Quick answer: The cost to move from Des Moines to Norfolk ranges from $978 to $7,295 and the journey will take approximately two to eight days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 1,203-mile move on your own.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Norfolk to Des Moines guide.

Our track recordtoggle

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers by type

From Iowa to Virginia, your interstate move will have a lot of moving parts — starting with which company to hire. Des Moines has 6 options for interstate moves, and each one comes with different strengths and specialties. Deciding which is right for you can be a challenge in itself.

After comparing service packages, pricing details, and real feedback from customer reviews, we were able to pinpoint the best long-distance movers in Des Moines for every moving option.

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Professional
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Rental truck
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Norfolk

When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Des Moines to Norfolk, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.

Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Des Moines to Norfolk without the headaches.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in Des Moines?toggle

Availability varies a lot by market. Use this table to see how common each service is among movers in Des Moines, compared to all of IA and nationwide, so you can spot what’s easy to book and what may take extra planning.

Service Des Moines (Count) Des Moines (%) Iowa (Count) Iowa (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 9 100% 22 100% 2044 98%
Unpacking 9 100% 22 100% 2012 96%
Fragile-only packing 3 33% 6 27% 592 28%
Packing materials 7 78% 16 73% 1055 50%
Storage
Storage 5 56% 16 73% 1755 84%
Climate-controlled storage 1 11% 5 23% 770 37%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 7 78% 15 68% 1557 74%
Art 6 67% 15 68% 1209 58%
Antiques 5 56% 12 55% 1131 54%
Piano 8 89% 17 77% 1607 77%
Hot tub 1 11% 2 9% 535 26%
Pool table 2 22% 6 27% 782 37%

How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to VA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 20 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The top local movers servicing Des Moines to Norfolk moves

It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Des Moines that also handles long-distance moves to Norfolk. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.

Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Des Moines who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.

These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Des Moines to Norfolk.

  1. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  2. Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
  3. Lint Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. The Approved Movers: 4.14 out of 5 stars
  5. A-1 Movers: 4.0 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/adamantinespinemoving/,
100% of all reviews were positive
0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
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. Adamantine’s client input sets it apart from typical moving companies and makes it a top recommendation for anyone looking for trusted moving professionals.
Show more
Get a Quote (319) 519-0154

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
https://www.facebook.com/SelectVanMoving/, https://x.com/mayflowermoving
68% of all reviews were positive
29% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Select Van & Storage Co. comes with strong benefits, as most customer feedback praises their professional and polite staff, quick moving process, and efficient service. Out of 34 reviews, over two-thirds are positive, highlighting helpful movers who keep pricing transparent, and jobs often completed faster or under budget compared to competitors. Customers frequently describe interactions as courteous, emphasize smooth experiences, and value responsive communication.
Some reviewers appreciated a detailed and upfront estimate process as well as careful handling of items. On the downside, many negative reports focus on late or unreliable deliveries, occasional damage or loss of items, and frustrating lapses in communication. Delayed pickups, items left behind, and slow claim responses stand out as key drawbacks when compared to top moving services. Input shows Select Van & Storage excels with professionalism and efficient handling, but clients looking for guaranteed timeliness and consistent communication may want to confirm all details before booking.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 223-8329

Company Info

Years in Business: 79

DOT #: 1098759

Alternate Names: Mayflower


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/pages/lint%20van%20lines,%20dsm,Ia/218222321536290/,
92% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
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.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 265-8161

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
https://www.facebook.com/TheApprovedMovers1/,
100% of all reviews were positive
0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Consistently high marks set The Approved Movers apart, with all 84 pieces of input rating the company five stars. Customers regularly point to professional, polite staff, quick and well-organized moves, affordable pricing, and careful attention to belongings. Efficient service stands out, as movers often exceed expectations for speed and handling.
Many mention respectful and friendly crews who handle complicated moves and tight timing with flexibility and skill. Reports of affordable rates and seamless service sharply contrast with feedback for typical moving services, often plagued by hidden costs or careless work. Traditional concerns like property damage, poor communication, or extra fees did not appear in the feedback analyzed. No negative or neutral reviews emerged, making The Approved Movers' reputation both impressive and rare among moving companies.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 339-0139

Company Info

Years in Business: 4

DOT #: 3477744


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057525726864,
72% of all reviews were positive
28% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer feedback for A-1 Movers shows most clients appreciate the team's efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, and quick process. Out of 109 reviews analyzed, 71.6% praised helpful, polite movers and responsive service—many mentioning flawless moves, protected belongings, and stress-free experiences. On the flip side, 28.4% of the input cited problems such as damaged items, surprise charges, or delays.
While some customers reported late arrivals or higher bills than expected, the bulk of positive feedback highlights a consistent effort to go above and beyond for clients. When compared to others in the industry, A-1 Movers draws strong recommendations for friendliness and speed, though a few caution about the risk of property damage or billing issues.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 288-4433

Company Info

Years in Business: 24

DOT #: 944610


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Norfolk?

Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,352 - $5,660 $1,007 - $2,614 $818 - $1,691
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,205 - $7,295 $1,913 - $3,730 $978 - $1,873
4+ bedrooms $5,181 - $10,160 $2,566 - $5,037 $1,193 - $2,332
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,203 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Virginia

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Virginia typically costs between $1,352 and $5,660. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,205 and $7,295 when moving from IA to VA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Virginia, you're looking at costs ranging from $5,181 up to $10,160.

Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Virginia

If you're moving from Iowa to Virginia, expect to pay between $1,007 and $2,614 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,913 up to $3,730. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,566 and $5,037. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Virginia

A moving rental truck 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 $818 to $1,691. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $978 to $1,873, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Iowa to Virginia costs around $1,193 to $2,332.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Key factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Norfolktoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Norfolk might cost as little as $1,352, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,739.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Des Moines, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $818 to $2,198 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Norfolk

Norfolk typically comes with higher living costs — around 46% more for singles and 27% more for families than Des Moines.

Singles pay roughly $2,769 vs. $1,891; families average $5,552 vs. $4,380.

Check the breakdown below to see where the increases show up:

Des Moines Norfolk
Average 1 BR rent $1,229 $1,875
Average 3 BR rent $1,763 $2,492
Average home value $192,347 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $63,484
Unemployment rate 5.9% 7.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 6.0%
State income tax 4.4% 5.75%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Norfolk, since prices are typically 30% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The home prices in Norfolk are 47.6% higher than in Des Moines, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in Norfolk, where incomes are, on average, 8.5% higher than in Des Moines. Major employers in Norfolk include CMA CGM, Norfolk Southern Railway, and PRA Group.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 46.4% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to Norfolk, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 26.8% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 23.73% higher than in Des Moines.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the city's sales taxes in Norfolk are 14.29% lower than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Norfolk are 30.68% higher than in Des Moines.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Norfolk.

Des Moines Norfolk
Basic utilities $144.82 $190.88
Cell phone plan $51.25 $49.33
Dozen eggs $3.61 $4.71
Loaf of bread $2.5 $4.12
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $16 $18.25
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $77.5 $75
Gym membership $66.67 $40
  • Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Norfolk, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
  • Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Norfolk.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Norfolk

Norfolk Des Moines
Population 238,005 699,292
Transportation Score 6 5
Walkability score 46 45
Bike friendliness score 47 39
Crime Index 58.1 5.0
Safety Index 41.9 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Norfolk might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 66% less than Des Moines.
  • Norfolk offers better access to buses and trains than Des Moines, based on public transportation ratings. Norfolk has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Des Moines. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • You'll find Norfolk to be about as walkable as Des Moines. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 46 and 45 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
  • If cycling is your thing, Norfolk is considered more bike-friendly than Des Moines in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Norfolk has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, while Des Moines is rated as 39 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Norfolk is higher than in Des Moines, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.1 in Norfolk, it is 5.0 in Des Moines. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Norfolk. With a crime index of 41.9, Norfolk ranks lower in overall safety than Des Moines, whose index is 57.8. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Norfolk and Des Moines is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Norfolk move

  • Weather: If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Virginia, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Norfolk Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Norfolk

Now that you've chosen Norfolk as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Norfolk to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • East Ghent
  • Ghent
  • Downtown
  • Newtown
  • Colonial Place

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Ghent
  • Virginia Beach
  • Edgewater-Larchmont
  • West Ghent
  • East Ghent

Things to do in Norfolk

Now that you've made the move to Virginia it's the perfect time to explore Norfolk From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Norfolk, such as the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, MacArthur Memorial, and Hermitage Museum and Gardens.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA)), Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey), Old Dominion University (Football), or Old Dominion University (Basketball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Norfolk?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Norfolk. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Norfolk?

Because spring and fall moves from Des Moines to Norfolk are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Norfolk take?

The 1,203-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Norfolk, VA, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Norfolk.

How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Norfolk?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Des Moines, 8 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IA, there are 17 piano movers and 12 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 1607 and 1131 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.

Helpful moving resources