Best overall value
Local moving companies in Olympia
- Mountain Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- All Ready Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Apex Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- PNW Moving and Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unprofessional behavior
Company Info
State license #: 885643
Years in Business: 62
DOT #: 885643
Alternate Names: Mountain Trucking Co Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Inaccurate estimates
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
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Poor packing quality
- Lack of communication
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
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 1064661
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1064661
Alternate Names: Apex Moving & Storage LLC, Apex Movers LLC, Apex Packing & Loading Service
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Transparent pricing
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 2919585
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2919585
Alternate Names: PNW Delivery LLC, PNW Moving and Storage LLC, PNW Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Factors that influence moving costs from Olympia to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Olympia to Des Moines
Moving from Olympia to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Olympia than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Olympia compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Olympia | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,895 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $508,798 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,492 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,391 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.4% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 39% lower than in Olympia, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 62.2% lower than in Olympia. - Income in Des Moines is 12.0% lower than in Olympia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines — including MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 23.5% lower than in Olympia.
- A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 18.8% less than what it costs in Olympia.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 5.36% higher than in Olympia.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city's sales taxes in Des Moines are 25.53% lower than in Olympia.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 4.40% higher than in Olympia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,293.97 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Olympia.
How life is different in Olympia vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 55,605 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 59 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 27.95 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 62.25 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 1,158% greater than Olympia.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a similar score to Olympia.
- 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 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Olympia, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
- 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 vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Iowa doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on Hartford of the West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East Village
- Woodland Heights
- Chautauqua Park
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- 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, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Olympia to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Olympia to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the 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?
The 1,796-mile move from Olympia, WA, to Des Moines, IA, takes five to 16 days. Some Olympia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
