How Much Do Movers Cost in Des Moines, WA?

Quick answer: The average cost for hiring movers locally in Des Moines, Washington, is $175 per hour, and total costs can run from as little as $477 up to $4,220. For moves out of Washington, the price you’ll pay for Des Moines long-distance movers will be based largely on how far you’re moving.

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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
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  • Family owned & operated
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  • Unlimited storage
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Average cost to move out of state with Des Moines movers

Since the cost of moving out of Washington depends largely on where you’re moving, we’ve provided some example costs below. To get the most accurate pricing based on your specific destination, find your moving route to Washington or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Des Moines

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Des Moines and across Washington state lines mostly depends on the distance, method, and size of your move.

To give you a better idea of pricing, however, here are some example cost ranges for long-distance moves out of Washington:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Des Moines

Out-of-state moving costs from Des Moines for two- or three-bedroom homes vary based on the actual total volume and weight of your belongings. Move costs for a three-bedroom that is sparsely furnished and relatively small, for example, could be less than a two-bedroom home with a lot of square footage and decor.

In general, though, you can expect to pay within these ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distances from Des Moines:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Des Moines

Below is a look at some example four-bedroom move costs out of state from Des Moines. Remember, your exact price will ultimately be based on the amount of belongings you have, what time of year you are moving, and how far you’re moving.

Sample ranges for interstate moves from Des Moines of four or more bedrooms:

Best interstate moving companies in Des Moines

Now that you have an idea of what your out-of-state move from Washington will cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • 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
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

Average cost of local Des Moines, WA movers

Hiring a moving company in Des Moines is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You’ll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you’d rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.

Here's how much movers cost in Des Moines:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $477 $185 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $661 $183 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,072 $258 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,446 $355 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,805 $348 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,220 $502 5 movers 10 hours
  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Des Moines to move a studio apartment is $185 per hour. A move this size will typically take three hours to complete using a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom house or apartment, expect to pay around $183 per hour for local Des Moines movers. You'll need two movers for four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: On average, it will cost an hourly rate of $258 to move a two-bedroom Des Moines home. Moving a two-bedroom house or apartment will take about five hours using a three-person crew.
  • Three bedrooms: You can expect to pay $355 an hour to have local Des Moines movers relocate your three-bedroom home. A home this size will require four movers and take eight hours to complete.
  • Four bedrooms: If you’re moving a four-bedroom Des Moines home, you’ll pay $348 per hour for nine hours, on average, and need a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: It will cost an hourly rate of $502 for ten hours (using a five-person crew) to move a Des Moines home with five or more bedrooms.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Des Moines move using our free and instant moving cost estimator.

Best local movers in Des Moines

If you’re moving a short distance, take a look at our picks for top local moving companies in Des Moines:

Pros
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (35%)
  • Unexpected charges (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (27%)
Review Analysis
Seattle Movers has 242 online customer reviews, with 78% being positive. Customers praise the company for its efficient service and friendly staff. Many appreciate the careful handling of their belongings and the reasonable pricing. However, some customers reported issues with damaged items and unexpected charges. Overall, Seattle Movers is viewed as a reliable choice for moving services in Seattle, especially when compared to other companies with higher rates and more complaints.
Get a Quote (206) 284-9445

Company Info

State license #: HG063388

Years in Business: 22

DOT #: 1731101

Alternate Names: Express Movers


Seattle Movers is a trusted local moving company offering residential moving services in and around Seattle, WA since 2003. With an impressive average rating of 4.3 from 161 Yelp reviews and a Better Business Bureau rating of A, their reputation speaks for itself. Unlike some other nearby movers, Seattle Movers also excels in providing packing and unpacking services, as well as expertly handling fragile items and antiques. They accept both cash and credit card payments, and although a deposit is required, they offer full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Antiques
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Pros
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
  • Good communication (20%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (35%)
  • Lack of communication (30%)
  • Unexpected charges (25%)
Review Analysis
A2B Moving & Storage has 430 online customer reviews, with 82% of them being positive. Customers frequently praise the company for its efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. However, some feedback highlights issues with communication, unexpected charges, and occasional damage to items during the move. Despite these concerns, A2B stands out for its affordability and professionalism compared to other moving companies in the area.
Get a Quote (206) 419-5748

Company Info

State license #: 1941425

Years in Business: 14


A2B Moving & Storage, LLC has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Auburn, WA since 2010. Renowned for their comprehensive offerings, they excel in packing, unpacking, and crating services, as well as handling specialized moves like pianos, hot tubs, and safes. Compared to other nearby companies, A2B stands out with an impressive average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.6 on Google My Business, further emphasized by their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. No deposit is required, and they accept various payment methods, including credit cards and cryptocurrency, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified

Moving costs in other nearby Washington cities

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Des Moines, WA

The average cost range for renting a moving truck in Des Moines is $–$ for each day, with an additional per-mile fee of $–$. A moving truck rental is definitely going to be your cheapest option for relocating. Just keep in mind that you will not only be responsible for all the packing and loading, you’ll also need to drive the truck to your new home.

