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The best local movers for Cincinnati to Des Moines moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Cincinnati that also handles long-distance moves to Des Moines. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 12 local movers in Cincinnati who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Cincinnati to Des Moines.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Clark and Sons Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Relocation Services: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604361
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2962688
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00604903
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 1878284
Alternate Names: Smooth Move Relocation Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Help
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Cincinnati to Des Moines?
The average hourly rate for movers in Ohio is $153. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,215 – $3,608 | $675 – $1,711 | $464 – $806 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,091 – $5,436 | $1,205 – $2,533 | $485 – $938 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,735 – $7,705 | $1,740 – $3,054 | $600 – $1,179 |
Cost to hire movers from Cincinnati to Des Moines
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Des Moines will cost between $1,215 and $3,608. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Cincinnati will range from $2,091 to $5,436, and a large move from Cincinnati to Des Moines will cost from $3,735 to $7,705.
Cost of moving containers from Cincinnati to Des Moines
If you’re moving from Cincinnati to Des Moines, expect to pay between $675 and $1,711 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,205 up to $2,533. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,740 and $3,054. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cincinnati to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Cincinnati to Des Moines 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 with a rental truck, expect to spend between $464 and $806. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $485 and $938. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $600 up to $1,179 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Cincinnati to Des Moines
The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,678, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,524.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Cincinnati, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($464–$1,061) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Cincinnati – roughly 23% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,467 in Cincinnati. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $6,418.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Cincinnati | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.4% |
- If you’re heading to Des Moines from Cincinnati, you’ll find that rent is roughly 21% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 17% less in Des Moines than in Cincinnati.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 11% lower in Des Moines compared to Cincinnati.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 23% lower than in Cincinnati.
- Choosing to move to Des Moines can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 32% less than in Cincinnati.
- In Des Moines, the unemployment rate is approximately 20% higher than in Cincinnati, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 8% in Des Moines over Cincinnati, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 26% higher in Iowa than in Ohio, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Cincinnati and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in Des Moines, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cincinnati than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Des Moines
| Cincinnati | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 39 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 126% greater than Cincinnati.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Cincinnati’s score of 6.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Cincinnati’s 49 out of 100.
- With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Cincinnati, which has a score of 36 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Cincinnati with a score of 5.0 compared to Cincinnati’s 48.47. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Cincinnati with a safety index of 57.8 vs Cincinnati’s 49.53.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Cincinnati it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Iowa doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Hartford of the West, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Iowa, it’s time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Cincinnati to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Cincinnati.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Des Moines?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Cincinnati to Des Moines, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Cincinnati to Des Moines take?
Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, covers 585 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Cincinnati movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.
Which movers in Cincinnati give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Cincinnati?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 3 movers in Cincinnati advertise piano moving expertise. State totals show 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Cincinnati moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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