Local moving companies in Boston
- Poseidon Moving: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Flash Moving: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Oscar's Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
Poseidon Moving

DOT #: 2522855
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
45 Longwood Ave, Brookline, MA 5244 USCustomers are divided on Poseidon Moving, with 49 reviews yielding 55% positive input. Many highlight the professionalism of the movers, efficient service, careful handling, competitive pricing, and responsive communication. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly, hardworking, and capable of handling challenging moves with care. On the other hand, nearly 43% of client feedback details concerns about damaged items, difficulty reaching the company, or late arrivals and deliveries. Damage to belongings is a recurring theme, with some reports of claims or customer service issues going unresolved. Compared to other moving services, Poseidon stands out for affordability and staff quality but faces criticism for service reliability and post-move support. These patterns suggest Poseidon is an option for those focused on budget and friendly movers, but customers who prioritize reliability and damage-free delivery may want to evaluate alternatives or take extra precautions.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2522855
- State license #: 31816
Alternative Business Names
- Poseidon Moving, LLC
Boston Best Rate Movers

DOT #: 1718049
Years in Business: 19
252R Calvary St, Waltham, MA 02453 USBoston Best Rate Movers earns applause for its swift, careful, and professional moving teams. Out of 248 pieces of customer feedback, 96% praised factors like efficiency, attention to detail, professionalism, timely arrivals, and budget-friendly rates. Customers often highlight careful wrapping, fast-paced teams, courteous staff, and straightforward pricing that rarely incurs surprises. Users also welcome the ease of the booking process and the respectful treatment of propertyโqualities that place BBRM ahead of many local competitors. Only a handful of reviewers express frustration with unexpected costs, item damage, or unsatisfactory complaint resolution, noting higher-than-expected bills, difficult claims processes, or unresolved breakage issues. Even so, Boston Best Rate Movers consistently delivers an experience that exceeds expectations for reliability and service quality compared to other movers in the Boston area.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1718049
- State license #: 31391
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Olympia Moving & Storage

DOT #: 70719
Years in Business: 31
17 Bridge St, Watertown, MA 02472 USMoving with Olympia means speed, professionalism, and careโnearly 85% of customers praise efficient crews, courteous staff, and thoughtful handling of belongings. Many describe clear communication and a smooth moving process, often noting Olympiaโs reliability and thoroughness compared to other moving companies. Clients highlight quick responses, well-organized teams, and genuine respect for property, making even challenging relocations feel manageable. Some feedback points to recurring issues with poor packing that results in damaged items, final bills that surpass the original estimates, and occasional communication lapses, especially when addressing problems or claims. While most reported positive interactions, a notable group experienced broken or missing items and found it difficult to resolve disputes. For those seeking a moving company known for professionalism and efficiency, Olympia stands out, but potential customers should verify the estimate details and clarify communication protocols to avoid misunderstandings that some reviewers encountered. This analysis is based on 382 reviews, with the vast majorityโ84.8%โbeing positive.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 70719
- State license #: 70719
- DOD certified
Flash Moving

DOT #: 3025065
Years in Business: 6
151 Newton St, Waltham, MA 2453 USServices Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3025065
- State license #: 31853
Oscar's Moving Company

DOT #: 1637689
Years in Business: 17
86 Rowe St, Newton, MA 02466 USSmooth moves and attentive staff consistently define Oscar's Moving Company, based on analysis of 339 customer inputs. Nearly 84% of feedback expresses satisfaction, pointing to fast service, careful treatment of belongings, professionalism, speedy moving, and open communication as standout qualities. Teams frequently arrive on time, work efficiently, and ensure property is protected. Many highlight helpful communication and a courteous attitude not always found with other movers in the industry. Yet, about 16% of feedback cites issues like damaged goods, missed time windows, and billing surprises. Reports of lost or broken items and charges exceeding quotes occur more than with top competitors. Despite some lapses, the high rate of repeat business suggests Oscar's consistently outperforms most local options for professionalism and efficiency while keeping prices transparent for the majority of customers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1637689
- State license #: 31320
Alternative Business Names
- Oscar's Moving Company
Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Boston to Des Moines
Moving from Boston to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boston than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boston compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Boston | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $3,400 | $1,150 |
Average home value | $739,121 | $192,347 |
Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $58,492 |
Cost of living (single person) | $4,820 | $1,891 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,304 | $4,380 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 6.25% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 9.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 66% lower than in Boston, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 74.0% lower than in Boston. - Income in Des Moines is 34.4% lower than in Boston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
- The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 60.8% lower than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 61.3% lower than in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 4.84% lower than in Boston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 12.00% higher than in Boston.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 51.11% lower than in Boston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,176.97 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.
How life is different in Boston vs. Des Moines
Des Moines | Boston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 699,292 | 675,647 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
Walkability score | 45 | 98 |
Bike friendliness score | 39 | 86 |
Crime Index | 5.0 | 39.88 |
Safety Index | 57.8 | 60.12 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about the same as Boston.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Boston's higher score of 9.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Boston with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Boston with a score of 5.0 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Des Moines and Boston are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Boston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Boston vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: 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 theyโve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Iowa doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Des Moines
Ready to relocate to "Hartford of the West"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East Village
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Meredith
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Boston to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Boston to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Boston to Des Moines take?
The 1,299-mile move from Boston, MA, to Des Moines, IA, takes three to eight days. Some Boston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.