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Top-rated local movers that handle Cleveland to Des Moines moves
When planning a move from Cleveland to Des Moines, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Cleveland who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Cleveland to Des Moines.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Bright Eyed Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving And Storage Company , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 653905
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 157491
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 1657726
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136482
Years in Business: 116
DOT #: 2508132
Alternate Names: Weleski – Fridrich Moving & Storage Cleveland Ohio , Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Des Moines?
Movers in Ohio charge $153 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,220 – $3,689 | $734 – $1,671 | $469 – $913 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,160 – $5,665 | $1,220 – $2,608 | $532 – $1,105 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,796 – $7,713 | $1,666 – $3,380 | $638 – $1,363 |
Cost to hire movers from Cleveland to Des Moines
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Cleveland to Des Moines, you can expect to spend between $1,220 and $3,689. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,160 to $5,665 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Cleveland to Des Moines typically runs between $3,796 and $7,713.
Cost of moving containers from Cleveland to Des Moines
When moving from Cleveland to Des Moines, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $734 and $1,671. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,220 to $2,608. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,666 up to $3,380. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cleveland to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck in Cleveland is usually your cheapest option to get to Des Moines. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $469 and $913. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $532 and $1,105. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $638 and $1,363.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Cleveland to Des Moines
The cost of Cleveland movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,881, but larger homes can run up to $6,744.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Cleveland.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($469–$1,238) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Cleveland to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Cleveland – roughly 24% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,490 in Cleveland. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $6,729.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Cleveland | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,338 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,733 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $108,509 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,965 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,490 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,729 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.4% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 11% lower in Des Moines than in Cleveland, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 77% higher in Des Moines than in Cleveland.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 10% less in Des Moines than in Cleveland.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, where the cost of living for a single person is 24% less than in Cleveland.
- Moving to Des Moines could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 35% less than in Cleveland.
- Des Moines experiences an unemployment rate that is about 13% lower than that of Cleveland. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 13% lower in Des Moines than in Cleveland. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Des Moines can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 26% higher in Iowa compared to Ohio. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Cleveland with Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Cleveland | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $310.82 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.93 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.06 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $55.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $35.00 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Cleveland than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Cleveland than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Cleveland than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Cleveland than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Cleveland than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cleveland than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cleveland than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. Des Moines
| Cleveland | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 372,624 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 57 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 39 |
| Crime index | 63.41 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 36.59 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 88% greater than Cleveland.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Cleveland’s score of 8.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Cleveland with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Cleveland’s 57 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Cleveland, which has a score of 52.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Cleveland with a score of 5.0 compared to Cleveland’s 63.41. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 63.41%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Cleveland with a safety index of 57.8 vs Cleveland’s 36.59.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Cleveland it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Cleveland to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Iowa doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Des Moines smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you’ve chosen Hartford of the West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, it’s time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Des Moines offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Des Moines?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Cleveland to Des Moines are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Cleveland are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cleveland to Des Moines?
Because spring and fall moves from Cleveland to Des Moines are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Cleveland to Des Moines take?
A move of 661 miles from Cleveland, OH to Des Moines, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Cleveland sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Des Moines is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Cleveland?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Cleveland, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Cleveland offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 17 movers in Cleveland have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 11 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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