$1,434 Movers From Des Moines, IA to Washington
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Washington averages from $1,188 to $8,395 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a professional Des Moines moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Washington to Des Moines, IA guide.
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Washington resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Washington. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best Des Moines, IA to Washington movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Des Moines to Washington.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Des Moines, IA to Washington car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 1,684 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best Des Moines to Washington moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from Des Moines to Washington is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to Washington.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Washington?
Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Des Moines to Washington:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,434 - $5,671 | $1,272 - $3,164 | $1,110 - $2,199 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,466 - $8,395 | $2,224 - $4,314 | $1,188 - $2,669 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,611 - $11,505 | $3,004 - $6,261 | $1,576 - $3,264 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,684 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Washington will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Des Moines, IA to Washington?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Washington will cost between $1,434 to $5,671. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Des Moines to WA will range from $3,466 to $8,395, and a large move from Des Moines to Washington will cost from $6,611 to $11,505.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Des Moines, IA to Washington?
Moving pods from Des Moines to Washington will cost you $1,272 to $3,164. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,224 to $4,314. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,004 to $6,261. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Des Moines to Washington.
How much is a moving truck from Des Moines, IA to Washington?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,110 to $2,199. A larger move will cost $1,188 to $2,669, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Des Moines to Washington costs from $1,576 to $3,264.
Is moving from Des Moines, IA to Washington a good idea?
If you’re moving to Washington from Des Moines, IA, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Washington
| Des Moines, IA | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,150 | $1,258 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $582,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $73,775 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
Washington sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 13% more expensive in Washington than in Des Moines.
- Home prices are about 188.4% higher in Washington than in Des Moines.
- The average income is about 21.7% higher in Washington than in Des Moines.
- Washington has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 43.8%.
- Income taxes are 100.00% lower in Washington than in Des Moines.
How is life different in Des Moines, IA from Washington?
| Des Moines, IA | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 7,738,692 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Democrat 58-39 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 29ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 33" | 18" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 30.22 |
Washington sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Washington is approximately 1,007% greater than the population of Des Moines.
- In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democrat and Des Moines voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79ºF and in Des Moines, it’s 86ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 29ºF and Des Moines gets down to 13ºF.
- You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington vs 36 inches of rainfall in Des Moines.
- In Washington, it snows about 18 inches annually vs 33 inches of snow in Des Moines.
- Washington has a higher crime rate than Des Moines with a crime index of 30.22 vs 5.0.
Considerations for moving to Washington
- Weather: Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!.
- 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 on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- 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 forward to Washington. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Des Moines movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 (515) 216-3654 |
| Black Belt Movers | Get A Quote |
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1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA, 50023 (515) 393-4253 |
| Iowa Moving 1 | Get A Quote |
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2958 99th St., Ste. 5, Des Moines, IA, 50322 (515) 975-2840 |
Visit our best movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Washington?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Washington.
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
- Museum of Glass
- Hibulb Cultural Center
- Puget Sound Navy Museum
- Pacific Bonsai Museum
- Imagine Children's Museum
Parks in Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
- Palouse Falls State Park
- Lime Kiln Point State Park
- Gingko Petrified Forest State Park
- Cape Disappointment State Park
- Birch Bay State Park
- Manchester State Park
- Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Sports Teams in Washington
- OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
- Seattle Storm (WNBA)
Universities in Washington
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- Seattle University
- Gonzaga University
- Eastern Washington University
- Central Washington University
- Whitman College
- Seattle Pacific University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- University of Puget Sound
- Bastyr University
- Bellevue College
Moving from Des Moines to Washington FAQs
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Washington?
Many people are moving to Washington because of beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Des Moines?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.
