Local moving companies in St. Louis
- Bellhop Moving: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Arch Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Cord Moving and Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- McGuire Moving and Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving

DOT #: 2878240
Bellhop Moving draws applause for professional, courteous staff and speedy, efficient moves. Customersโ input highlights careful handling of belongings, clear communication, and a straightforward booking process. Many describe movers as friendly, organized, and respectful of both property and timelines. Yet, some feedback details significant issues, such as property damage, late or no-shows, and communication breakdowns. A sizable portion of feedback reveals frustration with damages and unresolved complaints, especially when compared to other services where reliability and handling of items were stronger. While most customers report smooth, affordable moves with attentive teams, those experiencing scheduling problems or delayed arrivals faced extra stress. Across 56 reviews, 63% praised Bellhopโs professionalism and efficiency, while roughly 36% encountered unpredictable timing or carelessness. Bellhop Moving receives broad endorsements for professionalism but falls short for some on reliability and item safety.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
- State license #: 2878240
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 29
10966 Gravois Industrial Court, St. Louis, MO 63128 USMoving day made simple: feedback from 361 reviewers shows two out of three customers raved about Two Men and a Truckโs speed, careful handling, and positive, professional attitude. Three out of four reviews praised efficient service, noting teams that work quickly while respecting belongings and property. Customers repeatedly mention helpful staff making moves less stressful. On the downside, about 22% flagged issues, with damaged items as the top concern. Some reported belongings arrived scratched or broken, while others found their final bills exceeded estimates by hundreds of dollars. Delays or late arrivals also frustrated a portion of customers. Compared to many movers, Two Men and a Truck earns higher marks for courtesy and efficiency, but shoppers sensitive to cost or worried about valuables should stay vigilant and clarify terms before moving day.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 714664
Arch Moving

DOT #: 2969512
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 21
1316 S 2nd St,, St. Louis, MO 63104 USCustomer input reveals Arch Moving stands out for efficient service, professional and polite staff, and careful handlingโtraits that rank it higher than many competitors. Out of 76 reviews analyzed, 58% were positive. Customers highlight quick moving, helpful movers, and care for belongings as main strengths. On the other hand, 33% of input cited problems, mainly damage to items, inexperienced movers, and lack of communication. Multiple customers experienced property or item damage, with some reports of lost items and unsatisfactory claims processes. Others found crews lacking experience or communication lacking, particularly from office staff. While many noted friendly, hardworking movers and fast, well-organized moves, negative feedback points to greater risk of damage or mishandling than top-rated moving companies. Those seeking value and efficiency often found the service met or exceeded expectations, yet those who value reliability and item safety should proceed with caution and discuss coverage and experience with the company before booking.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2969512
- State license #: 2969512
Cord Moving and Storage

DOT #: 181102
Years in Business: 103
4101 Rider Trail N,, Earth city, MO 63045 USCustomer input for Cord Moving and Storage is packed with high marks for professionalism and efficiency. Out of 238 reviews assessed, 84.5% are positive, highlighting polite staff, great care with belongings, fast and organized moves, and strong communication. Many mention courteous crews who arrived on time and kept customers informed, which sets Cord apart from many moving companies. Competitive pricing and helpful follow-up also stand out in feedback. On the downside, about 15% of users report significant frustrationsโmainly around damaged items, difficulties with insurance claims, late or missing communication, and a few delayed deliveries. These complaints often reference a lack of response or unsatisfactory handling when issues arise. While most customers walk away pleased and stress-free, those who face problems with claims or lost property note long wait times for resolutions. Cord Moving and Storage consistently earns praise for careful, efficient movers and friendly assistance, but some reviews describe occasional breakdowns in care and communication, especially when problems occur. Compared with typical movers, Cord's high rate of glowing reviews and low price reports put them at the industryโs front line for reliability, although resolving issues after a move can sometimes fall short.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 181102
- State license #: 181102
Alternative Business Names
- North American Moving Services
- Cord Moving & Storage Company Inc.
McGuire Moving and Storage

DOT #: 2256609
Years in Business: 44
8645 South Broadway,, St. Louis, MO 63111 USCustomer input paints McGuire Moving and Storage as a leader for professionalism and skilled handling. Of 130 reviews, 82% were favorable, with clients praising the courteous staff, careful approach, efficiency, and effective communication. The companyโs teams consistently earn recommendations, with multiple customers reporting stress-free and damage-free moves. Negative feedback, making up about 17%, centers on item damage, lost belongings, and select instances of unprofessionalism or poor service recovery. Despite a few cases of unresolved issues, customers more often highlight reliability and a hands-on approach not easily found with competitors. McGuire sets itself apart by maintaining a highly praised team and strong follow-up, though, on rare occasions, resolution on damage or loss lags behind client expectations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- DOT #: 2256609
- State license #: 2256609
Alternative Business Names
- McGuire Moving Co.
Factors influencing moving costs from St. Louis to Des Moines
What to know before moving from St. Louis to Des Moines
Moving from St. Louis 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 St. Louis than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how St. Louis compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
St. Louis | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,150 |
Average home value | $171,463 | $192,347 |
Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $58,492 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,589 | $1,891 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,573 | $4,380 |
Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 9.68% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 4.8% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 8% lower than in St. Louis, 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 St. Louis.
Home prices in Des Moines are 12.2% higher than in St. Louis. - Income in Des Moines is 11.5% lower than in St. Louis, 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 27.0% lower than in St. Louis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 33.4% lower than in St. Louis.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 6.35% lower than in St. Louis.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 27.69% lower than in St. Louis.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 8.33% lower than in St. Louis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,191.19 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Louis.
How life is different in St. Louis vs. Des Moines
Des Moines | St. Louis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 699,292 | 293,310 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 45 | 66 |
Bike friendliness score | 39 | 58 |
Crime Index | 5.0 | 69.65 |
Safety Index | 57.8 | 30.35 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Des Moines's population is about 138% greater than St. Louis.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus St. Louis's higher score of 8.
- Des Moines is less walkable than St. Louis with a score of 45 out of 100 vs St. Louis's 66 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 St. Louis, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than St. Louis with a score of 5.0 compared to St. Louis's 69.65. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than St. Louis with a safety index of 57.8 vs St. Louis's 30.35.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in St. Louis it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your St. Louis 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
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
Now that you've made the move to Iowa, itโs the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Des Moines?
The best time to move from St. Louis 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 St. Louis.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Louis to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Des Moines take?
The 349-mile move from St. Louis, MO, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to four days. Some St. Louis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.