($1,164) Movers From Cleveland, OH to Des Moines, IA

Quick answer: A move from Cleveland to Des Moines costs $497–$5,677 and takes one to six days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 661-mile move yourself.

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Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to Cleveland guide.

The best Cleveland to Des Moines full-service moving companies

Choosing a long-distance moving company in Cleveland to go to Des Moines can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.

Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Cleveland to Des Moines.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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(844) 950-2963
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Cleveland to Des Moines?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Cleveland to Des Moines will cost between $1,164 to $3,484. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,232 to $5,677, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Cleveland to Des Moines will cost from $3,658 to $7,821.

The best moving containers for your Cleveland to Des Moines move

Moving containers can be a cost-effective option for moving from Cleveland to Des Moines. You’ll save a little money by opting to pack and load everything yourself, but the container company will take care of the transportation for you.

We recommend these moving container companies:

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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best for large moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
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Check prices (352) 322-2920

How much are moving container companies from Cleveland to Des Moines?

Moving containers from Cleveland to Des Moines will cost you $701 to $1,644 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,275 to $2,538. A larger home will cost $1,655 to $3,195.

The best moving truck rentals for your Cleveland to Des Moines move

If you want to save even more money on your Cleveland to Des Moines move, renting a moving truck is your cheapest option. Keep in mind that you’ll be handling all the work — packing, loading, and driving. But that extra work will pay off in terms of keeping costs low.

These top moving truck rentals are a great place to start:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
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Check prices (800) 468-4285
Best Value Rental
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
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How much is a moving truck from Cleveland to Des Moines?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $489 to $880. A larger move will cost $497 to $1,034, and a four-bedroom move from Cleveland to Des Moines costs from $608 to $1,189. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best labor-only movers for your Cleveland to Des Moines move

If you need some extra hands to help you with your move, you’ll want to hire labor-only movers with reasonable hourly rates and professional crews. Labor-only companies that offer add-on options like packing and cleaning allow you to more fully tailor services to your needs and budget.

Consider these highly rated labor-only movers to help you move from Cleveland to Des Moines:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
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(866) 774-5063

How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Des Moines?

Cleveland movers charge $75 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 $1,164 - $3,484 $701 - $1,644 $489 - $880
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,232 - $5,677 $1,275 - $2,538 $497 - $1,034
4+ bedrooms $3,658 - $7,821 $1,655 - $3,195 $608 - $1,189
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 661 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Cleveland to Des Moines

The cost of Cleveland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Cleveland to Des Moines can be as low as $1,164 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,303.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Cleveland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $489 to $1,182. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Cleveland to Des Moines

Cleveland Des Moines
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,150
Average home value $98,485 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $63,673 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $1,038 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,653 $4,380
Unemployment rate 6.8% 5.9%
Sales tax 8.0% 7.0%
State income tax 3.5% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 8% lower than in Cleveland.
  • Home prices in Des Moines are 95.3% higher than in Cleveland.
  • Income in Des Moines is 8.1% lower than in Cleveland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 82.2% higher than in Cleveland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 19.9% higher than in Cleveland.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 13.24% lower than in Cleveland.
  • Sales taxes in Des Moines are 12.50% lower than in Cleveland.
  • State income taxes in Des Moines are 25.71% higher than in Cleveland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,465.32 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cleveland.

How life is different in Cleveland vs. Des Moines

Des Moines Cleveland
Population 699,292 372,624
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 45 57
Bike friendliness score 39 52
Crime Index 5.0 58.29
Safety Index 57.8 64.06
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Des Moines's population is about 88% greater than Cleveland.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Cleveland's lower 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 is less bike-friendly than Cleveland with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Cleveland's 52.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Cleveland with a score of 5.0 compared to Cleveland's 58.29. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 58.29%.
  • Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Cleveland with a score of 57.8 vs Cleveland's 64.06.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Cleveland it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Cleveland vs. Des Moines move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

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

After settling into your new Iowa home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
  • 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: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Cleveland 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 Cleveland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Cleveland to Des Moines?

Because most people are moving from Cleveland to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Cleveland to Des Moines take?

The 661-mile move from Cleveland, OH, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to six days. Some Cleveland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

Helpful moving resources