How much do movers cost in Des Moines, IA?

Local Des Moines moves are normally charged by the hour for a truck and crew, so the total depends on how much you're moving, stairs or lifts at either end, and how much packing you want the crew to do. Long-distance moves out of Des Moines are priced on shipment weight and mileage. Getting two or three written estimates is the only reliable way to see your real price.

Do I need an interstate mover to leave Iowa?

Yes. Any mover crossing a state line must be registered with the FMCSA and carry a USDOT number. For a move that stays inside Iowa, a local in-state mover is all you need.

When is the cheapest time to move in Des Moines?

Midweek dates in the middle of the month, outside the May-to-September peak, are usually the cheapest. Booking three to six weeks ahead also gives you more choice of crews.

How far in advance should I book Des Moines movers?

Four to six weeks is comfortable for a local move. Allow six to eight weeks for a long-distance move or any move landing on a month-end or summer weekend.

Movers in Des Moines, IA

Moving to or from Des Moines? See what local and long-distance moves cost, what to check before you book, and get quotes without calling around.

Des Moines has an estimated population of 210,381 (US Census Bureau, 2023).

Moving in Des Moines: local considerations

Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, sits at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. Interstates 35 and 80 intersect near the city, and Interstate 235 runs directly through downtown. Des Moines International Airport serves the region, and neighborhoods such as the East Village, Sherman Hill, and Beaverdale each have distinct character. Reviewing the route and timing with a mover in advance can help the process go smoothly.

Des Moines housing includes historic homes in neighborhoods like Sherman Hill and Beaverdale, along with newer apartment development in the East Village and downtown. It is worth checking with the landlord or building manager about any specific requirements for moving trucks or scheduling ahead of time. Talking through the specifics with a local moving company ahead of time is generally a good idea.

Des Moines has cold winters with regular snowfall, so many residents prefer scheduling moves for spring through fall. The city is a major center for the insurance and financial services industry, and local moves frequently connect Des Moines with nearby West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Urbandale. Confirming these details early tends to make the move day itself much less stressful.

Sources: City of Des Moines, Iowa Department of Transportation, National Weather Service Des Moines, US Census Bureau.

What moving in Des Moines actually looks like

Des Moines is the largest city we cover in Iowa, home to roughly 6.6% of the state's residents, spread over about 88.2 square miles of land (US Census Bureau Gazetteer, 2023). In areas built at this density, homes are usually a mix of houses and apartments. As a general rule, stairs, narrow streets and parking on move day tend to affect an hourly quote more than the furniture does, so confirm access at both ends with your mover.

Movers serving Des Moines generally cover the surrounding area too, so a quote for Des Moines is usually valid for a move to or from nearby towns. Distances below are straight-line, measured between Census centre points.

Altoona, about 8 miles
Norwalk, about 8 miles
West Des Moines, about 9 miles
Clive, about 10 miles
Johnston, about 10 miles
Urbandale, about 10 miles

What a move in Des Moines costs

A local move inside Des Moines is usually quoted hourly: a two- or three-person crew, a truck, and travel time. The size of your home drives the hours, and packing services, stairs, long carries and bulky items such as pianos or safes add to them.

A move from Des Moines to another state is priced differently, on the weight of your shipment and the distance it travels, plus any packing, storage or specialty handling. Ask every mover for the estimate type in writing: binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed.

Local move or long-distance move?

Staying inside Iowa? That’s an in-state move and a local crew can handle it. