$1,521 Movers from Seattle to Des Moines
Quick Answer: The cost to move from Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA averages from $1,202 to $8,551 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring a full-service Seattle moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Des Moines, IA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Des Moines to Seattle guide.
Moving From Seattle to Des Moines
- Best Seattle to Des Moines movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Seattle to Des Moines.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Seattle to Des Moines car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.
Moving 1,756 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The Best Seattle to Des Moines Moving Companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Seattle to Des Moines is a big deal.
We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.
If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Seattle to Des Moines?
Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,521 - $5,931 | $1,158 - $2,858 | $1,111 - $2,136 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,854 - $8,551 | $2,065 - $4,222 | $1,202 - $2,541 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,040 - $12,422 | $2,820 - $5,669 | $1,515 - $3,110 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,756 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Seattle to Des Moines will depend on:
- Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
- Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Seattle to Des Moines?
To ship furniture from Seattle to Des Moines with a mover will cost between $1,521 to $5,931. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $3,854 to $8,551, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Seattle to Des Moines will cost from $7,040 to $12,422.
How much are moving container companies from Seattle to Des Moines?
Moving containers from Seattle to Des Moines will cost you $1,158 to $2,858 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,065 to $4,222. A larger home will cost $2,820 to $5,669.
How much is a moving truck from Seattle to Des Moines?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,111 to $2,136. A larger move will cost $1,202 to $2,541, and a 4+ bedroom move from Seattle to Des Moines costs from $1,515 to $3,110.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA
Cost of Living: Seattle vs Des Moines
| Seattle | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,899 | $878 |
| Average home value | $915,340 | $189,518 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,500 | $58,492 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,211 | $1,891 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $4,345 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.9% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 7.0% |
| State Income Tax | 0.0% | 8.53% |
- Rent Prices in Des Moines, IA are 54% lower than in Seattle, WA.
- Home Prices in Des Moines, IA are 79.3% lower than in Seattle, WA.
- Income in Des Moines, IA is 15.8% lower than in Seattle, WA.
- Cost of Living for a single person in Des Moines, IA is 56.2% higher than in Seattle, WA.
- Cost of Living for a family is the same in Des Moines, IA and Seattle, WA.
- Unemployment rate in Des Moines, IA is 22.92% higher than in Seattle, WA.
- Sales Taxes in Des Moines, IA are 31.71% lower than in Seattle, WA.
- State Income Taxes in Des Moines, IA are 8.53% higher than in Seattle, WA.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,315.4 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.
How is life different in Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA?
| Des Moines | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 737,015 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 71 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 59.09 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 49.23 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 5% less than Seattle.
- Des Moines’s public transportation is better than Seattle with a score of 5 vs 8.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 45 vs 74.
- Des Moines is less bike-friendly than Seattle with a score of 39 vs 71.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 5.0 compared to 59.09.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 57.8 vs 49.23.
- Air Quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Seattle it’s Good.
Considerations for moving to Des Moines, IA
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months..
- HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Des Moines. Get started here.
- Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Local Seattle Movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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4508 19th Avenue North East, Seattle, WA, 98105 (206) 489-3027 |
| Gentle Giant Moving Company | Get A Quote |
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506 2nd Ave Suite 1400, Seattle, WA, 98104 (206) 213-0426 |
| Eco Movers Moving | Get A Quote |
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1200 W Nickerson St, Seattle, WA, 98119 (206) 971-6895 |
Visit our Best Movers in Seattle page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in Des Moines, IA
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hartford of the West", these are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to move to.
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
What to do in Des Moines
Moving to The “Hartford of the West”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Iowa home.
- State Capitol
- Science Center of Iowa
- John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Salisbury House & Gardens
- Des Moines Art Center
- Principal Park
- East Village
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Water Works Park
- Iowa State Fair
- Hoyt Sherman Place
- Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
Get your sports on!
Des Moines is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:- Drake Bulldogs
FAQs about moving from Seattle to Des Moines
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Seattle to Des Moines is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 86ºF and the winter lows of 13ºF in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Seattle to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on getting discounts on moving services to learn more.
