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Highly rated local moving companies for Des Moines to Dayton moves
Organizing a move from Des Moines to Dayton can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 13 local movers in Des Moines known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Des Moines to Dayton.
- 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 Dayton?
On average, moving companies in Iowa charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,180 – $3,267 | $682 – $1,628 | $455 – $872 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,156 – $5,332 | $1,280 – $2,461 | $500 – $947 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,777 – $7,558 | $1,658 – $3,272 | $600 – $1,251 |
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Dayton
When planning a move to Dayton from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,180 and $3,267. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,156 and $5,332 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,777 to $7,558.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Dayton
When you’re heading from Des Moines to Dayton, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $682 and $1,628. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,280 and $2,461. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,658 to $3,272. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Dayton
A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Dayton is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $455 to $872. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $500 to $947, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Dayton costs around $600 to $1,251.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Dayton
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Dayton may only cost $1,730, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,000.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($455–$1,061), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Des Moines – roughly 16% less for singles and 14% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $1,891 in Des Moines. For a family of four, it’s $3,788 compared with $4,380.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Des Moines | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 3.5% |
- Rent is about 20% less expensive in Dayton than in Des Moines, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 29% cheaper in Dayton than in Des Moines.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 7% greater in Dayton than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Dayton. The cost of living for a single person there is 16% below that of Des Moines.
- A move to Dayton can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 14% lower compared to Des Moines.
- Dayton has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 15%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Dayton surpass those in Des Moines by 7%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 20% less in Ohio compared to Iowa, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Dayton:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Dayton, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Dayton.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Dayton.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in Dayton.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Dayton.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Dayton
| Des Moines | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 47 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Dayton’s population is about 80% less than Des Moines.
- Dayton’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
- Dayton and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Dayton 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.
- Dayton’s crime rate is lower than Des Moines with a score of 4.0 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 40.68 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Dayton move
- HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Dayton are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Ohio, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Ohio, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Dayton. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Dayton
With your sights set on Gem City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Dayton.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Webster Station
- South Park
- Oregon District
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
With your move to Ohio complete, you can dive right into experiencing Dayton. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Dayton is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Museum of the US Air Force, America’s Packard Museum – The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton International Peace Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Dayton?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Dayton. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Dayton?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Dayton? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Dayton take?
The 589-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Dayton, , takes one to six days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Dayton.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Des Moines moving services
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