Local moving companies in West Virginia
When relocating from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 8 West Virginia movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Des Moines, IA.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- Country Roads Moving LLC: 4.02 out of 5 stars
- Abate Moving Services LLC: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.98 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 3094022
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 070851
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,170 – $4,380 | $749 – $1,931 | $595 – $1,080 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,263 – $5,921 | $1,414 – $2,796 | $635 – $1,232 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,953 – $7,534 | $1,865 – $3,625 | $797 – $1,544 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 885-mile move from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Jan 17, 2026. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA, you can expect to spend between $1,170 and $4,380. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,263 to $5,921 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $3,953 and $7,534.
Cost of moving containers from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA
When moving from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $749 and $1,931. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,414 to $2,796. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,865 up to $3,625. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $595 and $1,080. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $635 and $1,232. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $797 and $1,544.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Van & Storage, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems | × | × | × | × |
| Country Roads Moving LLC | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Abate Moving Services LLC | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Evans Van & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
Out of the 3,179 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how West Virginia movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| West Virginia | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 80% | 96% |
| Antiques | 40% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Des Moines, IA is really like compared to West Virginia. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: West Virginia vs. Des Moines, IA
| West Virginia | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $899 | $1,150 |
| Average home cost | $168,172 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,217 | $58,492 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 87 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% | 5.9% |
| State Income Tax | 6.5% | 4.4% |
Des Moines sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Des Moines is roughly 28% higher than in West Virginia. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices in Des Moines are approximately 14% higher than in West Virginia. Be sure to budget for a larger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall homeownership costs.
- You’ll typically earn about 6% more in Des Moines than in West Virginia, which means extra breathing room in your budget, whether you want to spend more or save more.
- With unemployment 40% higher in Des Moines than West Virginia, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- You’ll pay roughly 32% less in state income taxes in Iowa compared to West Virginia, so you keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in Des Moines from West Virginia
| Des Moines | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 1,782,959 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 45″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 33″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 17.47 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Des Moines voted Democratic, while West Virginia was Republican.
- Summer in Des Moines usually hits around 86ºF, pretty similar to the 83ºF you’re used to in West Virginia. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, Des Moines gets down to 13ºF while West Virginia only dips to 21ºF. Relocating to Des Moines means adjusting to colder winters, which could raise your heating bill and bring some changes to your routine. Still, you’ll get to enjoy the area’s one-of-a-kind winter scenery and seasonal activities.
- In Des Moines, you’ll see just 36 inches of rain annually, much less than the 45 inches you’re used to in West Virginia. With fewer rainy days, you’ll have more opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoors. This sunnier climate can really lift your mood and energy as you settle into your new home.
- In Des Moines, you’ll get about 33 inches of snow each year. Meanwhile, West Virginia averages around 33 inches annually. With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
- Des Moines has a lower crime rate than West Virginia with a crime index of 5.0 vs 17.47. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods, tighter communities, and fewer hassles. While it’s not the only thing to look for when moving, it definitely gives you some extra peace of mind.
Things to do in Des Moines
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Des Moines has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Des Moines
- Des Moines Art Center
- State Historical Museum
- Science Center of Iowa
- Salisbury House
- World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Parks in Des Moines
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
- Clive Greenbelt Trail
Sports teams in Des Moines
- Drake Bulldogs
Universities in Des Moines
- AIB College of Business
- Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Drake University
- Grand View University
- Vatterott College Des Moines
Other considerations when moving to Des Moines, IA
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- 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 them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Iowa, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to Iowa without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from West Virginia to Des Moines take?
The time frame for a move from West Virginia to Des Moines, IA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in West Virginia, the longer it’ll take to reach Des Moines. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from West Virginia to Des Moines can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from West Virginia to Des Moines?
If you’re gearing up for a 885-mile move from West Virginia to Des Moines, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Des Moines, IA?
Summer in Des Moines can reach highs of 86°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 13°F. That’s why most people moving from West Virginia to Des Moines opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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