($1,199) Movers From Richmond, VA to Des Moines, IA

Quick answer: A move from Richmond to Des Moines costs $818–$6,190 and takes two to eight 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 1,103-mile move yourself.

ryan carrigan moving expert
We're here to help.
We know that every move from Richmond to Des Moines is different. Choose the type of move that is best for you.
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.6 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

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

The best Richmond to Des Moines full-service moving companies

Choosing a long-distance moving company in Richmond to go to Des Moines can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.

Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Richmond to Des Moines.

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best for high-end moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.6 / 5
(703) 972-1772
At A Glance
  • White-glove handling of fragile & high-end items
  • Guaranteed pickup & delivery
  • $250 deposit for interstate moves
  • Mobile app with 24/7 customer service
  • Financing available
read our full review
(703) 972-1772
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Richmond to Des Moines?toggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Richmond to Des Moines will cost between $1,199 to $4,529. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,536 to $6,190, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Richmond to Des Moines will cost from $4,152 to $7,852.

The best moving containers for your Richmond to Des Moines move

Moving containers can be a cost-effective option for moving from Richmond to Des Moines. You’ll save a little money by opting to pack and load everything yourself, but the container company will take care of the transportation for you.

We recommend these moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

How much are moving container companies from Richmond to Des Moines?toggle

Moving containers from Richmond to Des Moines will cost you $887 to $2,251 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,526 to $3,270. A larger home will cost $2,190 to $4,358.

The best moving truck rentals for your Richmond to Des Moines move

If you want to save even more money on your Richmond to Des Moines move, renting a moving truck is your cheapest option. Keep in mind that you’ll be handling all the work — packing, loading, and driving. But that extra work will pay off in terms of keeping costs low.

These top moving truck rentals are a great place to start:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

How much is a moving truck from Richmond to Des Moines?toggle

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 $756 to $1,384. A larger move will cost $818 to $1,547, and a four-bedroom move from Richmond to Des Moines costs from $969 to $2,003. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best labor-only movers for your Richmond to Des Moines move

If you need some extra hands to help you with your move, you’ll want to hire labor-only movers with reasonable hourly rates and professional crews. Labor-only companies that offer add-on options like packing and cleaning allow you to more fully tailor services to your needs and budget.

Consider these highly rated labor-only movers to help you move from Richmond to Des Moines:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How much does it cost to move from Richmond to Des Moines?

Richmond movers charge $100 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 $1,199 - $4,529 $887 - $2,251 $756 - $1,384
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,536 - $6,190 $1,526 - $3,270 $818 - $1,547
4+ bedrooms $4,152 - $7,852 $2,190 - $4,358 $969 - $2,003
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,103 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 Richmond to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of Richmond 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 Richmond to Des Moines can be as low as $1,199 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,523.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Richmond, 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 $756 to $1,779. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Richmond to Des Moines

Richmond Des Moines
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,150
Average home value $350,897 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $59,606 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $2,270 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,336 $4,380
Unemployment rate 7.1% 5.9%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.0%
State income tax 5.75% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 28% lower than in Richmond.
  • Home prices in Des Moines are 45.2% lower than in Richmond.
  • Income in Des Moines is 1.9% lower than in Richmond.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 16.7% lower than in Richmond.
  • The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 17.9% lower than in Richmond.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 16.90% lower than in Richmond.
  • Sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Richmond.
  • State income taxes in Des Moines are 23.48% lower than in Richmond.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,499.12 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Richmond.

How life is different in Richmond vs. Des Moines

Des Moines Richmond
Population 699,292 226,610
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 7
Walkability score 45 51
Bike friendliness score 39 51
Crime Index 5.0 48.45
Safety Index 57.8 51.55
Air Quality Good Good
  • Des Moines's population is about 209% greater than Richmond.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Richmond's lower score of 7.
  • Des Moines is less walkable than Richmond with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Richmond's 51 out of 100.
  • Des Moines is less bike-friendly than Richmond with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Richmond's 51.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Richmond with a score of 5.0 compared to Richmond's 48.45. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45%.
  • Des Moines is considered to be safer than Richmond with a safety index of 57.8 vs Richmond's 51.55.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Richmond it's good.

Other things to consider for your Richmond vs. Des Moines move

  • 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.

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 singlestoggle

  • Sherman Hill
  • Downtown
  • East Village
  • North of Grand
  • Woodland Heights
  • Arbor Peaks
  • Chautauqua Park
  • Beaverdale
  • Westwood

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Linden Heights
  • Waterbury
  • Waveland Park
  • Westwood
  • Salisbury Oaks
  • Meredith
  • Beaverdale

Things to do in Des Moinestoggle

After settling into your new Iowa home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Richmond to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Richmond 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 Richmond.

When is the cheapest time to move from Richmond to Des Moines?

Because most people are moving from Richmond 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 Richmond to Des Moines take?

The 1,103-mile move from Richmond, VA, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to eight days. Some Richmond movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

Helpful moving resources