($416+) Evansville, IN to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Evansville, IN, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $447 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,616 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 513 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,283, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,616 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,043 - $3,320, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $447 - $1,173.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Evansville, IN, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,122 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 Evansville, IN to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Evansville to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,122 - $5,157 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 513 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 513-mile route from Evansville to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,283 - $3,792 | $1,043 - $1,817 | $447 - $813 | $894 - $1,651 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,122 - $5,157 | $1,324 - $2,533 | $458 - $917 | $1,049 - $1,968 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,898 - $7,616 | $1,694 - $3,320 | $583 - $1,173 | $1,424 - $2,504 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Evansville, IN to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Evansville, Indiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,283 and $7,616. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 513-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $248 - $1,656, 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 Evansville and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Evansville tend to start around $431 plus $155/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 Evansville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,283 - $3,792
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,122 - $5,157
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,898 - $7,616
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 Evansville to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Indiana to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Evansville, IN to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 50% of Evansville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $414 - $4,140 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Furniture Fetchers Moving Company | $166 - $994/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $248 - $1,987 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage25% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs75% of local movers | $828 - $2,484 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,070 - $8,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $620 - $1,178 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Aloo Moving | $828 - $2,070 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Furniture Fetchers Moving Company | $662 - $2,898 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $248 - $1,242 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Furniture Fetchers Moving Company | $538 - $1,656 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $248 - $12,420+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $248 - $2,898+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Evansville to Des Moines?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Evansville, IN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Evansville, IN to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Evansville, Indiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,043 and $3,320. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Evansville adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Evansville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,043 - $1,817
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,324 - $2,533
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,694 - $3,320
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 Evansville, IN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $580, 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 $62 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $124 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Evansville, IN, and Des Moines, IA, 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 Indiana to Iowa 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 $1,043. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,324 - $2,533, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Evansville to Des Moines?
- 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 Evansville 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 Evansville:
- Furniture Fetchers Moving Company (4.7/5), 13 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Aloo Moving (4.5/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Evansville, IN to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 513 miles from Evansville, Indiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $447 - $1,173. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $135 - $154
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Evansville daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Evansville to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $447 - $813
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $458 - $917
- 4+ bedrooms: $583 - $1,173
Pro tip: The base rate of $447 - $1,173 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Evansville to Des Moines. Fuel ($135 - $154) , lodging at around $124/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $135 - $154 for the 513-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 Evansville, Indiana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $580.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 513-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $124 per night, adding $248 - $373 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $41 and $248.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Evansville to Des Moines?
- 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 Evansville, IN to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Evansville, Indiana, to Des Moines, Iowa. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $745 and $1,968.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Evansville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $894 - $1,651
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,049 - $1,968
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,424 - $2,504
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Evansville, Indiana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $580.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $62 - $124 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Evansville to Des Moines?
- 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.
- Walt's Drive-A-Way Service, LLC (4.76/5 stars): Walt's Drive-A-Way Service, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Des Moines fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Evansville, IN vs Des Moines, IA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Evansville and Des Moines to plan around. Cost of living index: 80 vs. 87. Average rent: $867/mo vs. $1,150/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 44 vs. 45. Safety index: 56.42 vs. 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Evansville, IN guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Indiana to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 58 movers based in Indiana, handy for sizing up options on this 513-mile route.
Our take
The 513-mile move from Evansville, IN, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,283 and $7,616 with full-service movers, $1,043 - $3,320 with a moving container, and $447 - $1,173 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,122 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Evansville, IN, to Des Moines, IA
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Evansville, IN to Des Moines, IA?
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 $458 - $917. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 56.42 and 5.0 in Evansville. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Evansville, IN to Des Moines, IA?
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 percentage of Evansville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Evansville handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
