($340+) Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $340 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,701 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 373 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,088, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,701 or more.
- Moving containers run $908 - $2,714, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $340 - $898.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Milwaukee, WI, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,784 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Milwaukee to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,784 - $4,853 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 37% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 80% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 373 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 373-mile route from Milwaukee to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,088 - $3,829 with full-service movers, $908 - $1,564 with a container, $340 - $620 with a rental truck, or $817 - $1,421 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,784 - $4,853 full-service, $1,117 - $2,090 by container, $351 - $700 by rental truck, or $911 - $1,620 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,693 - $6,701 full-service, $1,449 - $2,714 by container, $466 - $898 by rental truck, or $1,217 - $2,063 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 373-mile move from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,088 - $6,701. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $263 - $1,752 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Milwaukee and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Milwaukee movers tend to run around $349 as a base rate plus $105/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Milwaukee to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,088 - $3,829
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,784 - $4,853
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,693 - $6,701
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 Milwaukee to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Milwaukee movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing84% of local movers | $438 - $4,380 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $175 - $1,051/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $263 - $2,102 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $876 - $2,628 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,190 - $8,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $656 - $1,247 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items23% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Top Notch Moving and Storage | $876 - $2,190 |
| Piano | Any piano type31% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $701 - $3,066 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $263 - $1,314 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $569 - $1,752 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $263 - $13,140+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $263 - $3,066+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Milwaukee to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Milwaukee, WI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Milwaukee to Des Moines with a local mover averages $1,731 - $4,708. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Milwaukee, WI can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Milwaukee, ranked #2 in Wisconsin, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,250 customers, 94.5% of which is positive.
Address: 11801 W Fairview Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53226 | Founded: 2016
Moving container costs from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $908 and $2,714. 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 Milwaukee typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Milwaukee to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $908 - $1,564
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,117 - $2,090
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,449 - $2,714
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $131 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $613 in Milwaukee, WI, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin 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 $908. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,117 - $2,090.
What are the best moving containers Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 33 years in business
- Brothers Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 373 miles from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $340 - $898. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $104 - $119
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Milwaukee daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.69
| 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 Milwaukee to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $340 - $620
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $351 - $700
- 4+ bedrooms: $466 - $898
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $340 - $898 when pricing out a rental truck from Milwaukee to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $104 - $119, and overnight lodging ($131/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $613.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $104 - $119 for the 373-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 $53 and $285, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $131 per night for hotel stops on the 373-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $263 - $394.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $911 and $1,620.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Milwaukee to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $817 - $1,421
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $911 - $1,620
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,217 - $2,063
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $66 - $131 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, typically costs $613.
What are the best freight companies from Milwaukee to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Des Moines quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Milwaukee, WI vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Milwaukee. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 88 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 62/100 and 33.24/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Milwaukee, WI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 145 movers based in Wisconsin, handy for sizing up options on this 373-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Milwaukee, WI, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,088 for a studio to $6,701 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 373-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $908 - $2,714. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $340 - $898, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,784 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Des Moines, IA
What do local movers charge in Milwaukee?
Local movers based in Milwaukee typically start around $349 as a base rate, plus $105/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.
How long does a move from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Milwaukee, WI 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 $351 - $700. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 33.24 and 66.76 in Milwaukee. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Milwaukee movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 31% of movers in Milwaukee handle piano moves, and 23% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.