Manchester, 73% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing62% of local movers | $483 - $4,830 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $193 - $1,159/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $290 - $2,318 |
| 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 | $966 - $2,898 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,415 - $9,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $724 - $1,375 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $966 - $2,415 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $773 - $3,381 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $290 - $1,449 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $628 - $1,932 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $290 - $14,490+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $290 - $3,381+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Manchester?
New Hampshire Motor Transport Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in New Hampshire, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Manchester, NH
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Manchester, New Hampshire, cost between $1,291 and $4,734. 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 Manchester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,291 - $2,407
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,715 - $3,425
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,351 - $4,734
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Manchester, NH. 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 $676 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 $72 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $145 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 New Hampshire 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 $1,291. 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 $1,715 - $3,425.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Manchester?
- 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 Manchester, NH
Plan on $848 - $2,374 for a rental moving truck on the 1,338-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Manchester, New Hampshire. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $411 - $470
- 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 Manchester based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $848 - $1,621
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $864 - $1,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,064 - $2,374
Pro tip: The base rate of $848 - $2,374 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Manchester. Fuel ($411 - $470), lodging at around $145/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $145 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $63 and $314 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $411 - $470 in fuel for the 1,338-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $676 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Manchester?
- 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 Manchester, NH
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Manchester, New Hampshire. 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 $869 and $2,686.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Manchester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,173 - $2,165
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,292 - $2,686
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,862 - $3,427
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $676.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $72 - $145 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Manchester?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Manchester, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Manchester, NH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Manchester, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Manchester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 111 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,004/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $335,093 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $77,415/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 4.0% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 51/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 43.91/100 |
| 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 Manchester, NH to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to New Hampshire, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 58 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 1,338-mile move.
Our take
The 1,338-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Manchester, NH, costs between $2,224 and $9,389 with full-service movers, $1,291 - $4,734 with a moving container, and $848 - $2,374 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 $2,949 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 Southern New Hampshire University and Freudenberg North America Limited Partnership.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Manchester, NH
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Manchester run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is the agency tasked with regulating and overseeing movers that offer relocation services within the state. If you’ve already moved and had a dispute with your moving company, they may be able to help resolve the issue, but you’ll need to file a formal complaint first.
What are the best neighborhoods in Manchester?
For families, Bedford, Hollis, and Amherst are worth a look in Manchester. If you're moving solo or without kids, Wilton, Bedford, and Amherst tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Manchester?
Manchester has a walkability score of 51 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 42, 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.
Is Manchester a safe place to live?
Manchester has a safety index of 43.91 out of 100 and a crime index of 56.09, 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 38% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.