How Much Do Des Moines, IA Movers Cost?
Quick answer: The typical cost for hiring movers in Des Moines is $142 per hour, with the total cost to move ranging from $913 to $5,075, on average. If you’re moving out of Iowa, the cost of hiring long-distance movers in Des Moines really depends on where you’re moving.
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Average cost to hire interstate movers in Des Moines, IA
Since the cost of moving out of Des Moines depends so much on where you’re moving, we’ve included some example costs below to give you a better idea of pricing. For more detailed guides on your specific destination, find your moving route to Des Moines or use our moving cost calculator to get quotes from the top interstate movers.
Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Des Moines
The cost to move a studio apartment or one-bedroom home out of state from Des Moines depends on the moving method you choose, how much stuff you have, and how far you’re moving.
Take a look at some example costs to move a one-bedroom cross-country:
- Des Moines to Los Angeles: $2,729–$5,065
- Des Moines to New York City: $2,442–$5,176
- Des Moines to Chicago: $1,417–$3,129
- Des Moines to Brooklyn: $2,515–$4,925
- Des Moines to Queens: $2,329–$5,077
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Des Moines
As with any move, the cost to relocate a two- or three-bedroom from Des Moines can vary widely based on move size, distance, and time of year.
Here is a look at some two- and three-bedroom move costs out of Des Moines:
- Des Moines to Los Angeles: $3,226–$5,958
- Des Moines to New York City: $2,623–$5,881
- Des Moines to Chicago: $1,709–$4,556
- Des Moines to Brooklyn: $2,731–$6,178
- Des Moines to Queens: $2,644–$5,949
Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Des Moines
The cost to move a four-bedroom or larger home out of Iowa will be significantly higher than for one- or two-bedroom houses, since a bigger house typically means more items. Movers calculate long-distance moves, in part, based on the total estimated volume and weight of your household belongings.
While moving costs can vary, take a look at these cost ranges for moving four or more bedrooms out of Des Moines:
- Des Moines to Los Angeles: $6,079–$9,195
- Des Moines to New York City: $4,650–$7,241
- Des Moines to Chicago: $2,573–$5,738
- Des Moines to Brooklyn: $4,515–$7,537
- Des Moines to Queens: $4,573–$7,334
Best interstate moving companies in Des Moines, IA
Now that you have an idea of what your move from Des Moines should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best interstate moving companies. We vetted each one, examining their pricing, services, and our own real-life customer reviews to pick the best options for you.
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Average cost to hire a local moving company in Des Moines, IA
Hiring a full-service Des Moines mover is definitely the most convenient option, but that convenience comes at a cost — professional movers tend to be more expensive than other moving options. If you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you and you can afford it, hire a full-service moving company for your Des Moines move.
If you want to save money, you can hire a container company, where you do the packing and loading and they transport your belongings in Des Moines for you, or by renting a moving truck and handling it all on your own.
Here are the average moving costs from Des Moines to another state with different types of movers:
| Destination | Professional Movers | Containers | Rental Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $1,796 - $5,129 | $1,220 - $2,245 | $381 - $778 |
| Nashville | $2,356 - $5,898 | $1,345 - $2,673 | $527 - $1,094 |
| Albuquerque | $2,692 - $6,482 | $1,446 - $2,903 | $741 - $1,577 |
And here's how much professional movers cost in Des Moines based on your move size:
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $913 | $198 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $1,111 | $198 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedroom | $1,549 | $278 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedroom | $3,049 | $389 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedroom | $3,438 | $389 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedroom | $5,075 | $545 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Des Moines to move a studio apartment is $198 per hour for three hours using a two-person moving crew.
- One bedroom: Moving a one-bedroom Des Moines apartment or home will typically take four hours, at an hourly rate of $198, and require two movers.
- Two bedrooms: It will cost $278 an hour, on average, to hire a three-person crew in Des Moines to move a two-bedroom home. Two-bedroom moves usually take about five hours.
