($773+) Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $757 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,350 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,209 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 $2,123, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,350 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,244 - $4,576, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $757 - $2,182.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Norfolk, VA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,554 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 Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Norfolk 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 $2,554 - $6,048 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 1,209 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 1,209-mile route from Norfolk to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,123 - $4,675 | $1,244 - $2,406 | $757 - $1,521 | $1,167 - $2,297 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,554 - $6,048 | $1,688 - $3,218 | $897 - $1,808 | $1,405 - $2,682 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,428 - $8,350 | $2,194 - $4,576 | $1,127 - $2,182 | $1,755 - $3,409 |
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 Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,209-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,123 - $8,350. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $268 - $1,788. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Norfolk and Des Moines. Local movers in Norfolk typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $89/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Norfolk to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,123 - $4,675
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,554 - $6,048
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,428 - $8,350
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 Norfolk to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Norfolk 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 ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $179 - $1,073/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $268 - $2,146 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage41% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs64% 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 items45% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Tidal Town Moving | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $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 Norfolk to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Norfolk, VA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,244 and $4,576. 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 Norfolk adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Norfolk to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,244 - $2,406
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,688 - $3,218
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,194 - $4,576
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 Norfolk, VA, 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 Norfolk, VA, 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 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 $1,244. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,688 - $3,218, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Tidal Town Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,209-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $757 and $2,182. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $344 - $393
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Norfolk 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 Norfolk to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $757 - $1,521
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $897 - $1,808
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,127 - $2,182
Pro tip: A rental truck from Norfolk to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $757 - $2,182. But once you factor in fuel ($344 - $393) , overnight lodging ($134/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $67 and $313.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $134.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $344 and $393 for the 1,209-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $626 for 2 movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Norfolk 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 Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Norfolk, Virginia, 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 $2,682.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,167 - $2,297
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,405 - $2,682
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,755 - $3,409
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Norfolk, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $626.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $67 - $134 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Norfolk to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Norfolk to Des Moines, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Norfolk, VA vs Des Moines, IA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Norfolk and Des Moines to plan around. Cost of living index: 91 vs. 87. Average rent: $1,500/mo vs. $1,150/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 46 vs. 45. Safety index: 41.9 vs. 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Norfolk, 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 104 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 1,209-mile move.
Our take
A move from Norfolk, 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 $2,123 - $8,350 on the 1,209-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,244 - $4,576, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $757 - $2,182. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,554 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 Norfolk, VA, to Des Moines, IA
What do local movers charge in Norfolk?
Local movers based in Norfolk typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $89/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Norfolk, VA 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.
How much does it cost to move from Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,123 to $8,350, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,123 and $8,350, 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 46 and 47 in Norfolk. 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 ($344 - $393), 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.
What percentage of Norfolk movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Norfolk handle piano moves, and 45% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
