($500+) Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Akron, OH, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $500 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,635 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 683 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,522, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,635 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,012 - $3,327, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $500 - $1,387.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Akron, OH, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,229 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 Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Akron to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,229 - $5,648 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 39% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 75% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 683 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 683-mile route from Akron to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,522 - $4,156 | $1,012 - $1,851 | $500 - $973 | $892 - $1,601 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,229 - $5,648 | $1,350 - $2,437 | $556 - $1,046 | $1,091 - $2,112 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,131 - $7,635 | $1,702 - $3,327 | $701 - $1,387 | $1,459 - $2,504 |
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 Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA
For the 683-mile move from Akron, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $1,522 and $7,635. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $250 - $1,668 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Akron generally start around $199 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Akron to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,522 - $4,156
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,229 - $5,648
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,131 - $7,635
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 Akron to Des Moines.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 64% of Akron 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 packing83% of local movers | $417 - $4,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready64% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $167 - $1,001/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $250 - $2,002 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $834 - $2,502 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,085 - $8,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $625 - $1,187 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $834 - $2,085 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $667 - $2,919 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $250 - $1,251 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $542 - $1,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $250 - $12,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $250 - $2,919+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Akron to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Akron, OH, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Akron, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,012 and $3,327. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Akron adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Akron to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,012 - $1,851
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,350 - $2,437
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,702 - $3,327
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 Akron, OH, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $584, 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 $63 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $125 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Akron, OH, 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 Ohio 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 $1,012. 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 $1,350 - $2,437.
What are the best moving containers Akron 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 Akron 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 Akron:
- Summit Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 69 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 30 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $500 - $1,387 for a rental moving truck on the 683-mile route from Akron, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $181 - $207
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Akron daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Akron to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $500 - $973
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $556 - $1,046
- 4+ bedrooms: $701 - $1,387
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $500 - $1,387 when pricing out a rental truck from Akron to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $181 - $207, and overnight lodging ($125/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $181 - $207 for the 683-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 Akron, Ohio, for about 5 hours typically costs around $584.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 683-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $125 per night, adding $250 - $375 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $42 and $250.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Akron 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 Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA
If you're moving a larger household from Akron, Ohio, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Des Moines, Iowa.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,091 and $2,112.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Akron to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $892 - $1,601
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,091 - $2,112
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,459 - $2,504
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 Akron, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $584.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $63 and $125 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Akron 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Akron to Des Moines, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Akron, OH vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Akron. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 81 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 48/100 and 50.39/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Akron, OH guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Iowa, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 282 movers licensed in Ohio, useful context for sizing up this 683-mile move.
Our take
A move from Akron, OH, to Des Moines, IA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,522 - $7,635 on the 683-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,012 - $3,327, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $500 - $1,387. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,229 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Akron, OH, to Des Moines, IA
What is the best time of year to move from Akron, OH 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.
How long does a move from Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($181 - $207), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $125/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $556 - $1,046. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $500 to $7,635, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,522 and $7,635, 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.
What percentage of Akron movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Akron handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.