($1,062+) Des Moines, IA to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $1,062 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,129 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,769 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,265, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,129 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,499 - $5,005, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,062 - $2,832.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,016 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 Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Des Moines to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,016 - $6,973 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 36% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 63% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,769 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,769-mile route from Des Moines to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,265 - $5,339 | $1,499 - $2,802 | $1,062 - $1,964 | $1,269 - $2,422 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,016 - $6,973 | $1,918 - $3,883 | $1,106 - $2,244 | $1,443 - $2,951 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,973 - $10,129 | $2,698 - $5,005 | $1,449 - $2,832 | $2,034 - $3,962 |
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 Tacoma, WA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,769-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tacoma, Washington, with prices running from $2,265 - $10,129. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $304 - $2,028 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Tacoma are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,265 - $5,339
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,016 - $6,973
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,973 - $10,129
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 Tacoma.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tacoma, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $507 - $5,070 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $203 - $1,217/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $304 - $2,434 |
| 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 | $1,014 - $3,042 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,535 - $10,140 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $759 - $1,443 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $1,014 - $2,535 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $811 - $3,549 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $304 - $1,521 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $659 - $2,028 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $304 - $15,210+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $304 - $3,549+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Tacoma?
Washington Movers Conference membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Washington, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,499 and $5,005. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,499 - $2,802
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,918 - $3,883
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,698 - $5,005
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $76 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $152 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $710 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Tacoma, WA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,499. 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 $1,918 - $3,883.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Tacoma?
- 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 Tacoma, WA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,769-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tacoma, Washington, costs between $1,062 and $2,832, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $571 - $652
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,062 - $1,964
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,106 - $2,244
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,449 - $2,832
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,062 - $2,832 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Tacoma. Fuel ($571 - $652), lodging at around $152/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $571 - $652 for the 1,769-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 $710.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,769-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $152 per night, adding $304 - $456 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $304.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Tacoma?
- 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 Tacoma, WA
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Tacoma, Washington.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,443 and $2,951.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,269 - $2,422
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,443 - $2,951
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,034 - $3,962
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 $76 and $152.
- 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 $710.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Tacoma?
- 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 Tacoma, WA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tacoma, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 123 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $454,577 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $83,857/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 44.45/100 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Washington, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 67 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 1,769-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,769-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Tacoma, WA, run $2,265 - $10,129 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,499 - $5,005, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,062 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,016, 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 Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tacoma, WA
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tacoma run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Tacoma, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,062 to $10,129, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,265 and $10,129, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Tacoma, 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 $1,106 - $2,244. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($571 - $652), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $152/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.