Quick answer: Expect to pay $905 – $7,667 when moving from Manchester to Des Moines, with most moves taking three to eight days. Prices depend on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 1,334 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Des Moines to Manchester.
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Best professional movers from Manchester to Des Moines
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Manchester to Des Moines, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.
There are 25 interstate moving companies in Manchester, here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you to Des Moines without the headaches.
What moving services are available in Manchester?
How we chose the best movers NH→IA movers
Top-rated movers to make your Manchester to Des Moines move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Manchester that offers long-distance services to Des Moines can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Manchester 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 Manchester to Des Moines.
- Ray the Mover: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Trend Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- College Bound Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- All Pro Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 85
DOT #: 2724757
Alternate Names: Ray the Mover of Manchester, Inc. , MII Moving and Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3092893
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3092893
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Co., Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 650086
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 650086
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1016693
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 1016693
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Manchester to Des Moines?
In New Hampshire, moving services typically cost around $150 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 | $1,368 – $5,806 | $945 – $2,320 | $837 – $1,632 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,250 – $7,667 | $1,727 – $3,446 | $905 – $1,980 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,801 – $10,771 | $2,415 – $4,629 | $1,185 – $2,440 |
Cost to hire movers from Manchester to Des Moines
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Manchester, you can expect prices to land between $1,368 and $5,806. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,250 to $7,667 for the trip from Manchester to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,801 and $10,771.
Cost of moving containers from Manchester to Des Moines
Moving containers from Manchester to Des Moines will cost you $945 to $2,320 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,727 to $3,446. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,415 to $4,629. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of New Hampshire.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Manchester to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Manchester 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 $837 and $1,632 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $905 to $1,980. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,185 to $2,440.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Manchester to Des Moines move

What to know before moving from Manchester to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Manchester – roughly 23% less for singles and 17% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,449 in Manchester. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $5,256.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
Manchester | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $1,767 | $1,229 |
Average 3 BR rent | $2,461 | $1,763 |
Average home value | $410,329 | $192,347 |
Average income (per capita) | $67,132 | $58,492 |
Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 4.0% | 4.4% |
- When relocating from Manchester to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 43% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 53% more affordable in Des Moines compared to Manchester.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 13% lower in Des Moines compared to Manchester.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person is 23% lower compared to Manchester.
- A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 17% less than what it costs in Manchester.
- Des Moines shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Manchester by around 55%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Des Moines has a sales tax, while Manchester does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes in Iowa are 10% above those in New Hampshire. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Manchester and Des Moines:
Living Expense | Manchester | Des Moines |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $218.54 | $144.82 |
Cell phone plan | $51.38 | $51.25 |
Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $3.61 |
Loaf of bread | $3.01 | $2.50 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $27.50 | $16.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $77.50 |
Gym membership | $81.25 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Manchester than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Manchester than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Manchester than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Manchester than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Manchester than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Manchester than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships cost more in Manchester than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Manchester vs. Des Moines
Manchester | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Population | 115,644 | 699,292 |
Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
Walkability score | 51 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 42 | 39 |
Crime index | 56.09 | 5.0 |
Safety index | 43.91 | 57.8 |
Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 505% greater than Manchester.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Manchester’s score of 3.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Manchester with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Manchester’s 51 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Manchester, which has a score of 42.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Manchester with a score of 5.0 compared to Manchester’s 56.09. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Manchester with a safety index of 57.8 vs Manchester’s 43.91.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Manchester it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Manchester 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 Manchester to Des Moines?
When is the cheapest time to move from Manchester to Des Moines?
How long does a move from Manchester to Des Moines take?
Are there special savings available from movers in Manchester?
Are piano and antique moving services available in Manchester?
Helpful moving resources
Manchester moving services
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