($459+) Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Cincinnati, OH, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $459 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,347 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 585 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 $1,358, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,347 or more.
- Moving containers run $930 - $2,960, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $459 - $1,191.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Cincinnati, OH, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,198 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 Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Cincinnati 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 $2,198 - $5,216 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 46% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 77% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 585 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 585-mile route from Cincinnati to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,358 - $3,989 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($930 - $1,728), rental truck ($459 - $856), or freight trailer ($837 - $1,539). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,198 - $5,216 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,347.
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 Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 585-mile move from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,358 - $8,347. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $263 - $1,752. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Cincinnati and Des Moines. Local movers in Cincinnati typically start around $250 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Cincinnati to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,358 - $3,989
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,198 - $5,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,927 - $8,347
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 Cincinnati to Des Moines.
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 Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Cincinnati 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 packing75% of local movers | $438 - $4,380 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Smooth Move Relocation Services | $175 - $1,051/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $263 - $2,102 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $876 - $2,628 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,190 - $8,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $656 - $1,247 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items21% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Smooth Move Relocation Services | $876 - $2,190 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Smooth Move Relocation Services | $701 - $3,066 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $263 - $1,314 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $569 - $1,752 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $263 - $13,140+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $263 - $3,066+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Cincinnati to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Cincinnati, OH. 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 Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $930 and $2,960. 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 Cincinnati costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Cincinnati to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $930 - $1,728
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,180 - $2,292
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,575 - $2,960
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 Cincinnati, OH, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $613, 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 $66 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $131 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Cincinnati, 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 $930. 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 $1,180 - $2,292.
What are the best moving containers Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati:
- Smooth Move Relocation Services (4.9/5), 25 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 22 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 585 miles from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $459 - $1,191. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $163 - $186
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Cincinnati daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Cincinnati to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $459 - $856
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $495 - $997
- 4+ bedrooms: $588 - $1,191
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $459 - $1,191 when pricing out a rental truck from Cincinnati to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $163 - $186, and overnight lodging ($131/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $131 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $57 and $285 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $163 - $186 in fuel for the 585-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $613 in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Cincinnati, Ohio, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Des Moines, Iowa.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,043 and $1,969.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Cincinnati to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $837 - $1,539
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,043 - $1,969
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,517
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $66 and $131.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Cincinnati, Ohio, for roughly five hours typically average $613.
What are the best freight companies from Cincinnati 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: 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: Cincinnati, OH vs Des Moines, IA
Cincinnati and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 88 in Cincinnati and 87 in Des Moines, and average rent is $1,450/mo vs. $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 49 vs 45 and safety scores are 49.53 vs 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, 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 585-mile move.
Our take
The 585-mile move from Cincinnati, OH, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,358 and $8,347 with full-service movers, $930 - $2,960 with a moving container, and $459 - $1,191 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 $2,198 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 Cincinnati, OH, to Des Moines, IA
How long does a move from Cincinnati, 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 is the best time of year to move from Cincinnati, 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Cincinnati, OH 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.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 49.53 and 48.47 in Cincinnati. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 49 and 36 in Cincinnati. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Cincinnati movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Cincinnati handle piano moves, and 21% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.