($1,096+) Olympia, WA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Olympia, WA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $1,063 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,570 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,796 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,801, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,570 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,569 - $5,576, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,063 - $3,193.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Olympia, WA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,821 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 Olympia, WA to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Olympia to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,821 - $8,377. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,796 miles, expect 5 to 16 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,796-mile route from Olympia to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,801 for a studio up to $12,570 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,569 - $5,576 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,063 - $3,193, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,427 - $4,281, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Olympia, WA to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Olympia, Washington, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $2,801 and $12,570. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,796-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $306 - $2,040, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Olympia and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Olympia tend to start around $296 plus $133/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Olympia to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,801 - $6,395
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,821 - $8,377
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,206 - $12,570
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 Olympia to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Olympia, WA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Olympia 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 | $510 - $5,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $204 - $1,224/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $306 - $2,448 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage27% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs30% of local movers | $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 items58% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $1,020 - $2,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $816 - $3,570 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling45% of local movers | $306 - $1,530 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect33% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $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 Olympia 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Olympia, WA. 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 Olympia, WA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Olympia, Washington, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,569 and $5,576. 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 Olympia typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Olympia to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,569 - $2,876
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,988 - $3,942
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,799 - $5,576
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $714 in Olympia, WA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $77 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $153 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington 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 $1,569. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,988 - $3,942, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 22 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Olympia, WA to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Olympia, Washington, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $1,063 - $3,193 for the 1,796-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $583 - $666
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Olympia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.59
| 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 Olympia to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,063 - $2,172
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,150 - $2,409
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,569 - $3,193
Pro tip: A rental truck from Olympia to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,063 - $3,193. But once you factor in fuel ($583 - $666) , 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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Olympia, Washington, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $714.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $583 - $666 for the 1,796-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 $61 and $332, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $153 per night for hotel stops on the 1,796-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $306 - $459.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Olympia 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 Olympia, WA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Olympia, Washington, 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 $918 and $3,286.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Olympia to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,427 - $2,775
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,606 - $3,286
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,261 - $4,281
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Olympia, Washington, 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 Olympia 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.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport 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: If speed matters on your move from Olympia 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: Olympia, WA 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 Olympia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Olympia, WA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,895/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $457,660 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $76,930/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 39/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 62.25/100 | 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 Olympia, WA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Iowa, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Washington alone has 95 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,796-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Olympia, WA, 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 $2,801 - $12,570 on the 1,796-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,569 - $5,576, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,063 - $3,193. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,821 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 Olympia, WA, to Des Moines, IA
What do local movers charge in Olympia?
Local movers based in Olympia typically start around $296 as a base rate, plus $133/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 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.
How much does it cost to move from Olympia, WA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,801 to $12,570, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,801 and $12,570, 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Olympia, WA 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 $1,150 - $2,409. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($583 - $666), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $153/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Olympia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Olympia handle piano moves, and 58% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
