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Top-rated movers to make your Austin to Des Moines move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Austin that offers long-distance services to Des Moines can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 32 top local movers in Austin who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Austin to Des Moines.
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Greater Austin Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006252715C
Years in Business: 24
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 007074263C
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2783472
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Des Moines?
In Texas, moving services typically cost around $131 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,108 – $4,561 | $821 – $1,845 | $591 – $1,129 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,294 – $5,556 | $1,404 – $2,810 | $637 – $1,356 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,046 – $7,339 | $1,795 – $3,796 | $857 – $1,730 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Des Moines
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Des Moines from Austin, you can expect prices to land between $1,108 and $4,561. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,294 to $5,556 for the trip from Austin to Des Moines. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,046 and $7,339.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Des Moines
Moving containers from Austin to Des Moines will cost you $821 to $1,845 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,404 to $2,810. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,795 to $3,796. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck from Austin to Des Moines typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $591 and $1,129 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $637 to $1,356. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $857 to $1,730.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Austin to Des Moines move
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,131 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,576 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Austin.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $591 to $1,465, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Austin to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Austin – roughly 43% less for singles and 44% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $3,345 in Austin. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $7,815.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Austin | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- When relocating from Austin to Des Moines, expect to find rent about 35% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 62% more affordable in Des Moines compared to Austin.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 14% lower in Des Moines compared to Austin.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Des Moines, as the cost of living for a single person is 43% lower compared to Austin.
- A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 44% less than what it costs in Austin.
- Des Moines shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Austin by around 69%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 15% less in Des Moines relative to Austin. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Iowa has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Austin and Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Austin | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Austin than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Austin than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Austin than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Austin than in Des Moines.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Austin than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Austin vs. Des Moines
| Austin | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 39 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 28% less than Austin.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Austin, making them very similar.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Austin with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Austin’s 42 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 Austin, which has a score of 54.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Austin with a score of 5.0 compared to Austin’s 42.91. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Des Moines and Austin have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.8 and 59.87.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Des Moines move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Iowa’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Des Moines
Planning your move to Hartford of the West? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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 features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Des Moines?
Planning your move from Austin to Des Moines? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Austin 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 Austin to Des Moines take?
The 928-mile journey from Austin, TX to Des Moines, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Austin offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Des Moines.
Are there special savings available from movers in Austin?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Austin?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Austin, 18 movers can manage piano relocations. 13 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 179 piano movers and 124 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,300 and 1,465 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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