($684+) Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $684 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,593 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,097 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,015, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,593 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,158 - $3,848, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $684 - $1,882.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,431 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 Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Newark 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 $2,431 - $5,723. Moving containers run about 36% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 68% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,097-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 1,097-mile route from Newark to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,015 - $4,581 | $1,158 - $2,293 | $684 - $1,326 | $1,053 - $1,906 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,431 - $5,723 | $1,553 - $3,069 | $777 - $1,515 | $1,181 - $2,431 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,881 - $7,593 | $1,994 - $3,848 | $957 - $1,882 | $1,710 - $3,079 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,097-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,015 - $7,593. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $347 - $2,316. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Newark and Des Moines. Local movers in Newark typically start around $260 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,015 - $4,581
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,431 - $5,723
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,881 - $7,593
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 Newark to Des Moines.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $579 - $5,790 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $232 - $1,390/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $347 - $2,779 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,158 - $3,474 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,895 - $11,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $867 - $1,648 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,158 - $2,895 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $926 - $4,053 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $347 - $1,737 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $753 - $2,316 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $347 - $17,370+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $347 - $4,053+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Des Moines?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Newark, NJ. 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 Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,158 and $3,848. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Newark typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,158 - $2,293
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,553 - $3,069
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,994 - $3,848
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 Newark, NJ, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $811, 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 $87 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $174 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Newark, NJ, 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 New Jersey 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 $1,158. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,553 - $3,069.
What are the best moving containers Newark 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 Newark 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 Newark:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Big G Movers Inc (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Newark, New Jersey, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $684 - $1,882 for the 1,097-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $404 - $462
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| 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 Newark to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $684 - $1,326
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $777 - $1,515
- 4+ bedrooms: $957 - $1,882
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Newark to Des Moines starts at $684 - $1,882, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($404 - $462), overnight lodging ($174/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $404 - $462 for the 1,097-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 Newark, New Jersey, for about 5 hours typically costs around $811.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,097-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $174 per night, adding $347 - $521 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $58 and $347.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark 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 Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Des Moines, Iowa. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,042 and $2,431.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,053 - $1,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,181 - $2,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,710 - $3,079
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $87 - $174 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about five hours typically runs $811.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Des Moines fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Newark, NJ 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 Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 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 Newark, NJ guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 315 movers based in New Jersey, handy for sizing up options on this 1,097-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Newark, NJ, to Des Moines, IA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,015 - $7,593 on the 1,097-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,158 - $3,848 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $684 - $1,882 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,431 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to Des Moines, IA
What do local movers charge in Newark?
Local movers based in Newark typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $120/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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Newark, NJ 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.
How much does it cost to move from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $684 to $7,593, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,015 and $7,593, 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.
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 76 and 51 in Newark. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($404 - $462), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $174/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.