- Three bedrooms: Local Des Moines movers charge an average hourly rate of $389 for a three-bedroom home. A move of this size will usually take eight hours to complete using four movers.
- Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom house in Des Moines, you can expect to pay $389 per hour for nine hours. You’ll likely need a four-person moving crew.
- Five or more bedrooms: If your Des Moines home is a five-bedroom or larger, you will pay $545 an hour, on average, for five movers. Moves this size usually take about ten hours to complete.
It's worth noting the cost per hour for Des Moines movers remains the same for all home sizes, ranging from $198 per hour for two movers to $545 per hour for five movers. As the size of your home increases, the number of movers and hours required for the move also increases, resulting in a higher total cost.
Overall, hiring local Des Moines movers is a convenient and stress-free way to move within the city. By knowing the approximate cost for your home size, you can budget accordingly and make informed decisions for your upcoming move.
Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Des Moines move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Best local moving companies in Des Moines, IA
Our expert team of analysts has dug deep into licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to find you the best local moving companies in Des Moines.
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Friendly Staff
- Efficient Service
- Careful Handling of Items
- Potential for Damaged Goods
- Issues with Price Estimates
- Inadequate Customer Support
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck, a reputable moving company in Urbandale, IA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1998. Renowned for their packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out by requiring no deposit and accepting credit cards, adding convenience for their clients. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google from over 500 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they excel in customer satisfaction compared to other nearby movers. Their proven track record makes them a trusted choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Excellent Customer Service
- Professional and Efficient Crew
- Careful Handling of Fragile Items
- Unexpected Charges
- Minor Billing Issues
- Occasional Schedule Changes
Company Info
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Adamantine Spine Moving, a trusted local moving company serving Des Moines, IA, has been a reliable choice for residential moves since 2000. With a remarkable average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and a perfect 5.0 on Google, it consistently outshines other nearby movers. Renowned for its A+ BBB rating, the company offers comprehensive services including packing, crating, and the careful handling of pianos, art, and antiques. Charging $100 per hour for local moves, Adamantine Spine Moving accepts cash, credit cards, and money orders, ensuring flexible payment options for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Friendly and Efficient Workers
- Timely Service
- Competitive Pricing
- Misleading Estimates
- Poor Customer Service
- Significant Additional Charges
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
All Mighty Movers LLC, a trusted local moving company serving Des Moines, IA, has been providing top-notch residential moving services since 2015. Unlike many other local movers, All Mighty Movers stands out with their ability to handle challenging items like pianos, hot tubs, and pool tables. Their consumer reviews reflect their reputation: they boast an impressive 4.8 average rating on Google with 455 reviews and maintain an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. With competitive rates at $130 per hour and convenient payment options including credit cards, All Mighty Movers offers reliable and professional services without requiring a deposit.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Friendly Staff
- Efficient and Prompt Service
- Professionalism
- Inconsistent Service Quality
- Issues with Damage and Accountability
- Poor Customer Service Responses
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Clive, IA since 2018, specializes in local residential moves and stands out from other nearby movers with their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. They also cater to office moving needs, making them a versatile choice. While their Yelp reviews average 3.2 from 14 ratings, their astounding 4.8 out of 1452 Google reviews suggest a generally positive customer experience. Additionally, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, offering convenience and flexibility. Despite their F rating from the BBB, their extensive positive feedback on Google indicates a largely satisfactory service.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Visit our best movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews. And if you’re moving outside of Des Moines, consider one of Des Moines’s top long-distance movers.
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Average cost of PODS in Des Moines, IA
PODS will cost $220–$7,448, on average, in Des Moines. The exact PODS cost you’ll pay will depend on whether you use an eight-, 12-, or 16-foot container (note: 12-foot containers are only available for local moves). The distance of your move will also greatly impact cost.
A local Des Moines move within 50 miles of your home will run between $220 and $813, while long-distance moves (100-250 miles) will typically cost $250–$2,107. Container pricing on cross-country moves from Des Moines can cost an average range of $2,068–$7,448.
