($1,176) Moving from Grand Rapids to Des Moines
Quick answer: A move from Grand Rapids to Des Moines costs $449 to $5,262 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 496-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Grand Rapids 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 Des Moines to Grand Rapids guide.
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The best Grand Rapids to Des Moines moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Des Moines.
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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 Grand Rapids to Des Moines?
Grand Rapids movers charge $120 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 | $1,176 - $3,211 | $668 - $1,622 | $417 - $778 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,041 - $5,262 | $1,194 - $2,423 | $449 - $868 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,715 - $8,183 | $1,704 - $3,049 | $536 - $1,133 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Des Moines
The cost of Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Des Moines can be as low as $1,176 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,064.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Grand Rapids, 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 $417 to $1,001. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Grand Rapids to Des Moines?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Grand Rapids to Des Moines will cost between $1,176 to $3,211. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,041 to $5,262, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Grand Rapids to Des Moines will cost from $3,715 to $8,183.
How much are moving container companies from Grand Rapids to Des Moines?
Moving containers from Grand Rapids to Des Moines will cost you $668 to $1,622 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,194 to $2,423. A larger home will cost $1,704 to $3,049.
How much is a moving truck from Grand Rapids to Des Moines?
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 $417 to $778. A larger move will cost $449 to $868, and a four-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Des Moines costs from $536 to $1,133. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Grand Rapids to Des Moines
Cost of living: Grand Rapids vs Des Moines
| Grand Rapids | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,795 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $308,002 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,283 | $58,492 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $913 | $1,891 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,317 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.9% |
| Sales Tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 36% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- Home prices in Des Moines are 37.6% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- Income in Des Moines is 6.1% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 107.1% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 32.0% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 37.21% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 3.53% higher than in Grand Rapids.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,213.58 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.
How is life different in Grand Rapids compared to Des Moines?
| Des Moines | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 198,893 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 44.23 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 55.77 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 252% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's lower score of 6.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- Des Moines is less bike-friendly than Grand Rapids with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 52.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 5.0 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Grand Rapids with a safety index of 57.8 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Considerations for moving to Des Moines
- 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: 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: 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
- 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 Des Moines. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Local Grand Rapids movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
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1115 Taylor Avenue North, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503 (616) 371-4019 |
| Corrigan Moving Systems | Get A Quote |
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7409 Expressway Court Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548 (616) 455-4500 |
| Powell Relocation Group | Get A Quote |
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4937 Starr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546 (616) 956-0900 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Grand Rapids page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in Des Moines
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hartford of the West", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles:
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Arbor Peaks
- Chautauqua Park
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
What to do in Des Moines
These are some of the best things to do in your new Iowa home.
- State Capitol
- Science Center of Iowa
- John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Salisbury House & Gardens
- Des Moines Art Center
- Principal Park
- East Village
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Water Works Park
- Iowa State Fair
- Hoyt Sherman Place
- Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
Get your sports on!
Des Moines is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Drake Bulldogs
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids to Des Moines 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 Grand Rapids to Des Moines take?
The 496-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Des Moines, IA, takes one-four days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
