($923+) Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Spokane, WA, runs anywhere from $923 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,572 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,478 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,297, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,572 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,420 - $4,723, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $923 - $2,593.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Spokane, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,874 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 Spokane, WA
Moving options from Des Moines to Spokane fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,874 - $6,343 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,478-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,478-mile route from Des Moines to Spokane, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,297 - $5,257, container $1,420 - $2,433, rental truck $923 - $1,768, freight trailer $1,229 - $2,395.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,874 - $6,343, container $1,676 - $3,362, rental truck $978 - $2,103, freight trailer $1,355 - $2,718.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,978 - $9,572, container $2,303 - $4,723, rental truck $1,232 - $2,593, freight trailer $1,805 - $3,816.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Spokane, Washington, costs between $2,297 and $9,572. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,478-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $280 - $1,868, 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 Spokane. 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 Spokane:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,297 - $5,257
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,874 - $6,343
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,978 - $9,572
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 Spokane.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Spokane, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $467 - $4,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $187 - $1,121/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $280 - $2,242 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $934 - $2,802 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,335 - $9,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $700 - $1,329 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $934 - $2,335 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $747 - $3,269 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $280 - $1,401 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $607 - $1,868 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $280 - $14,010+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $280 - $3,269+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Spokane?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Washington Movers Conference is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Des Moines, IA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Spokane, Washington, cost between $1,420 and $4,723. 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 Spokane:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,420 - $2,433
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,676 - $3,362
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,303 - $4,723
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Des Moines, IA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $654, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $70 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $140 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Spokane, WA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Washington 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 $1,420. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,676 - $3,362.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Spokane?
- 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:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,478-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Spokane, Washington, costs between $923 and $2,593, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $439 - $502
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Spokane based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $923 - $1,768
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $978 - $2,103
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,232 - $2,593
Pro tip: The base rate of $923 - $2,593 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Spokane. Fuel ($439 - $502), lodging at around $140/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $140 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 $61 and $304 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $439 - $502 in fuel for the 1,478-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $654 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 Spokane?
- 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 Spokane, WA
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 Spokane, Washington.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,355 and $2,718.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Spokane:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,229 - $2,395
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,355 - $2,718
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,805 - $3,816
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $70 - $140 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $654.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Spokane?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Spokane, WA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Spokane, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 103 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $324,776 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $65,745/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 49/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 44.94/100 |
| 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 Spokane, WA 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 Washington, 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 67 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,478-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,478-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Spokane, WA, run $2,297 - $9,572 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,420 - $4,723, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $923 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,874, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Key Tronic and URM Stores.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Spokane, WA
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA?
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.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Spokane a safe place to live?
Spokane has a safety index of 44.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 3.0, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Spokane, WA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $978 - $2,103. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Spokane?
For families, Liberty Lake, Mead, and Country Homes are worth a look in Spokane. If you're moving solo or without kids, Coeur d'Alene, Spokane Valley, and Airway Heights tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.