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Highly rated local moving companies for Milwaukee to Des Moines moves
Organizing a move from Milwaukee to Des Moines can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 11 local movers in Milwaukee known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Milwaukee to Des Moines.
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Hernia Movers Inc: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Brothers Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 689374
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 78
DOT #: 514341
Alternate Names: Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 49
DOT #: 246074
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2301274
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 877973
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Milwaukee to Des Moines?
On average, moving companies in Wisconsin charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $945 – $3,216 | $623 – $1,504 | $350 – $614 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,784 – $4,757 | $1,061 – $2,196 | $362 – $714 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,775 – $6,902 | $1,552 – $2,578 | $462 – $889 |
Cost to hire movers from Milwaukee to Des Moines
When planning a move to Des Moines from Milwaukee, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $945 and $3,216. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,784 and $4,757 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,775 to $6,902.
Cost of moving containers from Milwaukee to Des Moines
When you’re heading from Milwaukee to Des Moines, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $623 and $1,504. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,061 and $2,196. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,552 to $2,578. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Wisconsin easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to Des Moines
A moving rental truck from Milwaukee to Des Moines is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $350 to $614. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $362 to $714, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Milwaukee to Des Moines costs around $462 to $889.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Milwaukee to Des Moines
The cost of Milwaukee movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Milwaukee to Des Moines may only cost $1,419, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,810.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Milwaukee.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($350–$787), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Des Moines
Many movers find Des Moines easier on the wallet than Milwaukee – roughly 6% less for singles and 12% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,891 for one person in Des Moines versus $2,022 in Milwaukee. For a family of four, it’s $4,380 compared with $4,963.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Milwaukee | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,612 | $1,229 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,880 | $1,763 |
| Average home value | $200,685 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,022 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,963 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 4.9% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.4% |
- Rent is about 8% less expensive in Des Moines than in Milwaukee, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- With home prices differing by less than 5% between Des Moines and Milwaukee, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 18% greater in Des Moines than in Milwaukee, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Des Moines. The cost of living for a single person there is 6% below that of Milwaukee.
- A move to Des Moines can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 12% lower compared to Milwaukee.
- Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate than Milwaukee by about 20%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Des Moines surpass those in Milwaukee by 43%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 42% less in Iowa compared to Wisconsin, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Milwaukee versus Des Moines:
| Living Expense | Milwaukee | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $167.94 | $144.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.50 | $51.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.23 | $3.61 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.40 | $2.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $53.38 | $66.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Milwaukee than in Des Moines.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Milwaukee than in Des Moines.
- Eggs cost more in Milwaukee than in Des Moines.
- Bread is more expensive in Milwaukee than in Des Moines.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Milwaukee than in Des Moines.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Milwaukee than in Des Moines.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Des Moines
| Milwaukee | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,222 | 699,292 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 39 |
| Crime index | 66.76 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 33.24 | 57.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines’s population is about 21% greater than Milwaukee.
- Des Moines’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Milwaukee’s score of 8.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Milwaukee’s 62 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 Milwaukee, which has a score of 58.
- Des Moines’s crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 5.0 compared to Milwaukee’s 66.76. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 57.8 vs Milwaukee’s 33.24.
- Air quality in Des Moines is Good, and in Milwaukee it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Milwaukee to Des Moines move
- HOA rules: Costs across Milwaukee and Des Moines are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Iowa, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Iowa, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
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
- 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
With your move to Iowa complete, you can dive right into experiencing Des Moines. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, and Salisbury House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray’s Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Des Moines?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Milwaukee to Des Moines. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Milwaukee.
When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Des Moines?
Want to save on your move from Milwaukee to Des Moines? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Milwaukee to Des Moines take?
The 373-mile move from Milwaukee, WI, to Des Moines, , takes one to four days. Some Milwaukee movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Milwaukee?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Milwaukee provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
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