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Top local movers for Olympia to Des Moines moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Olympia that also provides long-distance services to Des Moines can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 33 local movers in Olympia who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Olympia to Des Moines.
- All Ready Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Move Northwest: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- A & E Relocation Services: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2083124
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2083124
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 121
DOT #: 586615
Alternate Names: Olympic Moving & Storage , Olympic Moving & Storage II, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3151264
Alternate Names: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Gig Harbor
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2256609
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2256609
Alternate Names: Northwest Movers, LLC , Bekins Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 42425
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2575653
Alternate Names: CONRAD MOVING & STORAGE , EADS TRANSFER , Pacific Relocation Services Of Washington, LLC , A and E Relocation Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Olympia to Des Moines?
Movers in Washington generally charge an average of $143 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,457 – $5,619 | $1,041 – $2,622 | $1,002 – $2,048 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,604 – $7,506 | $1,894 – $4,109 | $1,118 – $2,390 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,666 – $11,280 | $2,535 – $5,311 | $1,480 – $2,925 |
Cost to hire movers from Olympia to Des Moines
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Olympia to Des Moines typically costs between $1,457 and $5,619. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,604 and $7,506 when moving from Olympia to Des Moines. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Olympia to Des Moines, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,666 up to $11,280.
Cost of moving containers from Olympia to Des Moines
If you’re relocating from Olympia to Des Moines, you’ll typically spend between $1,041 and $2,622 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,894 up to $4,109. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,535 and $5,311. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Washington.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Olympia to Des Moines
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Olympia to Des Moines move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,002 and $2,048. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,118 to $2,390. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,480 and $2,925.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Olympia to Des Moines
The cost of Olympia movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Olympia to Des Moines might be as low as $2,803, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,819.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Olympia.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,002 to $2,618 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Olympia to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Olympia – roughly 24% less for singles and 19% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,473 in Olympia. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $5,391.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Olympia | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,675 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,817 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $508,798 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,492 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,473 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,391 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.4% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- Good news! When moving to Des Moines from Olympia, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 39% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 62% cheaper in Des Moines, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 12% lower in Des Moines than in Olympia.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person is 24% less compared to Olympia.
- Relocating to Des Moines could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 19% lower than in Olympia.
- There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Des Moines and Olympia, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Sales taxes are 26% lower in Des Moines than Olympia, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Iowa has a state income tax, while Washington 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Olympia and Des Moines, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Olympia | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $152.80 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.64 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.94 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $58.33 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Olympia than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Olympia than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Olympia than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Olympia than in Des Moines.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Olympia than in Des Moines.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Olympia than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Olympia than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Olympia vs. Des Moines
| Olympia | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,605 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 39 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 39 |
| Crime index | 27.95 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 62.25 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 1158% greater than Olympia.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Olympia, making them very similar.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Olympia with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Olympia’s 39 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 Olympia, which has a score of 59.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Olympia with a score of 5.0 compared to Olympia’s 27.95. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95%.
- Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Olympia with a score of 57.8 vs Olympia’s 62.25.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Olympia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Olympia to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Des Moines without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Des Moines
Ready to relocate to Hartford of the West? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Iowa, it’s the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Olympia to Des Moines?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Olympia to Des Moines. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Olympia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Olympia to Des Moines?
With many people choosing to move from Olympia to Des Moines in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Olympia to Des Moines take?
Covering 1,797 miles, the move from Olympia, WA to Des Moines, typically takes five to 16 days. Some Olympia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Des Moines can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Olympia offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Olympia can handle specialty items for my move to Des Moines?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Olympia, 26 movers can handle pianos. 19 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WA, there are 73 piano movers and 46 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Olympia moving services
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