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The best local movers for Columbus to Des Moines moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbus that also handles long-distance moves to Des Moines. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 29 local movers in Columbus 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 Columbus to Des Moines.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.92 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Integrity Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 156647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Alternate Names: MVM Columbus , MVM Columbus Incorporated.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving , Leaders Moving & Storage Co. , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving And Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00151315
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1343775
Alternate Names: Integrity Moving, LLC , Integrity Moving , Columbus Piano Moving , Integrity Moving & Mobile Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604141
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Columbus LLC , Black Tie Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 11470
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC , E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus 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 | $1,137 – $3,727 | $734 – $1,689 | $473 – $931 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,338 – $5,665 | $1,335 – $2,482 | $506 – $1,073 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,835 – $8,195 | $1,683 – $3,413 | $664 – $1,311 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Des Moines
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Des Moines will cost between $1,137 and $3,727. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbus to Columbus will range from $2,338 to $5,665, and a large move from Columbus to Des Moines will cost from $3,835 to $8,195.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Des Moines
If you’re moving from Columbus to Des Moines, expect to pay between $734 and $1,689 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,335 up to $2,482. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,683 and $3,413. 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 Columbus to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Columbus 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 $473 and $931. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $506 and $1,073. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $664 up to $1,311 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Des Moines
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,845, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,880.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($473–$1,191) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Columbus – roughly 32% less for singles and 40% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,784 in Columbus. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $7,249.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbus | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.4% |
- If you’re heading to Des Moines from Columbus, you’ll find that rent is roughly 20% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 19% less in Des Moines than in Columbus.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 10% lower in Des Moines compared to Columbus.
- 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 32% lower than in Columbus.
- 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 40% less than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rates of Des Moines and Columbus are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes drop 7% in Des Moines compared to Columbus, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- 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 Columbus and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbus than in Des Moines.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Columbus than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbus than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Columbus than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Des Moines
| Columbus | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 39 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 23% less than Columbus.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbus, making them very similar.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 41 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 Columbus, which has a score of 48.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 5.0 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 57.8 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus 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 Columbus to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Columbus 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 Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Des Moines?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus 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 Columbus to Des Moines take?
Moving from Columbus, OH to Des Moines, covers 651 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Columbus movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Des Moines.
Which movers in Columbus give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts. 4 movers give special rates to military members. 6 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 Columbus?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 16 movers in Columbus advertise piano moving expertise. 11 movers in Columbus provide antique moving services. 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
Columbus moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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