Best overall value
Local moving companies in Des Moines
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Lint Van Lines: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Helpful movers
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Inexperienced movers
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck earns its reputation for being fast, careful, and professional, with 92% of customer feedback praising efficient service, attention to detail, and courteous movers. Most people said the crews worked quickly, handled belongings with care, communicated well, and made moving less stressful. Many customers noted the movers were polite, helpful, and followed directions accurately, setting them apart from less organized competitors. Some even reported coming in under budget due to team efficiency, and highlighted transparent pricing and great office support. Negative feedback primarily cited issues with item damage, inexperienced movers, and unexpected costs. A small number of reviewers mentioned poor packing, lack of effort to resolve damages, and occasional rude remarks, especially in more complex moves. While damage to belongings arose more often than other negatives, the vast majority of feedback still positions this company as one of the most reliably consistent options for moving services in the region.
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unreliable timing
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for professionalism, speed, and friendly movers, with 56% positive input from 45 customers. Clients frequently mention efficient service, affordability, and clear communication. Customers appreciate quick booking, polite staff, and that jobs are often completed faster than anticipated. On the other hand, 40% report problems like property damage, delays, and movers arriving late or not at all. Feedback about broken items, missed appointments, and inexperienced crews stands out among the complaints. Bellhop's value and reliability outpace some competitors, but inconsistencies in service delivery remain a risk for potential customers.
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Customer Praise
- Quick moving process
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Affordable rates
- Efficient service
Customer Complaints
- Inaccurate estimates
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Fast, affordable, and carefulโmost customer feedback praises All Mighty Movers LLC for their quick moving process, professional crews, and attentive handling of belongings. Out of 25 reviews analyzed, 64% are positive, often highlighting low rates, polite staff, and efficient service. Clients commonly appreciate how speedily and safely items were moved, noting that furniture and fragile goods arrived undamaged. Many mention the company beats local competitors in both price and quality, thanks to thoughtful movers who keep an upbeat attitude even with challenging jobs. On the downside, 36% of feedback centers on inaccurate estimates, unexpected charges, and unclear communication, especially regarding additional fees and scheduling. Some customers feel misled when final costs exceeded quoted amounts. Compared to many moving companies, All Mighty Movers earns high marks for efficiency and pricing but leaves room to improve transparency and customer relations, especially for billing and communication during more complex moves.
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
Customer Praise
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Inaccurate estimates
Review Analysis
Rave reviews consistently place Adamantine Spine Moving at the top of moving services in Iowa and beyond. Analyzing 223 customer reviews, 99.6% of feedback highlights professionalism, efficient service, excellent communication, careful handling, and quick moving crews. Customers repeatedly mention that staff are polite, approachable, and make stressful moves easy with precise organization and prompt responses. Quotes tend to be accurate, crews are well-trained, and moves large or small are handled with care. Compared to larger moving firms, Adamantine stands out for its hard-working teams and reliable pricing, with many clients calling the experience the best they've had. The only significant complaint noted involves a billing discrepancy where the final charge was much higher than the initial estimate, and the situation wasn't resolved effectively. This single negative input strongly contrasts the otherwise outstanding reputation. Adamantineโs client input sets it apart from typical moving companies and makes it a top recommendation for anyone looking for trusted moving professionals.
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
Customer Praise
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving with Lint Van Lines means your belongings are in the hands of a reliable and dedicated team. After evaluating 226 pieces of customer feedback, 91.6% were positive, reflecting a strong reputation for professionalism, efficiency, careful item handling, consistent communication, and speedy moves. Clients praised courteous staff and the stress-free organization, making long and local relocations easier than expected. On the downside, some experienced frustration from damaged items and delayed or poorly communicated deliveries, making claims difficult to resolve in a few cases. Compared to the moving industry, Lint Van Lines stands out for service quality and responsiveness but should improve consistency during claims and post-move support to satisfy every customer.
Company Info
Years in Business: 65
DOT #: 543541
Alternate Names: Lint Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Arlington
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Arlington
Moving from Des Moines to Arlington comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Arlington is generally more expensive than Des Moines, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Des Moines | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,150 | $2,718 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $810,670 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $128,145 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,891 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,380 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Arlington are 136% higher than in Des Moines, which means you'll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Arlington are 321.5% higher than in Des Moines. - Income in Arlington is 119.1% higher than in Des Moines, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Arlington include U.S. Department of Defense, Safran, and BAE Systems.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Arlington, since the cost of living for a single person in Arlington is 263.1% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Arlington, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Arlington is 173.3% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Arlington is 32.20% lower than in Des Moines.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Arlington, since the city's sales taxes in Arlington are 14.29% lower than in Des Moines.
- State income taxes in Arlington are 30.68% higher than in Des Moines.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $10,894.24 in Arlington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Arlington
| Arlington | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 699,292 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 39 |
| Crime Index | 15.67 | 5.0 |
| Safety Index | 79.15 | 57.8 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Arlington's population is about 66% less than Des Moines.
- Arlington's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower score of 5.
- Arlington is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Arlington 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 they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Arlington's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 15.67 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Arlington is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 79.15 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Arlington is good, and in Des Moines it's good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Arlington move
- Weather: Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Arlington. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Arlington
Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Arlington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Aurora Highlands
- Ballston-Virginia Square
- Bluemont
- Clarendon-Courthouse
- Radnor-Ft Myer Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arlington Ridge
- Chain Bridge Forest
- Lyon Village
- Penrose
- Westover Village
Things to do in Arlington
After settling into your new Virginia home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Arlington has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Arlington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington Historical Museum, and Arlington Arts Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Arlington Youth Football Club game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Arlington?
The best time to move from Des Moines to Arlington is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Arlington?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Arlington in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Arlington take?
The 1,018-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Arlington, VA, takes two to eight 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 Arlington.
