Top-rated movers to make your Des Moines to Jersey City move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Des Moines that offers long-distance services to Jersey City can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 13 top local movers in Des Moines who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Des Moines to Jersey City.
- 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 Jersey City?
In Iowa, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,136 – $4,987 | $857 – $1,989 | $682 – $1,311 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,501 – $5,930 | $1,613 – $3,193 | $791 – $1,543 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,132 – $8,227 | $1,993 – $3,850 | $908 – $2,014 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Jersey City
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Jersey City from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,136 and $4,987. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,501 to $5,930 for the trip from Des Moines to Jersey City. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,132 and $8,227.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Jersey City
Moving containers from Des Moines to Jersey City will cost you $857 to $1,989 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,613 to $3,193. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,993 to $3,850. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Jersey City
Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Jersey City typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $682 and $1,311 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $791 to $1,543. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $908 to $2,014.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Des Moines to Jersey City move
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,375 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,332 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Des Moines.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $682 to $1,755, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Jersey City
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Jersey City runs about 133% higher for singles and 125% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $4,397 in Des Moines versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $9,861 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Jersey City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $3,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $5,833 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $589,419 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $75,265 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $4,397 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $9,861 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 8.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.63% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 10.7% |
- Planning a move to Jersey City? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 159% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Jersey City are about 206% higher than those in Des Moines.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 29% higher in Jersey City compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Jersey City, as living costs for a single person are 133% higher than in Des Moines. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Jersey City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Jersey City is 125% higher than in Des Moines.
- Jersey City shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Des Moines by around 41%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Jersey City and Des Moines (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in New Jersey are 143% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Des Moines and Jersey City:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $118.73 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $41.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.97 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $80.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Des Moines than in Jersey City.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Jersey City
| Des Moines | Jersey City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 292,449 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 87 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 64 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 43.21 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 56.79 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Jersey City’s population is about 58% less than Des Moines.
- Jersey City’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Jersey City is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 87 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 64 out of 100, Jersey City is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Jersey City’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 43.21 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Jersey City and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 56.79 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Jersey City is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Jersey City move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: New Jersey’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: New Jersey does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Jersey City. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you’re hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Jersey City
Planning your move to J.C.? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Jersey City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Journal Square
- Mcginley Square
- The Heights
- The Waterfront
- Liberty Park
- Downtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenville
- Mcginley Square
- West Side
- Hackensack Waterfront
- Grove Street
- Downtown
Things to do in Jersey City
After settling into your new New Jersey home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Jersey City has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Jersey City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Liberty Science Center, Mana Contemporary, 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace, and Novado Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Liberty State Park, Liberty Landing Marina, J. Owen Grundy Park, and Lincoln Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Saint Peter’s Peacocks (MAAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Jersey City?
Planning your move from Des Moines to Jersey City? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Jersey City?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Jersey City in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Jersey City take?
The 1,105-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, , typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Jersey City.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Des Moines?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Des Moines, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 6 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Iowa has 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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