($686+) Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $686 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,154 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,066 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 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 $2,052, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,154 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,184 - $3,845, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $686 - $1,773.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Salt Lake City, UT, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,638 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Salt Lake City 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 $2,638 - $6,293 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 74% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,066 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,066-mile route from Salt Lake City to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,052 - $4,809 | $1,184 - $2,161 | $686 - $1,263 | $1,001 - $1,965 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,638 - $6,293 | $1,522 - $2,977 | $696 - $1,564 | $1,195 - $2,430 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,280 - $8,154 | $1,995 - $3,845 | $949 - $1,773 | $1,646 - $3,298 |
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 Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,066-mile move from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,052 - $8,154. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $322 - $2,148. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Salt Lake City and Des Moines. Local movers in Salt Lake City typically start around $340 as a base rate plus $137/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Salt Lake City to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,052 - $4,809
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,638 - $6,293
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,280 - $8,154
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 Salt Lake City to Des Moines.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 47% of Salt Lake City 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 packing71% of local movers | $537 - $5,370 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready47% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $215 - $1,289/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $322 - $2,578 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,074 - $3,222 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,685 - $10,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $804 - $1,528 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $1,074 - $2,685 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $859 - $3,759 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $322 - $1,611 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $698 - $2,148 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $322 - $16,110+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $322 - $3,759+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Salt Lake City 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Salt Lake City, UT. 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,184 and $3,845. 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. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Salt Lake City typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Salt Lake City to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,184 - $2,161
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,522 - $2,977
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,995 - $3,845
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 Salt Lake City, UT, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $752, 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 $81 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $161 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Salt Lake City, UT, 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 Utah 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 $1,184. 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 $1,522 - $2,977.
What are the best moving containers Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City:
- Moving Connections (4.9/5), 27 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 11 years in business
- Rocky Mountain Movers (4.6/5), 37 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,066 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $686 - $1,773. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $364 - $416
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $21
- Salt Lake City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.29
| 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 Salt Lake City to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $686 - $1,263
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $696 - $1,564
- 4+ bedrooms: $949 - $1,773
Pro tip: A rental truck from Salt Lake City to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $686 - $1,773. But once you factor in fuel ($364 - $416), overnight lodging ($161/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $161 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 $70 and $349 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $364 - $416 in fuel for the 1,066-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $752 in Salt Lake City, Utah, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Des Moines, Iowa. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,195 and $2,430.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Salt Lake City to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,001 - $1,965
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,195 - $2,430
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,646 - $3,298
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 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 $81 and $161.
- 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 Salt Lake City, Utah, for roughly five hours typically average $752.
What are the best freight companies from Salt Lake City 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Des Moines quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 121 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,495/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $495,721 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $74,925/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 59/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 65.36/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Salt Lake City, UT guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Utah to Iowa, 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. We track 106 movers licensed in Utah, useful context for sizing up this 1,066-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Salt Lake City, UT, to Des Moines, IA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,052 - $8,154 on the 1,066-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,184 - $3,845 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $686 - $1,773 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,638 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Des Moines, IA
What is the best time of year to move from Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 65.36 and 34.64 in Salt Lake City. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Salt Lake City, UT to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $696 - $1,564. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.
What percentage of Salt Lake City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Salt Lake City handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.