($805+) Des Moines, IA to Burlington, VT Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, VT

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Burlington, VT, runs anywhere from $829 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,778 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,216 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 $2,209, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,778 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,362 - $4,666, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $829 - $2,204.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Burlington, VT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,883 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, VT

Moving options from Des Moines to Burlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,883 - $6,423 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,216 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,216-mile route from Des Moines to Burlington, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,209 - $5,381 $1,362 - $2,479 $829 - $1,566 $1,203 - $2,210
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,883 - $6,423 $1,738 - $3,218 $888 - $1,771 $1,324 - $2,764
4+ bedrooms $4,702 - $8,778 $2,194 - $4,666 $1,051 - $2,204 $1,847 - $3,625

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, VT

Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Burlington, Vermont, costs between $2,209 and $8,778. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,216-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $291 - $1,940, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Burlington. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Burlington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,209 - $5,381
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,883 - $6,423
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,702 - $8,778

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 Burlington.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Vermont. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, VT

Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Burlington, 80% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing92% of local movers$485 - $4,850
Storage in transitNew place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$194 - $1,164/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$291 - $2,328
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers$970 - $2,910
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,425 - $9,700
Car shippingSecond vehicle$727 - $1,380
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving$970 - $2,425
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$776 - $3,395
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers$291 - $1,455
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC$631 - $1,940
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$291 - $14,550+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$291 - $3,395+

What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Burlington?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, VT

Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Burlington, Vermont, cost between $1,362 and $4,666. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Burlington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,362 - $2,479
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,738 - $3,218
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,194 - $4,666

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $679 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Burlington, VT, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Vermont 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 $1,362. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,738 - $3,218, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Burlington?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Burlington, VT

Renting a moving truck for the 1,216-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Burlington, Vermont, costs between $829 and $2,204, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $375 - $429
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to Burlington based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $829 - $1,566
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $888 - $1,771
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,051 - $2,204

Pro tip: A rental truck from Des Moines to Burlington looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $829 - $2,204. But once you factor in fuel ($375 - $429) , overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $375 - $429 for the 1,216-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 $679.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,216-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $291 - $437 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $291.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Burlington?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Burlington, VT

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Burlington, Vermont, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,324 and $2,764.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Burlington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $2,210
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,324 - $2,764
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,847 - $3,625

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

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 $73 and $146.
  • 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 $679.

What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Burlington?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Burlington, 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 Burlington, VT

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Burlington, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Des Moines, IA Burlington, VT
Cost of living index87112
Average rent$1,150/mo$2,200/mo
Median home value$183,553$402,586
Average income$63,966/yr$68,854/yr
Unemployment rate5.9%3.2%
State income taxUp to 4.4%Up to 8.75%
Walkability score45/10059/100
Safety index57.8/10056.67/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Vermont over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 36 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 1,216-mile move.

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Our take

For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Burlington, VT, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,209 for a studio to $8,778 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,216-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,362 - $4,666. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $829 - $2,204, 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 $2,883 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The University of Vermont Health Network and University of Vermont.

FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Burlington, VT

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, VT?

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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Vermont?

Although a local license is not required in Vermont, 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.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($375 - $429), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Burlington?

Burlington has a walkability score of 59 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 81, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

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.