Best moving truck rentals in Des Moines

The cheapest way to move is to just pack and drive it yourself with a moving truck. There are no shortages to finding moving truck rental companies in Des Moines. If you are ready to put the work in, here are some of the top moving truck rental companies:

Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517
Best Value Rental
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
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Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285

Average cost of PODS in Des Moines, WA

The average cost of PODS can start at $220 for local moves in Des Moines and run as high as $7,448 for cross-country relocations. Like most moving companies, PODS costs are based in large part on how far you’re moving. The container size you use — eight, 12, or 16 feet — will also impact pricing.

Moving an eight-foot PODS within 50 miles of Des Moines ranges from $220 to $426, for example, while a move of the same distance with a 16-foot container would be between $323 and $813. PODS will cost $250–$2,107 to move out of the state or to another Washington city 100–250 miles from Des Moines, and $2,068–$7,448 for cross-country relocations.

Our top recommendation for moving containers is PODS, thanks to its multiple container sizes, competitive pricing, and solid customer reviews. However, you should get quotes from PODS and two other moving container companies before making a decision.

To help you get started, take a look at these other top-notch moving containers.

Best moving container companies in Des Moines

If you want to handle the packing and loading but leave the driving to a professional, consider a moving container company. There are lots of options to choose from in Des Moines, but here are some of our favorites:

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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Most container options
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Barn-style container doors make packing easier
  • Available for both local and long distance moves
  • $10k insurance included with option to purchase more
  • Free lock provided for container door
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Des Moines, WA

It will cost $30–$40 an hour for labor-only movers in Des Moines. That hourly rate is per moving crew member, so you can expect total costs to be $60–$80 per hour, depending on the size of your moving crew.

Studio and one-bedroom apartments usually require two movers, while two- and three-bedroom homes will need crews of three and four movers, respectively. Homes that are four or more bedrooms will need between four and five movers.

Best labor-only moving companies in Des Moines

If you’re looking for labor assistance in Des Moines, you’ll want to find a company that offers fair and transparent pricing and a good reputation for quality service. A labor-only moving company that can handle packing or supply boxes and moving supplies may also be a plus.

Here are our favorite labor-only movers.

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Factors that affect the cost of your Des Moines move

Every move is unique, so pricing can vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs. In general, though, here are some of the most common factors can affect your Des Moines move:

  • Distance: How far you’re moving has a big impact on your total moving costs. Moving within a city or even to a nearby town will usually cost far less than relocating out of state or across the country. That’s because longer distances involve mileage and fuel expenses, as well as more labor hours.
  • The size of your move: Naturally, the more stuff you have, the more it will cost to move it. Larger moves are more expensive because they typically require a bigger truck and moving crew.
  • The type of mover you choose: In most cases, hiring a full-service mover to assist with loading, unloading, and transport of your belongings will cost more than DIY options like moving container companies, where you handle all the heavy lifting yourself.
  • The services you choose: If you need assistance beyond loading and transportation, you may have to pay extra for it. Full-service movers charge you more for add-on options like packing and unpacking and comprehensive insurance on your items. Even if you go the DIY route, you will pay more if you decide to hire a third-party moving crew to help you with loading and unloading.
  • When you move: The time of year and month, as well as the day of the week, you move can all impact costs. The reason centers around demand. You’ll pay more to relocate during the summer months, since that is the peak moving season. Mid-month moves are normally a little cheaper than those at the start or end of the month, when most rental leases begin or end. Moving mid-week instead of weekends can also save you some money, since most people choose a Saturday or Sunday for their moving day.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Buy additional insurance. Full-service movers are required by federal law to provide basic insurance, known as released value protection, at no cost. While you can’t beat free, released value protection provides very minimal coverage — $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of the item’s value. So, your reimbursement on a damaged 25-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Most moving companies — and some home insurance providers — offer optional comprehensive insurance plans. While these come at an added cost, they will protect your items based on estimated value instead of weight.
  • Get your move approved. Many neighborhoods — particularly those with HOAs — have restrictions around moving. Typically, these restrictions outline which days and times moving is allowable. It’s best to double-check the rules ahead of time and to proactively inform a property management group of your moving date.
  • Have your paperwork handy. If you are moving to or from an apartment complex, you may need to show proof on moving day of your mover’s insurance coverage and, if applicable, an elevator reservation. Go ahead and gather this information — which is usually available in your moving contract — so you aren’t scrambling for it when your moving date arrives.
  • Reserve parking. You can learn more about the rules and regulations on the Des Moines website.

Helpful Des Moines Resources

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