($753+) Yonkers, NY to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Yonkers, NY, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $760 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,545 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,119 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 $1,871, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,545 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,239 - $4,383, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $760 - $2,012.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Yonkers, NY, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,389 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Yonkers, NY to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Yonkers to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,389 - $5,951 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,119 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,119-mile route from Yonkers to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,871 - $4,613 with full-service movers, $1,239 - $2,291 with a container, $760 - $1,390 with a rental truck, or $1,104 - $2,188 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,389 - $5,951 full-service, $1,596 - $3,353 by container, $830 - $1,737 by rental truck, or $1,368 - $2,578 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,949 - $7,545 full-service, $2,179 - $4,383 by container, $962 - $2,012 by rental truck, or $1,673 - $3,369 by freight.
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 Yonkers, NY to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,119-mile move from Yonkers, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,871 - $7,545. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $387 - $2,580. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Yonkers and Des Moines. Local movers in Yonkers typically start around $322 as a base rate plus $132/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Yonkers to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,871 - $4,613
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,389 - $5,951
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,949 - $7,545
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 Yonkers to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New York 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 Yonkers, NY to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Yonkers 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 packing98% of local movers | $645 - $6,450 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $258 - $1,548/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $387 - $3,096 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage54% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,290 - $3,870 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,225 - $12,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $966 - $1,836 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,290 - $3,225 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,032 - $4,515 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $387 - $1,935 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $839 - $2,580 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $387 - $19,350+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $387 - $4,515+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Yonkers 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 Yonkers, NY. 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 Yonkers, NY to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Yonkers, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,239 and $4,383. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Yonkers costs roughly $185/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Yonkers to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,239 - $2,291
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,596 - $3,353
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,179 - $4,383
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $97 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $194 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Des Moines, IA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $903 in Yonkers, NY. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New York 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 $1,239. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,596 - $3,353, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Yonkers 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 Yonkers 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 Yonkers:
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (3.8/5), 33 years in business
- Al's Moving and Storage (4.4/5), 78 years in business
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Yonkers, NY to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,119-mile move from Yonkers, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $760 and $2,012. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $459 - $525
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Yonkers daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.59 - $1.99
| 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 Yonkers to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $760 - $1,390
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $830 - $1,737
- 4+ bedrooms: $962 - $2,012
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Yonkers to Des Moines starts at $760 - $2,012, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($459 - $525) , overnight lodging ($194/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $97 and $452.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $194.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $459 and $525 for the 1,119-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $903 for 2 movers in Yonkers, New York, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Yonkers 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 Yonkers, NY to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Yonkers, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,368 and $2,578.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Yonkers to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,104 - $2,188
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,368 - $2,578
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,673 - $3,369
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Yonkers, New York, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $903.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $97 and $194 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Yonkers 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.
- Advanced Cargo Transportation, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Advanced Cargo Transportation, 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 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: Yonkers, NY 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 Yonkers on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Yonkers, NY | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 157 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,700/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $479,385 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $81,816/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.9% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 71.66/100 | 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 Yonkers, NY guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New York to Iowa, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. New York alone has 147 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,119-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,119-mile move from Yonkers, NY, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,871 and $7,545 with full-service movers, $1,239 - $4,383 with a moving container, and $760 - $2,012 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,389 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Yonkers, NY, to Des Moines, IA
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 69 and 37 in Yonkers. 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 ($459 - $525), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $194/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Yonkers, NY to Des Moines, IA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Yonkers movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Yonkers handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.