($684+) Des Moines, IA to Newark, NJ Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Newark, NJ, runs anywhere from $684 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,743 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,098 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 $2,142, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,743 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,158 - $3,928, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $684 - $1,882.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Newark, NJ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,454 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 Newark, NJ
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Newark: 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 $2,454 - $6,020. Moving containers run about 40% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 68% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,098-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 1,098-mile route from Des Moines to Newark, 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 $2,142 - $5,016 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,158 - $2,118), rental truck ($684 - $1,352), or freight trailer ($1,107 - $2,043). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,454 - $6,020 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,743.
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 Newark, NJ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,098-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Newark, New Jersey, with costs ranging from $2,142 - $7,743. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $319 - $2,124. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Newark. 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 Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,142 - $5,016
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,454 - $6,020
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,122 - $7,743
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 Newark.
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.
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 Newark, NJ
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Newark, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $531 - $5,310 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $212 - $1,274/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $319 - $2,549 |
| 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 | $1,062 - $3,186 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,655 - $10,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $795 - $1,511 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $1,062 - $2,655 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $850 - $3,717 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $319 - $1,593 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $690 - $2,124 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $319 - $15,930+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $319 - $3,717+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Newark?
Movers licensed to operate in New Jersey are typically members of the New Jersey Warehouse & 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Des Moines, IA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Newark, NJ
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Newark, New Jersey, cost between $1,158 and $3,928. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,158 - $2,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,477 - $3,160
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,953 - $3,928
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Newark, NJ. 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 $743 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 $80 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $159 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 Jersey 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 $1,158. 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 $1,477 - $3,160.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Newark?
- 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 Newark, NJ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,098 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Newark, New Jersey, running $684 - $1,882. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $371 - $424
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Newark based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $684 - $1,352
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $777 - $1,515
- 4+ bedrooms: $891 - $1,882
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Newark starts at $684 - $1,882, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($371 - $424), overnight lodging ($159/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $743.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $371 - $424 for the 1,098-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 $64 and $345, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $159 per night for hotel stops on the 1,098-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $319 - $478.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Newark?
- 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 Newark, NJ
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 Newark, New Jersey.
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 $1,193 and $2,310.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,107 - $2,043
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,193 - $2,310
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,611 - $3,079
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $743.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $159 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 Newark?
- 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 Newark. 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 Newark, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Newark, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 135 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,300/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $335,418 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $48,416/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 13.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 10.7% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 76/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 24.76/100 |
| 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 Newark, NJ 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 Jersey, 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 67 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 1,098-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Newark, NJ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,142 for a studio to $7,743 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,098-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,158 - $3,928. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $684 - $1,882, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,454 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Panasonic Corporation of North America and Prudential Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Newark, NJ
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Newark, NJ?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $777 - $1,515. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Newark, NJ?
Costs on this route range from around $684 to $7,743, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,142 and $7,743, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 Newark 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 Jersey?
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.
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.