($280+) Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $295 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,275 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 243 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 $962, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,275 or more.
- Moving containers run $887 - $2,535, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $295 - $700.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,615 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Minneapolis to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,615 - $4,587 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 243 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 243-mile route from Minneapolis to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $962 - $3,710, container $887 - $1,557, rental truck $295 - $503, freight trailer $743 - $1,442.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,615 - $4,587, container $1,077 - $2,011, rental truck $307 - $607, freight trailer $906 - $1,759.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $2,138 - $6,275, container $1,462 - $2,535, rental truck $390 - $700, freight trailer $1,134 - $2,155.
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 Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 243-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $962 - $6,275. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $297 - $1,980 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Minneapolis and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Minneapolis movers tend to run around $240 as a base rate plus $109/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $962 - $3,710
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,615 - $4,587
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,138 - $6,275
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 Minneapolis to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis 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 | $495 - $4,950 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $198 - $1,188/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $297 - $2,376 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $990 - $2,970 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,475 - $9,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $742 - $1,409 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $990 - $2,475 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $792 - $3,465 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $297 - $1,485 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $644 - $1,980 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $297 - $14,850+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $297 - $3,465+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis 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.
How much do local movers cost in Minneapolis, MN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Minneapolis to Des Moines with a local mover averages $1,647 - $4,678. A local mover in Minneapolis, MN 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.
Premium Moving Services (4.48/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Minneapolis, based on our analysis of feedback from 177 customers, 83.1% of which is positive.
Address: 949 Schaller Dr, S Maplewood, MN, 55119 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $887 and $2,535. 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 Minneapolis runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $887 - $1,557
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,077 - $2,011
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,462 - $2,535
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Minneapolis, MN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $693, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $74 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $149 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Minneapolis, MN, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota 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 $887. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,077 - $2,011, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:
- AAA Movers (4.4/5), 38 years in business
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 243-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $295 and $700. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $77 - $87
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- 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 Minneapolis to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $295 - $503
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $307 - $607
- 4+ bedrooms: $390 - $700
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $295 - $700 does not include fuel ($77 - $87) , lodging ($149/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Minneapolis to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $77 - $87 for the 243-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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours typically costs around $693.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 243-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $149 per night, adding $297 - $446 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $50 and $297.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Des Moines, Iowa, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $906 and $1,759.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $743 - $1,442
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $906 - $1,759
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,134 - $2,155
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $74 and $149.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly five hours typically average $693.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Des Moines quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 107 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,484/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $345,294 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $80,269/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 43.94/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Minnesota to Iowa, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 49 movers in Minnesota, so you have real options to compare for this 243-mile move.
Our take
A move from Minneapolis, MN, 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 $962 - $6,275 on the 243-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $887 - $2,535, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $295 - $700. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,615 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 Minneapolis, MN, to Des Moines, IA
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 are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
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 71 and 83 in Minneapolis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 43.94 and 56.06 in Minneapolis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
