Local moving companies in Des Moines
Out of 13 Des Moines movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Washington.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 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: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- 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
Local moving services in Des Moines, IA
Quick breakdown of Des Moines movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Washington
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from Des Moines to Washington, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,259 – $4,636 | $1,010 – $2,567 | $956 – $1,855 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,953 – $6,805 | $1,876 – $3,903 | $1,033 – $2,206 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,631 – $10,401 | $2,407 – $5,283 | $1,397 – $2,836 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,685-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Washington using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide, updating the data monthly to track seasonal patterns and market trends. Your final quote may differ due to move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from several movers for an accurate picture.
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Washington
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Washington will cost between $1,259 and $4,636. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,953 to $6,805, and a large move will cost from $5,631 to $10,401.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Washington
If you’re moving from Des Moines to Washington, expect to pay between $1,010 and $2,567 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,876 up to $3,903. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,407 and $5,283. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Des Moines.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Washington
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck from Des Moines to Washington, expect to spend between $956 and $1,855. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,033 and $2,206. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,397 up to $2,836 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to WA
When calculating the price of Des Moines movers, consider:
- Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.
What you should know before moving from Des Moines to WA
Transitioning from Des Moines to Washington offers fresh opportunities, but also a rise in expenses. Given that Washington’s living costs are generally steeper than in Des Moines, creating a solid budget will help ease the adjustment.
Find out how Des Moines contrasts with Washington so you can head into your move with confidence:
Compare cost of living: Des Moines vs. Washington
| Des Moines, IA | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $90,325 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 115 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.8% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
Washington sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- With rent about 65% higher in Washington than Des Moines, prepare for steeper monthly costs.
- Homes in Washington cost about 206% more than in Des Moines, so expect a higher mortgage payment.
- Expect incomes in Washington to be about 54% higher than in Des Moines, offering more opportunities to save or spend.
- Moving to Washington means the cost of living runs about 32% higher than in Des Moines, so you’ll want a clear financial plan.
- In Washington, the unemployment rate is about 19% below Des Moines’s, a positive sign of healthier job opportunities.
- Washington has no income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Iowa.
How life is different in Des Moines, IA from Washington
When relocating from Des Moines to Washington, get ready for some changes. From weather and population to politics, here’s how living in Washington stacks up against life in the Des Moines.
| Des Moines, IA | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 7,812,880 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Democratic |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 38″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 18″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 37.32 |
Washington Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Des Moines and Washington voted Democratic.
- Cooler summer days in Washington reach typical highs around 79ºF, whereas Des Moines sees warmer peaks approaching 86ºF. By selecting a cooler spot, you’ll enjoy less heat, decreased energy costs, and lots of fresh-air activities, which is ideal if comfort and time spent outside are your priorities.
- Winter lows in Washington are milder, around 31ºF, compared to the colder 13ºF in Des Moines. This means easier winters, fewer icy days, and potentially lower heating bills.
- In Washington, you’ll see about 38 inches of rain each year, almost the same as the 36 inches you’re familiar with in Des Moines. Even with similar totals, don’t overlook differences in how and when that rain falls.
- In Washington, you can expect about 18 inches of snow each year, much less than the 33 inches you’d deal with in Des Moines. So, if you’re moving to Washington, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Washington has a higher crime rate than Des Moines, with indexes at 37.32 vs 5.0. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s smart to research neighborhoods and consider how it might affect your daily routine.
Other considerations when moving to Washington
If you’re moving from Des Moines to Washington, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- 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 your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a Washington moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Washington. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. 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: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.
Things to do in Washington
No matter what you’re into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—Washington is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in Washington
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- The Museum of Flight
- LeMay – America’s Car Museum
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
- USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
Parks in Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
Sports teams in Washington
- OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Universities in Washington
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- Seattle University
FAQ
How long does a move from Des Moines to Washington take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Des Moines, IA to Washington? Typically, the process takes about four to 15 days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
How many Des Moines movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are eight movers in Des Moines that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a Des Moines moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from Des Moines to Washington?
Looking to move your car from Des Moines to Washington? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from Iowa to Washington.
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Washington?
Many people are moving to Washington because of its beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Washington.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Des Moines?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.
Do movers in Des Moines, IA, accept cash?
Yes, four movers in Des Moines accept cash. However, cash is uncommon in the moving space, where traceable payment types are standard. You’ll typically pay a deposit to secure your booking before moving day. The rest of the total is due at pickup or post-delivery—confirm the schedule and permitted payment methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
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