($528+) Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $528 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,774 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,663, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,774 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,072 - $3,549, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $528 - $1,349.
- 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 $2,337 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,337 - $5,887 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 651 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
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 | $1,663 - $4,396 | $1,072 - $1,920 | $528 - $968 | $983 - $1,711 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,337 - $5,887 | $1,416 - $2,712 | $580 - $1,172 | $1,046 - $2,127 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,983 - $8,774 | $1,803 - $3,549 | $683 - $1,349 | $1,443 - $2,840 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Columbus, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,663 and $8,774. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 651-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $268 - $1,788, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Columbus and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Columbus tend to start around $325 plus $145/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,663 - $4,396
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,337 - $5,887
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,983 - $8,774
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $447 - $4,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% 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 lbs40% 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 items37% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type53% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling23% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward 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?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbus, OH, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,072 and $3,549. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Columbus adds around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,072 - $1,920
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,416 - $2,712
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,803 - $3,549
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 Columbus, OH, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $626, 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 $67 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $134 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Columbus, 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 $1,072. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,416 - $2,712, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- EkoMovers (4.3/5), 16 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 651 miles from Columbus, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $528 - $1,349. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $528 - $968
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $580 - $1,172
- 4+ bedrooms: $683 - $1,349
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $528 - $1,349 when pricing out a rental truck from Columbus to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs ($185 - $212) , and overnight lodging ($134/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $185 - $212 for the 651-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Columbus, Ohio, for about 5 hours typically costs around $626.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 651-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $134 per night, adding $268 - $402 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $45 and $268.
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
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Columbus, Ohio, to Des Moines, Iowa. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $805 and $2,127.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $983 - $1,711
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,046 - $2,127
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,443 - $2,840
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $67 - $134 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Columbus, Ohio, typically costs $626.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus 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.
- THE Sygma Network (4.5/5 stars): THE Sygma Network is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Columbus, OH vs Des Moines, IA
Columbus and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Columbus and 87 in Des Moines, and rent tracks closely too ($1,441/mo vs. $1,150/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (41 vs 45) and safety scores (50.35 vs 57.8) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Columbus, OH guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 103 movers based in Ohio, handy for sizing up options on this 651-mile route.
Our take
A move from Columbus, OH, to Des Moines, IA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,663 - $8,774 on the 651-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,072 - $3,549, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $528 - $1,349. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,337 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($185 - $212), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $134/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Columbus, OH to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,663 to $8,774, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,663 and $8,774, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, 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.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 53% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
