Local moving companies in North Dakota
When you are heading from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA, you deserve movers who make your transition simple and stress-free.
Out of 8 North Dakota movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Des Moines, IA.
- Midwest Moving Company: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Quality Pack and Load, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- All About Moving, Inc.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- 5 Star Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 148
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3263587
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3092102
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1255395
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1087336
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA
See the table below for average move cost ranges from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA, organized by service type and the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,296 – $4,208 | $695 – $1,667 | $469 – $954 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,532 – $6,517 | $1,227 – $2,502 | $501 – $1,111 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,531 – $9,209 | $1,660 – $3,315 | $653 – $1,267 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 709-mile move from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Jan 17, 2026. Every month, moveBuddha refreshes thousands of verified pricing entries from moving companies around the country to mirror seasonal changes and market trends. Final costs may shift with the scale of your move, selected add-ons, parking or access constraints, fuel rates, and schedule. Get multiple quotes to ensure you’re seeing accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA, will cost between $1,296 and $4,208. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,532 to $6,517, and a large move will cost from $4,531 to $9,209.
Cost of moving containers from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA
If you’re moving from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA, expect to pay between $695 and $1,667 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,227 up to $2,502. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,660 and $3,315. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from North Dakota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA, with a rental truck, expect to spend between $469 and $954. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $501 and $1,111. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $653 up to $1,267 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Quality Pack and Load, LLC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| All About Moving, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| 5 Star Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
From our review of 3,179 movers, see how North Dakota movers match up to the nationwide percentage of movers offering these services and discounts:
| North Dakota | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 100% | 96% |
| Antiques | 36% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 9% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 9% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Des Moines, IA to what you’re used to in North Dakota. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: North Dakota vs. Des Moines, IA
| North Dakota | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $912 | $1,150 |
| Average home cost | $263,410 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,959 | $58,492 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 87 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% | 5.9% |
| State Income Tax | 2.9% | 4.4% |
Des Moines sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Des Moines is about 26% higher than in North Dakota, so make sure to budget extra for your monthly rent.
- Home prices are about 27% lower in Des Moines than in North Dakota, which could make buying a home more affordable.
- Salaries in Des Moines are usually about 21% lower than in North Dakota. Make sure to review your finances and adjust your budget before you relocate.
- Unemployment in Des Moines is about 146% higher than in North Dakota, so the job market may be more competitive. Be strategic in your job hunt and consider networking early.
- Income taxes in Iowa come in about 52% higher than in North Dakota, which can reduce how much of your earnings you actually keep.
How life is different in Des Moines from North Dakota
| Des Moines | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 783,926 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Republican 68-32 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 0ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 19″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 39″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 22.74 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Des Moines voted Democratic, while North Dakota voted Republican.
- Summers in Des Moines usually hit highs of 86ºF, right in line with the average 82ºF you’re used to in North Dakota. So, you can expect a smooth transition in terms of temperature. Still, don’t forget to factor in the local humidity, typical weather patterns, and changes in energy costs to get a full sense of what summer will really feel like in your new place.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Des Moines typically reach lows of about 13ºF, while North Dakota can dip as low as 0ºF. By moving to Des Moines, you’ll start to experience milder winters, making everyday life more comfortable, saving money, and giving you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- Expect around 36 inches of rain each year in Des Moines, which is quite a bit more than the 19 inches you’re used to back in North Dakota. With the extra rainfall comes lusher landscapes and more rainy days, so be sure to add rain gear to your wardrobe and get ready to embrace life in a wetter, greener setting.
- In Des Moines, you’ll only get about 33 inches of snow each year, much less than North Dakota. That means moving to Des Moines brings milder winters, less time shoveling, and lower maintenance.
- Moving to Des Moines means you’ll be heading somewhere safer, with a crime index of 5.0. That’s lower than North Dakota’s 22.74. A lower crime rate often translates to safer neighborhoods, a tighter community, and less stress in your everyday life. While it’s not the only factor to consider, better safety is definitely a bonus for your peace of mind.
Things to do in Des Moines
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, Des Moines truly offers something for everyone.
Museums in Des Moines
- Des Moines Art Center
- State Historical Museum
- Science Center of Iowa
- Salisbury House
- World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Parks in Des Moines
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
- Clive Greenbelt Trail
Sports teams in Des Moines
- Drake Bulldogs
Universities in Des Moines
- AIB College of Business
- Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Drake University
- Grand View University
- Vatterott College Des Moines
Other considerations when moving to Des Moines, IA
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: Something you’ll want to sort out early is booking your building’s elevator and checking their rules for moving.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you’ll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area’s rules before moving day.
- 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. Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Verify your Iowa moving license on the state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it’s helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, so your mail will be forwarded to Iowa right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from North Dakota to Des Moines take?
How long it takes to move from North Dakota to Des Moines, IA depends on your starting point and the type of move you select. Regardless of your choice, packing and loading your belongings usually only takes a day or less, even when you’re doing it yourself.
Planning a move from northern North Dakota to Des Moines? Be prepared for a longer haul. If you’re renting a truck, set aside one to two days for the journey. Your travel time will depend on your route and how many breaks you take.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Des Moines from North Dakota can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from North Dakota to Des Moines?
With a 709-mile move from North Dakota to Des Moines, it’s smart to lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. For the best availability and pricing, try to book your move two to three months in advance.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Des Moines, IA?
Summer highs in Des Moines can hit 86°F, while winter lows drop to 13°F. That’s why most people moving from North Dakota to Des Moines choose the milder spring or fall months. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and maybe save some money, try planning your move for the summer or winter instead, even if it means braving a little extra heat or cold. Check out more tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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