($510+) Des Moines, IA to Akron, OH Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Akron, OH, runs anywhere from $510 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,490 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 684 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,523, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,490 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,062 - $3,261, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $510 - $1,320.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Akron, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,143 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 Akron, OH
Moving options from Des Moines to Akron fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,143 - $5,541 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 75% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 684 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 684-mile route from Des Moines to Akron, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,523 - $3,994 | $1,062 - $1,833 | $510 - $936 | $892 - $1,733 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,143 - $5,541 | $1,272 - $2,615 | $545 - $1,079 | $1,029 - $2,051 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,936 - $7,490 | $1,702 - $3,261 | $701 - $1,320 | $1,459 - $2,557 |
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 Akron, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 684-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Akron, Ohio, with costs ranging from $1,523 - $7,490. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $254 - $1,692. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Akron. 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 Akron:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,523 - $3,994
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,143 - $5,541
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,936 - $7,490
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 Akron.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Akron, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Akron, 64% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $423 - $4,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $169 - $1,015/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $254 - $2,030 |
| 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 | $846 - $2,538 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,115 - $8,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $634 - $1,204 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $846 - $2,115 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $677 - $2,961 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $254 - $1,269 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $550 - $1,692 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $254 - $12,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $254 - $2,961+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Akron?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Ohio Association of Movers is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Akron, OH
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Akron, Ohio, cost between $1,062 and $3,261. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Akron. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Akron:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,062 - $1,833
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,615
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,702 - $3,261
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $592 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $63 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $127 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Akron, OH, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Ohio 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 $1,062. 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 $1,272 - $2,615.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Akron?
- 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 Akron, OH
Plan on $510 - $1,320 for a rental moving truck on the 684-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Akron, Ohio. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $184 - $210
- Daily insurance: $25/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 Akron based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $510 - $936
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $545 - $1,079
- 4+ bedrooms: $701 - $1,320
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $510 - $1,320 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Akron. Fuel alone runs $184 - $210, and overnight lodging ($127/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $184 - $210 for the 684-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $592.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 684-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $127 per night, adding $254 - $381 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $42 and $254.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Akron?
- 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 Akron, OH
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Akron, Ohio, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,029 and $2,051.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Akron:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $892 - $1,733
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,029 - $2,051
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,459 - $2,557
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $592.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $63 - $127 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 Akron?
- 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Akron quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Akron, OH
Day-to-day costs in Akron are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 81 versus 87, with average rent of $950/mo compared to $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines versus 48/100 and 50.39/100 in Akron.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Ohio over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 67 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 684-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Akron, OH, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,523 - $7,490 on the 684-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,062 - $3,261, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $510 - $1,320. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,143 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Goodyear and Signet Jewelers.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Akron, OH
How walkable is Akron?
Akron has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 43, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Akron, OH?
Costs on this route range from around $510 to $7,490, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,523 and $7,490, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Akron, OH?
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.
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 Akron run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Akron, OH take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
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.