Quick answer: A typical 1,796-mile move from Des Moines to Olympia runs $1,331–$8,424 and takes five to 16 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Olympia to Des Moines guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 7 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Des Moines, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Des Moines mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Des Moines, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Olympia
Making the trip from Des Moines to Olympia is easier when you hire a full-service moving company to handle every stage of the relocation. From packing and loading to delivery and unpacking, they manage the process so you can focus on the bigger picture.
We’ve put together a list of the best full-service movers for this route to help you make the move with ease.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Des Moines?
How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to WA move
The top local movers servicing Des Moines to Olympia moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Des Moines that also handles long-distance moves to Olympia. 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 Olympia.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Lint Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- The Approved Movers: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
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
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
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
Company Info
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3477744
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Olympia?
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 | $1,436 - $5,368 | $1,191 - $3,092 | $1,206 - $2,185 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,804 - $8,424 | $2,102 - $4,390 | $1,331 - $2,627 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,566 - $11,564 | $2,872 - $5,718 | $1,613 - $3,414 |
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Washington
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Washington, you can expect to spend between $1,436 and $5,368. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,804 to $8,424 on the same route (IA to WA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Iowa to Washington typically runs between $6,566 and $11,564.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Washington
If you're moving from Iowa to Washington, expect to pay between $1,191 and $3,092 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,102 up to $4,390. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,872 and $5,718. 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 Washington
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,206 and $2,185. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,331 to $2,627. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,613 and $3,414.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Olympia
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Olympia
Monthly costs run higher in Olympia than in Des Moines — roughly 31% more for singles and 23% more for families.
Singles spend $2,473 vs. $1,891, and families $5,391 vs. $4,380.
Use the comparison below to plan your budget with confidence:
- You may want to budget more for rent in Olympia, since prices are typically 65% higher than in Des Moines.
- The home prices in Olympia are 164.5% 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 Olympia, where incomes are, on average, 13.7% higher than in Des Moines. Major employers in Olympia include Washington State ESD, The Evergreen State College, and Employment Security Department.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Olympia, since the cost of living for a single person in Olympia is 30.8% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Olympia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Olympia is 23.1% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Olympia is 5.08% lower than in Des Moines.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Olympia, since its sales taxes are 34.29% higher than what you are paying in Des Moines.
- One perk of moving to Olympia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Des Moines.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Olympia, from monthly bills to routine purchases.
Des Moines | Olympia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $144.82 | $152.8 |
Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $58.64 |
Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.3 |
Loaf of bread | $2.5 | $3.94 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16 | $20 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.5 | $70 |
Gym membership | $66.67 | $58.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Olympia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Olympia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Olympia.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Olympia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Olympia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Olympia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Olympia.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Olympia
Olympia | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Population | 55,605 | 699,292 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 39 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 59 | 39 |
Crime Index | 27.95 | 5.0 |
Safety Index | 62.25 | 57.8 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Olympia's population is about 92% less than Des Moines.
- Olympia's public transportation has a similar score to Des Moines.
- Olympia is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Olympia 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.
- Olympia's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 27.95 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Olympia is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 62.25 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Olympia is good, and in Des Moines it's good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Olympia move
- Weather: July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.
- 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Olympia. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Olympia
Ready to relocate to Oly? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Olympia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- South Capitol
- Bigelow Highlands
- North East
- South Westside
- Wellington West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Holiday Hills
- Eastside
- Cain Road
- Indian Creek
- Bigelow
Things to do in Olympia
After settling into your new Washington home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Olympia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Olympia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, Bigelow House Museum, and Childhood's End Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Olympia?
The best time to move from Des Moines to Olympia 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 Olympia?
With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Olympia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Olympia take?
The 1,796-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Olympia, WA, takes five to 16 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 Olympia.
Which movers in Des Moines offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 9 movers in Des Moines have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 5 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IA, there are 21 piano movers and 12 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 1919 and 1190.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.