($247+) Overland Park, KS to Des Moines, IA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Overland Park, KS to Des Moines, IA

Moving from Overland Park, KS, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $239 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,565 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 204 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $907, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,565 or more.
  • Moving containers run $783 - $2,526, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $239 - $598.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Overland Park, KS, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,529 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Overland Park, KS to Des Moines, IA

Moving options from Overland Park to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,529 - $4,242 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 204-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 204-mile route from Overland Park to Des Moines, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $907 - $3,311 $783 - $1,390 $239 - $413 $764 - $1,276
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,529 - $4,242 $1,019 - $1,923 $247 - $503 $816 - $1,617
4+ bedrooms $2,019 - $5,565 $1,446 - $2,526 $320 - $598 $1,069 - $2,020

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Overland Park, KS to Des Moines, IA

Full-service movers for the 204-mile relocation from Overland Park, Kansas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $907 and $5,565. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $295 - $1,968, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Overland Park typically charge a base rate around $275 plus $120 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Overland Park to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $907 - $3,311
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,529 - $4,242
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,019 - $5,565

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 Overland Park to Des Moines.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Kansas 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 Overland Park, KS to Des Moines, IA

Specialty needs vary by market — 72% of Overland Park 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$492 - $4,920
Storage in transitNew place not ready72% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Bellhop Moving$197 - $1,181/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$295 - $2,362
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage32% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers$984 - $2,952
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,460 - $9,840
Car shippingSecond vehicle$737 - $1,400
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: You Move Me$984 - $2,460
PianoAny piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz$787 - $3,444
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling32% of local movers$295 - $1,476
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz$640 - $1,968
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$295 - $14,760+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$295 - $3,444+

What are the best full-service movers from Overland Park to Des Moines?

Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, on top of the picks below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

How much do local movers cost in Overland Park, KS?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Overland Park to Des Moines with a local mover averages $1,590 - $4,411. A local mover in Overland Park, KS is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.

Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.

Moving Proz (4.58/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Overland Park, based on our analysis of feedback from 290 customers, 87.6% of which is positive.

Address: 200 W 5th Street #607, Kansas City, MO, 64196 | Founded: 2016

Moving container costs from Overland Park, KS to Des Moines, IA

Moving containers from Overland Park, Kansas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $783 and $2,526. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Overland Park runs about $75/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Overland Park to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $783 - $1,390
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,019 - $1,923
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,446 - $2,526

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $689 in Overland Park, KS. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $74 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $148 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Kansas 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 $783. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,019 - $1,923, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Overland Park to Des Moines?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Overland Park 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 Overland Park:

  • You Move Me (4.9/5), 15 years in business
  • Moving Proz (4.9/5), 10 years in business
  • Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Overland Park, KS to Des Moines, IA

A rental truck for this 204-mile move from Overland Park, Kansas, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $239 and $598. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $64 - $73
  • Daily insurance: $30/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Overland Park daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Overland Park to Des Moines based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $239 - $413
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $247 - $503
  • 4+ bedrooms: $320 - $598

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $239 - $598 when pricing out a rental truck from Overland Park to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs ($64 - $73) , and overnight lodging ($148/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $64 - $73 for the 204-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 Overland Park, Kansas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $689.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 204-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $148 per night, adding $295 - $443 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $295.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Overland Park to Des Moines?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Overland Park, KS to Des Moines, IA

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Overland Park, Kansas, to Des Moines, Iowa. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $816 and $1,617.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Overland Park to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $764 - $1,276
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $816 - $1,617
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,069 - $2,020

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
  • More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $74 - $148 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Overland Park, Kansas, for about five hours typically runs $689.

What are the best freight companies from Overland Park to Des Moines?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Material Transport Co (4.62/5 stars): Material Transport Co 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: If speed matters on your move from Overland Park to Des Moines, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Overland Park, KS vs Des Moines, IA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Overland Park on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Overland Park, KS Des Moines, IA
Cost of living index10687
Average rent$1,554/mo$1,150/mo
Median home value$383,746$183,553
Average income$103,838/yr$63,966/yr
Unemployment rate3.0%5.9%
State income taxUp to 5.7%Up to 4.4%
Walkability score35/10045/100
Safety index75.27/10057.8/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Des Moines, IA to Overland Park, KS guide.

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moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Kansas 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 23 movers based in Kansas, handy for sizing up options on this 204-mile route.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 204-mile route from Overland Park, KS, to Des Moines, IA, run $907 - $5,565 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $783 - $2,526, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $239 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,529, 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 MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.

FAQs: Moving from Overland Park, KS, to Des Moines, IA

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 Overland Park, KS 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.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?

When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($64 - $73), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $148/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Des Moines?

Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 35 and 46 in Overland Park. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What percentage of Overland Park movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 64% of movers in Overland Park handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.