($1,178) Moving from Des Moines to Fort Wayne

Quick answer: A move from Des Moines to Fort Wayne costs $431 to $5,490 and takes one-four days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 480-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Des Moines will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Fort Wayne to Des Moines guide.

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The best Des Moines to Fort Wayne moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to Fort Wayne 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 Des Moines to Fort Wayne.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Fort Wayne?

Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,178 - $3,381 $689 - $1,721 $412 - $801
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,107 - $5,490 $1,182 - $2,328 $431 - $859
4+ bedrooms $3,684 - $7,713 $1,671 - $3,171 $525 - $1,133
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 480 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Fort Wayne

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to Fort Wayne can be as low as $1,178 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,066.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $412 to $1,021. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Des Moines to Fort Wayne?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Fort Wayne will cost between $1,178 to $3,381. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,107 to $5,490, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Fort Wayne will cost from $3,684 to $7,713.

How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to Fort Wayne?

Moving containers from Des Moines to Fort Wayne will cost you $689 to $1,721 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,182 to $2,328. A larger home will cost $1,671 to $3,171.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to Fort Wayne?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, 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 $412 to $801. A larger move will cost $431 to $859, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Fort Wayne costs from $525 to $1,133. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Fort Wayne

Cost of living: Des Moines vs Fort Wayne

Des Moines Fort Wayne
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,075
Average home value $192,347 $216,415
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $53,978
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $0
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $0
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.0%
Sales Tax 7.0% 7.0%
State Income Tax 4.4% 3.15%
  • Rent prices in Fort Wayne are 7% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Fort Wayne are 12.5% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Fort Wayne is 7.7% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Fort Wayne is 100.0% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Fort Wayne is 100.0% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne is 15.25% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Fort Wayne and Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Fort Wayne are 28.41% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $0.00 in Fort Wayne to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines compared to Fort Wayne?

Fort Wayne Des Moines
Population 263,886 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 32 45
Bike friendliness score 41 39
Crime Index 27.44 5.0
Safety Index 57.93 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Fort Wayne's population is about 62% less than Des Moines.
  • Fort Wayne's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower score of 5.
  • Fort Wayne is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • Fort Wayne is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • Fort Wayne's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 27.44 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 27.44% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 57.93 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Fort Wayne is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to Fort Wayne

  • Weather: Fort Wayne summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months; the city experiences an average of 39 thunderstorm days and about 10 severe weather days annually.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Indiana 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 Fort Wayne. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Des Moines movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 313-1395

Visit our best long distance movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Fort Wayne

These are some of the best things to do in your new Indiana home.

  • Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
  • Parkview Field
  • Allen County Public Library
  • Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
  • The Embassy Theatre
  • Lakeside Park & Rose Garden
  • Science Central
  • Castle Gallery
  • Clyde Theatre
  • Kreager Park

Get your sports on!

Fort Wayne is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)
  • Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Fort Wayne?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Fort Wayne is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Fort Wayne?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Fort Wayne in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Fort Wayne take?

The 480-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Wayne, IN, takes one-four days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fort Wayne.

Helpful moving resources