($451+) Des Moines, IA to Toledo, OH Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Toledo, OH, runs anywhere from $451 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,949 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 561 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 $1,287, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,949 or more.
- Moving containers run $939 - $3,194, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $451 - $1,098.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Toledo, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,152 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 Toledo, OH
Moving options from Des Moines to Toledo 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 $2,152 - $5,455 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 77% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 561 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 561-mile route from Des Moines to Toledo, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,287 - $3,901 | $939 - $1,638 | $451 - $847 | $905 - $1,520 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,152 - $5,455 | $1,290 - $2,263 | $492 - $1,006 | $1,013 - $1,944 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,868 - $7,949 | $1,572 - $3,194 | $595 - $1,098 | $1,376 - $2,457 |
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 Toledo, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 561-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Toledo, Ohio, with costs ranging from $1,287 - $7,949. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $249 - $1,660. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Toledo. 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 Toledo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,287 - $3,901
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,152 - $5,455
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,868 - $7,949
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 Toledo.
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 Toledo, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Toledo, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $415 - $4,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $166 - $996/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $249 - $1,992 |
| 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 | $830 - $2,490 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,075 - $8,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $622 - $1,181 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $830 - $2,075 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $664 - $2,905 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $249 - $1,245 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $540 - $1,660 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $249 - $12,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $249 - $2,905+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Toledo?
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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Toledo, OH
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Toledo, Ohio, cost between $939 and $3,194. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Toledo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $939 - $1,638
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,290 - $2,263
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,572 - $3,194
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Toledo, 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 $581 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 $62 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $125 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 $939. 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 $1,290 - $2,263.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Toledo?
- 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 Toledo, OH
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 561 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Toledo, Ohio, running $451 - $1,098. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $148 - $169
- 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 Toledo based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $451 - $847
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $492 - $1,006
- 4+ bedrooms: $595 - $1,098
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $451 - $1,098 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Toledo. Fuel alone runs $148 - $169, and overnight lodging ($125/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 $148 - $169 for the 561-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 $581.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 561-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $125 per night, adding $249 - $374 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $42 and $249.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Toledo?
- 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 Toledo, OH
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Toledo, 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 $1,013 and $1,944.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Toledo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $905 - $1,520
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,013 - $1,944
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,376 - $2,457
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $62 and $125.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $581.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Toledo?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Toledo. 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 Toledo, OH
Good news for your budget: Toledo isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Des Moines. Cost of living index runs 77 there against 87 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 here versus 46/100 and 32.56/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Toledo, OH to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Ohio, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 67 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 561-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Toledo, OH, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,287 for a studio to $7,949 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 561-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $939 - $3,194. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $451 - $1,098, 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 $2,152 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 Toledo tend to point to low cost of living and creative spirit, though bad weather and rampant drug problem come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Faurecia Exhaust Systems and Marco's Pizza.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Toledo, OH
Is Toledo a safe place to live?
Toledo has a safety index of 32.56 out of 100 and a crime index of 67.44, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Toledo, OH?
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 $492 - $1,006. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Toledo?
For families, Ottawa Hills, Old Orchard, and Sylvania are worth a look in Toledo. If you're moving solo or without kids, West Gate, Southwyck, and Franklin Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Toledo, 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 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 Toledo run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.