Here's a breakdown of related PODS costs:
- Storage fee: $149–$359 (first 30 days is free)
- Damage coverage: 10–$439.95 per month, depending on the protection plan. Coverage ranges from container-only (no contents protection) to $300,000. All plans have a deductible of $100.
- Door lock (if necessary): $25 (if purchased through PODS; you can also purchase from home improvement stores or online retailers)
If you’re looking for the cost-savings of a DIY move and the convenience of full-service movers, moving containers like PODS are a great option. You’ll handle loading and unloading, but they will drop off your empty container at your current home, pick it up once it’s loaded, and deliver it to your new location. This means you won’t have to worry about driving.
PODS is our overall top pick for moving containers in Phoenix based on their stellar reputation, nationwide availability, and multiple container sizes and insurance plans. But you should take a look at least two other highly rated moving container companies on our list to see which one offers the right combination of services and pricing for your move.
Best moving containers in Des Moines, IA
The best Des Moines moving container companies provide multiple container sizes, pricing transparency and deals, and secure, state-of-the-art facilities for longer-term storage needs. They should also have a solid reputation for quality customer service and efficient drop-off and pickup of containers.
Check out these highly rated moving containers:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Average cost to rent a moving truck in Des Moines, IA
You'll definitely have to break a sweat, but moving truck rentals in Des Moines will be much easier on your wallet than full-service movers. The average cost to rent a moving truck in Des Moines ranges from $19-$39 per day.
While cheaper than full-service moving companies, you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading them on the truck, hauling them to your new spot, and unloading everything there.
Here are the typical costs of Des Moines rental trucks:
- Base cost: $19–$39 per day
- Mileage fee: $0.69–$1.19 per mile
- Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
- Truck coverage: $20–$55 based on coverage level
- Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets
The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:
- How far you drive the truck
- How long you have the truck rental
- Additional insurance
- Parking
- Toll fees
- Fuel
- Accommodations and dining
- Moving equipment rentals
Best moving truck rentals in Des Moines, IA
The best moving truck rentals in Des Moines provide affordable rates with no hidden fees, a variety of truck sizes, and plenty of physical locations across the U.S. for convenient rental returns.
These top moving truck rentals certainly fit the bill:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Des Moines, IA
The average cost of labor-only moving companies in Des Moines is an hourly rate of $71 for each crew member. Most moves — even small one-bedroom apartments — require a crew of two movers, so plan on about $141.75 per hour to hire labor assistance in Des Moines.
Best labor-only moving companies in Des Moines
The best Des Moines labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.
We like these top-notch labor-only movers:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Factors that affect the cost of movers in Des Moines, IA
The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in Des Moines, IA, is distance, but there are several other price considerations to keep in mind, including:
- The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
- When you move: You’ll usually pay more to move during peak season (May–September) because demand is higher. Similarly, the time of month and day of the week you book your move will impact cost. Demand will be higher the first and last of each month, when leases change over, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the most popular moving days. To save money on your move, consider booking during the week and in the middle of one of the off-season months, if possible.
- The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
- Any add-on services you select: Even if you go with a DIY move, you may want to hire third-party movers to assist you with loading and unloading. And professional movers offer a variety of optional services like packing and unpacking to help customize and streamline your relocation. But these additional services will come at an extra cost.
Quick tips for a stress-free move
- Have important documentation.
Places like high rises and managed apartments will often require a copy of your mover's insurance
and elevator reservation on moving day.
- Get approval.
Check ahead with any neighborhood, community, or HOA rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Secure a parking permit (if needed). special parking permits are issued by the Traffic and Transportation Division of the Engineering Department and are intended to provide for services or needs of an infrequent or unique nature. Examples include utility work, constructions, special events, etc.
- Check state licensing laws. 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.
- Invest in moving insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Work with your movers to ensure all these items are taken care of before moving day.
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