($673+) Des Moines, IA to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $659 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,396 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,017 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 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,396 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,268 - $4,190, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $659 - $1,865.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,696 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 Arlington, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Arlington: 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 $2,696 - $6,471. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,017-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 1,017-mile route from Des Moines to Arlington, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,142 - $5,279 with full-service movers, $1,268 - $2,133 with a container, $659 - $1,343 with a rental truck, or $1,053 - $2,122 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,696 - $6,471 full-service, $1,616 - $3,091 by container, $771 - $1,548 by rental truck, or $1,280 - $2,398 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,549 - $8,396 full-service, $2,032 - $4,190 by container, $969 - $1,865 by rental truck, or $1,761 - $3,352 by freight.
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 Arlington, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,017-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Arlington, Virginia, with costs ranging from $2,142 - $8,396. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $353 - $2,356. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Arlington. 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 Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,142 - $5,279
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,696 - $6,471
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,549 - $8,396
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 Arlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $589 - $5,890 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $236 - $1,414/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $353 - $2,827 |
| 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 | $1,178 - $3,534 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,945 - $11,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $882 - $1,676 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $1,178 - $2,945 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $942 - $4,123 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $353 - $1,767 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $766 - $2,356 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $353 - $17,670+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $353 - $4,123+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Arlington?
Movers licensed to operate in Virginia are typically members of the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s 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 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 Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,268 and $4,190. 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 Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,268 - $2,133
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,616 - $3,091
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,032 - $4,190
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $88 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $177 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $825 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Arlington, VA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Virginia 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 $1,268. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,616 - $3,091, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,017 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Arlington, Virginia, running $659 - $1,865. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $381 - $436
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $659 - $1,343
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $771 - $1,548
- 4+ bedrooms: $969 - $1,865
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Arlington starts at $659 - $1,865, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($381 - $436) , overnight lodging ($177/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $177 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 $77 and $383 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $381 - $436 in fuel for the 1,017-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $825 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 Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
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 Arlington, Virginia.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,280 and $2,398.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,053 - $2,122
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,280 - $2,398
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,761 - $3,352
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $825.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $88 and $177 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Arlington?
- 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Arlington, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 79.15/100 |
| 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 Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Virginia, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,017-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Arlington, VA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,142 - $8,396 on the 1,017-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,268 - $4,190 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $659 - $1,865 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,696 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Arlington, VA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($381 - $436), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $177/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Arlington, VA 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 Arlington, VA?
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. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. 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 Arlington, VA?
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 Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, 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.
