($829+) Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Burlington, VT, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $829 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,205 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,216 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 $2,518, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,205 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,257 - $4,441, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $829 - $2,094.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Burlington, VT, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,027 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Burlington 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 $3,027 - $7,694 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 1,216 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 1,216-mile route from Burlington to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,518 - $5,717 | $1,257 - $2,382 | $829 - $1,551 | $1,120 - $2,253 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,027 - $7,694 | $1,705 - $3,319 | $828 - $1,771 | $1,378 - $2,574 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,575 - $10,205 | $2,240 - $4,441 | $1,083 - $2,094 | $1,792 - $3,732 |
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 Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,216-mile move from Burlington, Vermont, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $2,518 - $10,205. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $306 - $2,040 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Burlington and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Burlington movers tend to run around $594 as a base rate plus $200/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Burlington to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,518 - $5,717
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,027 - $7,694
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,575 - $10,205
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 Burlington to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Vermont to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Burlington 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 packing60% of local movers | $510 - $5,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready80% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Booska Movers | $204 - $1,224/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $306 - $2,448 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage80% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,020 - $3,060 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,550 - $10,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $764 - $1,451 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items40% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Vermont Moving & Storage | $1,020 - $2,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Booska Movers | $816 - $3,570 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling60% of local movers | $306 - $1,530 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect60% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Local Muscle Movers | $663 - $2,040 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $306 - $15,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $306 - $3,570+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Burlington to Des Moines?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Burlington, VT, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Burlington, Vermont, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,257 and $4,441. 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 Burlington typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Burlington to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,257 - $2,382
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,705 - $3,319
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,240 - $4,441
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 Burlington, VT, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $714, 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 $77 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $153 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Burlington, VT, 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 Vermont 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 $1,257. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,705 - $3,319, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Burlington 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 Burlington 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 Burlington:
- Local Muscle Movers (4.9/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Burlington, VT to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,216-mile move from Burlington, Vermont, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $829 and $2,094, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $395 - $451
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Burlington 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 Burlington to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $829 - $1,551
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $828 - $1,771
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,083 - $2,094
Pro tip: A rental truck from Burlington to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $829 - $2,094. But once you factor in fuel ($395 - $451) , overnight lodging ($153/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $395 - $451 for the 1,216-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Burlington, Vermont, for about 5 hours typically costs around $714.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,216-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $153 per night, adding $306 - $459 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $306.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Burlington 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 Burlington, VT 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 Burlington, Vermont, 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,378 and $2,574.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Burlington to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,120 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,378 - $2,574
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,792 - $3,732
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Burlington, Vermont, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $714.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $153 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 Burlington to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- DFA Northeast Logistics, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): DFA Northeast Logistics, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Des Moines fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Burlington, VT 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 Burlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Burlington, VT | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $402,586 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $68,854/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 8.75% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 59/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 56.67/100 | 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 Burlington, VT guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Vermont 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 5 movers in Vermont, so you have real options to compare for this 1,216-mile move.
Our take
The 1,216-mile move from Burlington, VT, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $2,518 and $10,205 with full-service movers, $1,257 - $4,441 with a moving container, and $829 - $2,094 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,027 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Burlington, VT, to Des Moines, IA
What is the best time of year to move from Burlington, VT 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 3 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 56.67 and 43.33 in Burlington. 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 Burlington, VT 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 $828 - $1,771. 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 Burlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Burlington handle piano moves, and 40% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.