($533+) Des Moines, IA to Cleveland, OH Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Cleveland, OH, runs anywhere from $538 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,938 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 662 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 $1,491, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,938 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,040 - $3,584, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $538 - $1,404.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Cleveland, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,316 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 Cleveland, OH
Moving options from Des Moines to Cleveland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,316 - $5,542 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 662 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 662-mile route from Des Moines to Cleveland, 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 $1,491 - $4,182 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,040 - $2,016), rental truck ($538 - $920), or freight trailer ($964 - $1,746). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,316 - $5,542 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,938.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Cleveland, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 662-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Cleveland, Ohio, with costs ranging from $1,491 - $7,938. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $256 - $1,708. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Cleveland. 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 Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,491 - $4,182
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,316 - $5,542
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,988 - $7,938
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 Cleveland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Ohio. 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.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Cleveland, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Cleveland, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $427 - $4,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $171 - $1,025/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $256 - $2,050 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $854 - $2,562 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,135 - $8,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $640 - $1,215 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $854 - $2,135 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $683 - $2,989 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $256 - $1,281 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $555 - $1,708 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $256 - $12,810+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $256 - $2,989+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Cleveland?
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 Cleveland, OH
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Cleveland, Ohio, cost between $1,040 and $3,584. 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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $2,016
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,375 - $2,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,875 - $3,584
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Cleveland, OH. 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 $598 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 $64 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $128 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 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 $1,040. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,375 - $2,658, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Cleveland?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Cleveland, OH
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 662 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Cleveland, Ohio, running $538 - $1,404. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $180 - $206
- 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 Cleveland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $538 - $920
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $536 - $1,172
- 4+ bedrooms: $683 - $1,404
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $538 - $1,404 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Cleveland. Fuel alone runs ($180 - $206) , and overnight lodging ($128/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $128 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 $56 and $278 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $180 - $206 in fuel for the 662-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $598 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 Cleveland?
- 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 Cleveland, OH
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Cleveland, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,089 and $2,063.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $964 - $1,746
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,089 - $2,063
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,530 - $2,702
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?
- 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 $598.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $64 and $128 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Cleveland?
- 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Cleveland fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Cleveland, OH
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Des Moines and Cleveland to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 83. Average rent: $1,150/mo vs. $1,295/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 57. Safety index: 57.8 vs. 36.59.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cleveland, OH to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Ohio in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 36 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 662-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Cleveland, OH, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,491 for a studio to $7,938 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 662-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,040 - $3,584. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $538 - $1,404, 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 $2,316 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cleveland tend to point to abundant food options and beautiful nature, though construction and brutal winters come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Cleveland, OH
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($180 - $206), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $128/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Cleveland, OH take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Cleveland, OH?
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. 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 Cleveland, 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.
Is Cleveland a safe place to live?
Cleveland has a safety index of 36.59 out of 100 and a crime index of 63.41, 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 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
