($912+) Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Providence, RI, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $922 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,885 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,294 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,285, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,885 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,494 - $4,847, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $922 - $2,376.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Providence, RI, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,911 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed over 847 real quotes from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early.
Compare moving options from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Providence to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,911 - $6,902. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,294-mile route from Providence to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,285 - $5,500 | $1,494 - $2,591 | $922 - $1,689 | $1,358 - $2,502 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,911 - $6,902 | $1,871 - $3,576 | $1,006 - $2,072 | $1,421 - $2,921 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,953 - $8,885 | $2,536 - $4,847 | $1,166 - $2,376 | $1,967 - $3,918 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
For the 1,294-mile move from Providence, Rhode Island, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $2,285 and $8,885. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $301 - $2,004 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Providence to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,285 - $5,500
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,911 - $6,902
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,953 - $8,885
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 Providence to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Rhode Island 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.
Add-ons and specialty services from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. Here's what each add-on and specialty service typically runs from Providence to Des Moines, with prices localized to Providence costs.
- Full packing: $501 - $5,010 if you want the crew to box everything.
- Storage in transit: $200 - $1,202/mo if your new place isn't ready on arrival.
- Shuttle fee: $301 - $2,405 when a full-size truck can't reach the door.
- Full-value protection: $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) for coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb.
- Small moves: $1,002 - $3,006 for shipments under about 2,000 lbs.
- Office / commercial: $2,505 - $10,020 for a workplace relocation.
- Car shipping: $750 - $1,426 to move a second vehicle.
- Antiques & fine art: $1,002 - $2,505 for climate control and white-glove handling.
- Piano: $802 - $3,507 for an upright, baby grand, or grand.
- Pool table: $301 - $1,503 for disassembly and professional re-leveling.
- Hot tub: $651 - $2,004 for 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect.
- Wine collection: $301 - $15,030+ for climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport.
- Pet relocation: $301 - $3,507+ for ground, air, or VIP concierge service.
What are the best full-service movers from Providence to Des Moines?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Providence, RI. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Providence, Rhode Island, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,494 and $4,847. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Providence to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,494 - $2,591
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,871 - $3,576
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,536 - $4,847
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $75 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $150 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Des Moines, IA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $701 in Providence, RI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Rhode Island 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 $1,494. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,871 - $3,576, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Providence to Des Moines?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Providence 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 Providence:
- Economy Movers & Storage Inc (4.6/5), 50 years in business
- Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 16 years in business
- Marathon Moving Co. (4.7/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Providence, Rhode Island, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $922 - $2,376, depending on truck size. With a rental truck, you're getting the vehicle and nothing else. That means loading up all your boxes and furniture yourself, driving the truck the full 1,294 miles to Des Moines, and unloading everything there. Additional costs include fuel ($413 - $471 for the drive), insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top of the base rate.
Rental moving trucks come in sizes ranging from 10 - 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck is the most popular choice for an average 2-bedroom move. If you're moving out of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck will typically do the job. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck. Trucks in that larger size class generally run on diesel fuel, which can push up your overall cost.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Providence to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $922 - $1,689
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,006 - $2,072
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,166 - $2,376
Pro tip: The base rate of $922 - $2,376 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Providence to Des Moines. Fuel ($413 - $471) , lodging at around $150/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $150 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $65 and $326 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $413 - $471 in fuel for the 1,294-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $701 in Providence, Rhode Island, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Providence to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this route. Lower base rates than competitors, plus stackable discounts for AAA, military, and online bookings, make Budget the most cost-conscious choice.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is most reliable on this list. Their fleet is one of the newest in the industry, and Penske bundles unlimited mileage on one-way moves with 24/7 roadside assistance at no extra charge.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is our pick for best availability. With 23,000+ locations across North America and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the broadest network and the most reservation flexibility of any truck rental company.
Freight trailer costs from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Providence, Rhode Island, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Des Moines, Iowa.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,421 and $2,921.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Providence to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,358 - $2,502
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,421 - $2,921
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,967 - $3,918
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $75 - $150 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Providence, Rhode Island, for about five hours typically runs $701.
What are the best freight companies from Providence to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Blue Sun Super Service (4.76/5 stars): Blue Sun Super Service is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Providence to Des Moines. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Providence, RI vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Providence on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Providence, RI | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 109 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $323,365 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $66,772/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.99% | Up to 4.4% |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Providence, RI guide.
Our take
A move from Providence, RI, 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 $2,285 - $8,885 on the 1,294-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,494 - $4,847, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $922 - $2,376. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,911 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
How to plan your move from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
- Compare your moving service options: Use the cost breakdown above to weigh full-service movers, containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers for your Providence to Des Moines move against your budget and how much work you want to handle.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Run your specific move through the moving cost calculator so your estimate reflects your home size and date, not just the route averages.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Check moveBuddha's recommended full-service, container, truck, and freight companies for the Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA route and compare their ratings and standout features.
- Request free quotes: Gather free quotes from two or three companies for the Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA route; comparing offers is how most moveBuddha users save.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Verify that your chosen mover is properly licensed and insured for interstate moves by checking their record on the FMCSA site.
- Book early and time your move: Reserve your move as far ahead as possible and aim for a midweek, mid-month date outside the summer rush to save on your Providence to Des Moines move.
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA?
Full-service movers from Providence to Des Moines typically cost between $2,285 and $8,885 depending on home size, while moving containers and rental trucks come in lower. Timing also matters. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher.
The cost depends on how much you're moving and which type of service you choose. For this route, prices generally range from $2,285 for a small DIY truck rental up to $8,885 for a full-service move of a larger home.
How long does a move from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete moves on this route within 5 - 7 days. That timeline is driven by how carriers consolidate multiple shipments on a single truck heading the same direction.
Freight trailers move faster and with more delivery consistency than full-service movers, making them the quickest option on this route other than driving a rental truck yourself. That said, freight is best-suited for moves where you know exactly when and where you'll be receiving your items. Renting a truck and driving from Providence, Rhode Island, to Des Moines, Iowa, means the schedule is completely yours to set.
What is the cheapest way to move from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable way to move from Providence to Des Moines, since you're handling the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. On average, a 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route costs $1,006 - $2,072. Check out our cheapest truck rental recommendations to find the lowest price for your DIY move.
The truck rental cost section above breaks down what typically gets added on top of that base rate, so it's worth checking before you commit. If your move is under 500 miles, it's also worth comparing against a local mover's hourly rate, since a truck rental's extra fees can sometimes close the gap for shorter routes.
What is the best time of year to move from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA?
If keeping costs down is your priority, aim for a move between October and March. Demand drops significantly in the fall and winter, which means better availability, lower rates, and more room to negotiate with movers on this route.
Peak moving season runs from mid-May through mid-September, and prices across all service types tend to climb during that stretch. Weekends and the end of the month are also more expensive regardless of the season, so a midweek, mid-month move date is your best bet for saving money on your move from Providence, Rhode Island, to Des Moines, Iowa.
What are some tips for moving from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA?
A 500-pound reduction in shipment weight, the rough equivalent of clearing out one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
Beyond that, staying organized is everything. A solid moving checklist helps you track deadlines, book services on time, and avoid last-minute scrambles that can cost you money and add unnecessary stress to your move from Providence, Rhode Island, to Des Moines, Iowa.
