($429+) Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Lansing, MI, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $460 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,498 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 534 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 $1,398, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,498 or more.
- Moving containers run $975 - $3,113, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $460 - $1,187.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lansing, MI, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,300 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Lansing to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,300 - $5,619. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 534-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 534-mile route from Lansing to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,398 - $4,157 | $975 - $1,714 | $460 - $789 | $868 - $1,657 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,300 - $5,619 | $1,339 - $2,492 | $506 - $1,004 | $1,020 - $2,074 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,036 - $8,498 | $1,698 - $3,113 | $607 - $1,187 | $1,372 - $2,644 |
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 Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 534-mile move from Lansing, Michigan, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,398 - $8,498. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $256 - $1,704 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Lansing and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Lansing movers tend to run around $570 as a base rate plus $240/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lansing to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,398 - $4,157
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,300 - $5,619
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,036 - $8,498
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 Lansing to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Michigan to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 82% of Lansing 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 | $426 - $4,260 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready82% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $170 - $1,022/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $256 - $2,045 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $852 - $2,556 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,130 - $8,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $638 - $1,212 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items18% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: M & M Moving and Storage | $852 - $2,130 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $682 - $2,982 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $256 - $1,278 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: M & M Moving and Storage | $554 - $1,704 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $256 - $12,780+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $256 - $2,982+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Lansing to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Lansing, MI. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Lansing, Michigan, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $975 and $3,113. 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 Lansing adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lansing to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $975 - $1,714
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,339 - $2,492
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,698 - $3,113
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Lansing, MI and Des Moines, IA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $596 in Lansing, MI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $64 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $128 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Michigan 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 $975. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,339 - $2,492, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Lansing 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 Lansing 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 Lansing:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 32 years in business
- Helper Moving LLC (5.0/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Lansing, Michigan, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $460 - $1,187 for the 534-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $145 - $165
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Lansing daily rental rate: $19 - $29
- 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 Lansing to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $460 - $789
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $506 - $1,004
- 4+ bedrooms: $607 - $1,187
Pro tip: The base rate of $460 - $1,187 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Lansing to Des Moines. Fuel ($145 - $165) , lodging at around $128/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $128 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $55 and $277 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $145 - $165 in fuel for the 534-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $596 in Lansing, Michigan, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Lansing 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 Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Lansing, Michigan, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Des Moines, Iowa.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,020 and $2,074.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lansing to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $868 - $1,657
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,020 - $2,074
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,372 - $2,644
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Lansing, Michigan, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $596.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $64 and $128 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Lansing to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Dtx, Inc. (4.62/5 stars): Dtx, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Lansing to Des Moines. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Lansing, MI vs Des Moines, IA
Day-to-day costs in Des Moines are close to what you're used to in Lansing: cost of living index of 87 versus 84, with average rent of $1,150/mo compared to $1,129/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 46/100 and 51.34/100 in Lansing versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Lansing, MI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Iowa, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 84 movers licensed in Michigan, useful context for sizing up this 534-mile move.
Our take
A move from Lansing, MI, to Des Moines, IA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,398 - $8,498 on the 534-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $975 - $3,113, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $460 - $1,187. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,300 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Lansing, MI, to Des Moines, IA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($145 - $165), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $128/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Lansing, MI 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 $506 - $1,004. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Lansing, MI to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,398 to $8,498, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,398 and $8,498, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 do local movers charge in Lansing?
Local movers based in Lansing typically start around $570 as a base rate, plus $240/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Lansing movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in Lansing handle piano moves, and 18% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
