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Top-rated movers to make your Detroit to Des Moines move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Detroit that offers long-distance services to Des Moines can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 37 top local movers in Detroit who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Detroit to Des Moines.
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Handy Relocations: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 39343
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3345697
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 41
DOT #: 279708
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Des Moines?
In Michigan, moving services typically cost around per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,129 – $3,642 | $707 – $1,559 | $465 – $802 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,104 – $5,339 | $1,275 – $2,505 | $492 – $982 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,699 – $7,830 | $1,588 – $3,053 | $621 – $1,245 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Des Moines
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Detroit, you can expect prices to land between $1,129 and $3,642. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,104 to $5,339 for the trip from Detroit to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,699 and $7,830.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Des Moines
Moving containers from Detroit to Des Moines will cost you $707 to $1,559 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,275 to $2,505. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,588 to $3,053. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Detroit to Des Moines typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $465 and $802 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $492 to $982. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $621 to $1,245.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Detroit to Des Moines move
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,742 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,902 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Detroit.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $465 to $1,078, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Detroit – roughly 24% less for singles and 34% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,500 in Detroit. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $6,687.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Detroit | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.4% |
- When relocating from Detroit to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 8% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Des Moines are about 163% higher than those in Detroit.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 55% higher in Des Moines compared to Detroit, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person is 24% lower compared to Detroit.
- A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 34% less than what it costs in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is about 35% lower than in Detroit. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Des Moines are 17% more than in Detroit, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes have a close resemblance in Iowa and Michigan, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Detroit and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Detroit than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Detroit than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Detroit than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Detroit than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Des Moines
| Detroit | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 39 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 9% greater than Detroit.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Detroit, which has a score of 52.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 5.0 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 57.8 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Des Moines move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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 they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll 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: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Des Moines
Planning your move to Hartford of the West? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Des Moines?
Planning your move from Detroit to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Detroit 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 Detroit to Des Moines take?
The 600-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Des Moines, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Detroit offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.
Are there special savings available from movers in Detroit?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 3 have discounts for military personnel. 3 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Detroit?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Detroit, 22 movers can manage piano relocations. 8 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Michigan has 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,300 and 1,465 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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