Top-rated movers to make your Lansing to Des Moines move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Lansing that offers long-distance services to Des Moines can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 11 top local movers in Lansing 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 Lansing to Des Moines.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- M & M Moving and Storage: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- Helper Moving LLC: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: Hunky Monkey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 34172
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1890987
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2194234
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2475734
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Lansing 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 | $1,245 – $3,496 | $672 – $1,555 | $439 – $776 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,126 – $5,354 | $1,214 – $2,280 | $464 – $947 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,960 – $8,177 | $1,634 – $3,118 | $544 – $1,075 |
Cost to hire movers from Lansing to Des Moines
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Lansing, you can expect prices to land between $1,245 and $3,496. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,126 to $5,354 for the trip from Lansing to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,960 and $8,177.
Cost of moving containers from Lansing to Des Moines
Moving containers from Lansing to Des Moines will cost you $672 to $1,555 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,214 to $2,280. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,634 to $3,118. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lansing to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Lansing 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 $439 and $776 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $464 to $947. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $544 to $1,075.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Lansing to Des Moines move
The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,684 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,919 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Lansing.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $439 to $1,009, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Lansing to Des Moines
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Des Moines runs about 19% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Lansing.
Singles spend around $1,891 in Lansing versus $1,595 in Lansing; families pay $4,380 compared with $4,199.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lansing | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $901 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,775 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $148,542 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,729 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,595 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,199 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.4% |
- Moving to Des Moines from Lansing won’t change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Des Moines are about 29% higher than those in Lansing.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 10% lower in Des Moines compared to Lansing.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Des Moines, as living costs for a single person are 19% higher than in Lansing. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Des Moines and Lansing, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is about 20% lower than in Lansing. 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 Lansing, 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 Lansing and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Lansing | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $172.97 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.00 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $31.67 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lansing than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Lansing than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Lansing vs. Des Moines
| Lansing | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,644 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 55 | 39 |
| Crime index | 48.66 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 51.34 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 521% greater than Lansing.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Lansing, making them very similar.
- Des Moines and Lansing are similarly walkable.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Lansing, which has a score of 55.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Lansing with a score of 5.0 compared to Lansing’s 48.66. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Lansing with a safety index of 57.8 vs Lansing’s 51.34.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Lansing it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lansing 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 Lansing to Des Moines?
Planning your move from Lansing to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Lansing.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Lansing 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 Lansing to Des Moines take?
The 534-mile journey from Lansing, MI to Des Moines, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Lansing 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 Lansing?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 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 Lansing?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Lansing, 7 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Michigan has 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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