($1,257) Movers From California to Des Moines
Quick answer: The cost to move from California to Des Moines, IA averages from $1,120 to $7,252 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Des Moines, IA to California guide.
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Moving from California to Des Moines, IA resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from California to Des Moines, IA.
But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best California to Des Moines, IA movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Des Moines, IA.
- How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- California to Des Moines, IA car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.
Moving 1,807 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best California to Des Moines, IA moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Des Moines is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Des Moines.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.
What is the average cost to move from California to Des Moines, IA?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Des Moines for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Size of the Move | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
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| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,257 - $4,598 | $1,071 - $2,697 | $1,077 - $1,972 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,027 - $7,252 | $1,926 - $3,748 | $1,120 - $2,371 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,145 - $10,697 | $2,765 - $5,197 | $1,398 - $2,843 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,807 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from California to Des Moines, IA will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire professional movers from California to Des Moines?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Des Moines will cost between $1,257 to $4,598. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to Des Moines will range from $3,027 to $7,252, and a large move from California to Des Moines will cost from $6,145 to $10,697.
How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Des Moines?
Moving containers from California to Des Moines will cost you $1,071 to $2,697 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,926 to $3,748. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,765 to $5,197.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Des Moines.
How much is a moving truck from California to Des Moines?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to Des Moines, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,077 to $1,972. A larger move will cost $1,120 to $2,371, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to Des Moines costs from $1,398 to $2,843. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California.
Is moving from California to Des Moines, IA a good idea?
Cost of living: California vs Des Moines, IA
| California | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $771,057 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $58,492 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 6% |
| State income tax | 13% | 4% |
Des Moines sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 38% less expensive in Des Moines than in California.
- Home prices are about 75% lower in Des Moines than in California.
- The average income is about 36% lower in Des Moines than in California.
- Des Moines has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 9%.
- Income taxes are 67% lower in Des Moines than in California.
How is life different in Des Moines from California?
| Des Moines | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 33" | 7" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 28.43 |
Des Moines sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Des Moines is approximately 98% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Des Moines voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Des Moines is 86ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Des Moines reaches the temperature of 13ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 36 inches of annual rainfall in Des Moines vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Des Moines, it snows about 33 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
- Des Moines has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 28.43 vs 5.0.
Considerations for moving to Des Moines, IA
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local California movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
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800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA, 95351 (209) 551-7772 |
| Meathead Movers | Get A Quote |
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3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (805) 544-6328 |
| Grizzly Moving | Get A Quote |
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7090 Miramar Rd #102, San Diego, CA, 92121 (844) 474-9959 |
Visit our best movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Need a local Des Moines mover?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
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2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 (515) 216-3654 |
| Adamantine Spine Moving | Get A Quote |
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4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322 (319) 519-0154 |
| All Mighty Movers LLC | Get A Quote |
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59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314 (515) 313-1395 |
Visit our best movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Des Moines?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Des Moines.
Museums in Des Moines
- Des Moines Art Center
- State Historical Museum
- Science Center of Iowa
- Salisbury House
- World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
- Wells Fargo Museum
- Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
- Polk County Heritage Gallery
Parks in Des Moines
- Gray's Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
- Clive Greenbelt Trail
- Des Moines River Trail
- Rotary Riverwalk Park
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
FAQs
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Des Moines?
Because of the 1807-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Des Moines as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Des Moines, IA?
With the summer highs of 86ºF and the winter lows of 13ºF, most people move to Des Moines from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Des Moines during summer or winter.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Des Moines?
Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.
