($377+) Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $369 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,670 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,270, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,670 or more.
- Moving containers run $999 - $3,044, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $369 - $1,007.
- 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 $2,022 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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In the past 3 months we've processed over 334 quotes from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors.
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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,022 - $5,554 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,270 - $4,298 | $999 - $1,808 | $369 - $717 | $909 - $1,547 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,022 - $5,554 | $1,291 - $2,343 | $422 - $809 | $1,002 - $2,030 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,988 - $7,670 | $1,709 - $3,044 | $539 - $1,007 | $1,380 - $2,361 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,270 and $7,670. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 373-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $263 - $1,752, 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 Milwaukee and Des Moines.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Milwaukee to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,270 - $4,298
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,022 - $5,554
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,988 - $7,670
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
Add-ons and specialty services from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from Milwaukee to Des Moines. Prices are localized to Milwaukee costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Milwaukee to Des Moines) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $438 - $4,380 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $175 - $1,051/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $263 - $2,102 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $876 - $2,628 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,190 - $8,760 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $656 - $1,247 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $876 - $2,190 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $701 - $3,066 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $263 - $1,314 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $569 - $1,752 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $263 - $13,140+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $263 - $3,066+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Milwaukee to Des Moines?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
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 $2,002 - $5,499. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Milwaukee, WI often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Moving container costs from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $999 and $3,044. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Milwaukee to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $999 - $1,808
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,291 - $2,343
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,709 - $3,044
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Milwaukee, WI, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $613, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $66 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $131 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Milwaukee, WI, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $999. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,291 - $2,343, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Milwaukee to Des Moines?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co (4.1/5), 96 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $369 - $1,007, depending on truck size. With a rental truck, you're getting the vehicle and nothing else. That means loading up all your boxes and furniture yourself, driving the truck the full 373 miles to Des Moines, and unloading everything there. Additional costs include fuel ($104 - $119 for the drive), insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top of the base rate.
Rental moving trucks come in sizes ranging from 10 - 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck is the most popular choice for an average 2-bedroom move. If you're moving out of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck will typically do the job. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck. Trucks in that larger size class generally run on diesel fuel, which can push up your overall cost.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $369 - $717
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $422 - $809
- 4+ bedrooms: $539 - $1,007
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $369 - $1,007 does not include fuel ($104 - $119) , lodging ($131/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Milwaukee to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $104 - $119 for the 373-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for about 5 hours typically costs around $613.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 373-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $131 per night, adding $263 - $394 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $44 and $263.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget consistently offers the lowest base rates of the major truck rental companies, plus discounts for AAA members, military, and online bookings.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option. Their fleet averages under 2 years old, includes unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every rental.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. With over 23,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the largest network and the most flexibility for last-minute bookings.
Freight trailer costs from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 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 $788 and $2,030.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Milwaukee to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $909 - $1,547
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,002 - $2,030
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,380 - $2,361
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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.
- Star Line Trucking Or Star Line (4.54/5 stars): Star Line Trucking Or Star Line is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Milwaukee to Des Moines. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Milwaukee, WI vs Des Moines, IA
Day-to-day costs in Des Moines are close to what you're used to in Milwaukee: cost of living index of 87 versus 88, with average rent of $1,150/mo compared to $1,250/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Milwaukee, WI guide.
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 $1,270 for a studio to $7,670 for a 4 - 5 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 $999 - $3,044. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $369 - $1,007, 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 $2,022 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
How to plan your move from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
- Compare your moving service options: Decide which service fits your Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA move by comparing hands-off full-service pricing ($1,270 - $7,670) with lower-cost DIY container and truck options.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Get a tailored estimate for your move from Milwaukee to Des Moines using the moving cost calculator before you start contacting movers.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Shortlist a few movers from our recommended picks for this route, weighing their moveBuddha ratings and the strengths called out in each review.
- Request free quotes: Reach out for free estimates from your top choices so you can compare actual costs, not just averages, before booking.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Protect yourself by looking up the mover's registration and complaint history with the FMCSA before you sign anything.
- Book early and time your move: Schedule your move for the fall or winter when demand drops, and book ahead to secure the best price and date for this route.
FAQ
What is the best time to move from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA?
For the best combination of price and availability, plan your move between October and March. Moving demand slows down considerably in the off-season, which typically means lower rates and more scheduling flexibility across all service types on this route.
Peak season (mid-May through mid-September) brings higher prices and tighter availability. If that's when you need to move from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa, booking early and choosing a midweek date away from the end of the month can help you avoid the worst of the price spikes.
What is the cheapest way to move from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is the lowest-cost option for moving from Milwaukee to Des Moines, with a 2-bedroom rental truck averaging $422 - $809 on this route. Browse our cheapest truck rental recommendations to compare base rates and find the right fit for your DIY move.
Just remember that fuel ($104 - $119), daily insurance ($26/day), equipment rentals ($6 - $18), and overnight lodging ($131/night) stack on top of the base rate. Add up the full picture before deciding it's the right move for your relocation from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa.
How much does it typically cost to move from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA?
Moving costs on this route run anywhere from $1,270 - $7,670, depending on your home size and what kind of help you hire. A small apartment using a rental truck lands near the lower end, while a large home with full-service movers falls closer to the top.
Full-service movers for a move from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa, generally range from $1,270 - $7,670. DIY options like containers and trucks cost less upfront but come with additional expenses that can close the gap.
How long does a move from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA take?
Most full-service and container moves on this route are completed within 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery. That window reflects how carriers typically consolidate multiple shipments heading the same direction, which is what keeps costs reasonable.
If speed and a predictable delivery window are priorities, freight trailers are the fastest option on this route outside of driving a rental truck yourself. The tradeoff is that freight carriers expect you to be ready to receive your shipment quickly, so it's not the best fit if you need storage or your new place won't be ready right away.
If you're driving a rental truck from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Des Moines, Iowa, the timeline is entirely up to you. Just plan for drive time and any overnight stops along the way.
What should I know before moving from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA?
If you can trim 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, you can save approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
It also pays to get organized early. A thorough moving checklist keeps you on track with booking deadlines, packing timelines, and everything else that needs to happen before the truck pulls up.
