($507+) Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $507 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,954 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 651 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 $1,463, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,954 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,031 - $3,380, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $507 - $1,337.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,316 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 Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Columbus 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 $2,316 - $5,833 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% 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 651 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 651-mile route from Columbus to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,463 - $4,356 | $1,031 - $1,721 | $507 - $940 | $910 - $1,614 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,316 - $5,833 | $1,310 - $2,533 | $532 - $1,084 | $1,038 - $1,946 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,952 - $7,954 | $1,700 - $3,380 | $664 - $1,337 | $1,347 - $2,626 |
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 Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 651-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,463 - $7,954. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $268 - $1,788 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Columbus and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Columbus movers tend to run around $325 as a base rate plus $145/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,463 - $4,356
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,316 - $5,833
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,952 - $7,954
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 Columbus to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Columbus 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 packing78% of local movers | $447 - $4,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $179 - $1,073/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $268 - $2,146 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $894 - $2,682 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,235 - $8,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $670 - $1,272 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items11% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type46% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Integrity Moving & Storage | $581 - $1,788 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $268 - $13,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $268 - $3,129+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Des Moines?
Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Columbus, OH. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,031 and $3,380. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Columbus runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,031 - $1,721
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,310 - $2,533
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,700 - $3,380
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $626 in Columbus, OH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $67 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $134 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
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 $1,031. 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 $1,310 - $2,533.
What are the best moving containers Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- MVM Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- All American Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 23 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 651-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $507 and $1,337, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $185 - $212
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Columbus 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 Columbus to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $507 - $940
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $532 - $1,084
- 4+ bedrooms: $664 - $1,337
Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbus to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $507 - $1,337. But once you factor in fuel ($185 - $212), overnight lodging ($134/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $67 and $313.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $134.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $185 and $212 for the 651-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $626 for 2 movers in Columbus, Ohio, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus 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 Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA
If you're moving a larger household from Columbus, Ohio, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Des Moines, Iowa.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,038 and $1,946.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $910 - $1,614
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,038 - $1,946
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,347 - $2,626
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $67 and $134.
- 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 Columbus, Ohio, for roughly five hours typically average $626.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
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: Columbus, OH vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Columbus. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 91 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 41/100 and 50.35/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Columbus, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Ohio to Iowa, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 282 movers in Ohio, so you have real options to compare for this 651-mile move.
Our take
The 651-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,463 and $7,954 with full-service movers, $1,031 - $3,380 with a moving container, and $507 - $1,337 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 $2,316 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 Columbus, OH, to Des Moines, IA
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 41 and 48 in Columbus. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
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.
What do local movers charge in Columbus?
Local movers based in Columbus typically start around $325 as a base rate, plus $145/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 46% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 11% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.