($775+) Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $775 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,273 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,215 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 $2,082, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,273 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,272 - $4,274, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $775 - $2,100.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,384 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 Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Chesapeake 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 $2,384 - $6,058 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 35% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 66% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,215 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,215-mile route from Chesapeake to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,082 - $4,501, container $1,272 - $2,361, rental truck $775 - $1,391, freight trailer $1,157 - $2,001.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,384 - $6,058, container $1,560 - $3,163, rental truck $805 - $1,790, freight trailer $1,261 - $2,683.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,389 - $8,273, container $2,069 - $4,274, rental truck $1,052 - $2,100, freight trailer $1,707 - $3,486.
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 Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,215-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $2,082 - $8,273. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $292 - $1,944 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chesapeake and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chesapeake movers tend to run around $290 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chesapeake to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,082 - $4,501
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,384 - $6,058
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,389 - $8,273
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 Chesapeake to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Chesapeake 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 packing68% of local movers | $486 - $4,860 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $194 - $1,166/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,333 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs45% of local movers | $972 - $2,916 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,430 - $9,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $728 - $1,383 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $972 - $2,430 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $778 - $3,402 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers | $292 - $1,458 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $632 - $1,944 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,580+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,402+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chesapeake to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 Chesapeake, VA. 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 Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,272 and $4,274. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Chesapeake typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chesapeake to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,272 - $2,361
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,560 - $3,163
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,069 - $4,274
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $73 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $146 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $680 in Chesapeake, VA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $1,272. 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 $1,560 - $3,163.
What are the best moving containers Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,215-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $775 and $2,100. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $376 - $429
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Chesapeake daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Chesapeake to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $775 - $1,391
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $805 - $1,790
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,052 - $2,100
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $775 - $2,100 does not include fuel ($376 - $429), lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chesapeake to Des Moines typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chesapeake, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $680.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $376 - $429 for the 1,215-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $316, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 1,215-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $292 - $437.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,261 and $2,683.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chesapeake to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,157 - $2,001
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,261 - $2,683
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,707 - $3,486
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $73 - $146 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 Chesapeake, Virginia, typically costs $680.
What are the best freight companies from Chesapeake 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: Chesapeake, VA 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 Chesapeake on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chesapeake, VA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $359,218 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $94,189/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 21/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 70.88/100 | 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 Chesapeake, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia 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 304 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 1,215-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chesapeake, VA, 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 $2,082 - $8,273 on the 1,215-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,272 - $4,274, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $775 - $2,100. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,384 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 Chesapeake, VA, to Des Moines, IA
How much does it cost to move from Chesapeake, VA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $775 to $8,273, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,082 and $8,273, 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.
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 21 and 35 in Chesapeake. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($376 - $429), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Chesapeake, VA 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 percentage of Chesapeake movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Chesapeake handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.