($1,178) Moving from Des Moines to Grand Rapids
Quick answer: A move from Des Moines to Grand Rapids costs $449 to $5,652 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 495-mile move yourself.
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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 Grand Rapids to Des Moines guide.
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The best Des Moines to Grand Rapids moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Grand Rapids?
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 - $3,218 | $662 - $1,573 | $412 - $755 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,066 - $5,652 | $1,207 - $2,494 | $449 - $896 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,647 - $7,633 | $1,654 - $3,171 | $564 - $1,100 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Grand Rapids
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 Grand Rapids can be as low as $1,178 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,460.
- 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 $971. 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 Grand Rapids?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Grand Rapids will cost between $1,178 to $3,218. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,066 to $5,652, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Grand Rapids will cost from $3,647 to $7,633.
How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to Grand Rapids?
Moving containers from Des Moines to Grand Rapids will cost you $662 to $1,573 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,207 to $2,494. A larger home will cost $1,654 to $3,171.
How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to Grand Rapids?
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 $755. A larger move will cost $449 to $896, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Grand Rapids costs from $564 to $1,100. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Grand Rapids
Cost of living: Des Moines vs Grand Rapids
| Des Moines | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,150 | $1,795 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $308,002 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $62,283 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,891 | $913 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $4,380 | $3,317 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.3% |
| Sales Tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 56% higher than in Des Moines.
- Home prices in Grand Rapids are 60.1% higher than in Des Moines.
- Income in Grand Rapids is 6.5% higher than in Des Moines.
- The cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 51.7% lower than in Des Moines.
- The cost of living for a family in Grand Rapids is 24.3% lower than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 27.12% lower than in Des Moines.
- Sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 14.29% lower than in Des Moines.
- State income taxes in Grand Rapids are 3.41% lower than in Des Moines.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,448.44 in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids?
| Grand Rapids | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 699,292 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 39 |
| Crime Index | 44.23 | 5.0 |
| Safety Index | 55.77 | 57.8 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids's population is about 72% less than Des Moines.
- Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
- Grand Rapids is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
- Grand Rapids's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 44.23 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 55.77 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Des Moines it's good.
Considerations for moving to Grand Rapids
- Weather: August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, 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: 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 agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Michigan 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 Grand Rapids. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore 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 |
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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 long distance movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
Now that you've decided to make the move to "GR", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Grand Rapids.
Best neighborhoods for singles:
- Fulton Heights
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Midtown
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Eastgate
- Ottawa Hills
- Eastown
- Fulton Heights
- South East End
- North East Citizens Action
- Millbrook
- East Hills
- Belknap Lookout
- Heritage Hill
What to do in Grand Rapids
These are some of the best things to do in your new Michigan home.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Meyer May House
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse
- Van Andel Arena
- John Ball Zoo
- Fish Ladder Sculpture
Get your sports on!
Grand Rapids is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Grand Rapids?
The best time to move from Des Moines to Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids take?
The 495-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Grand Rapids, MI, 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 Grand Rapids.
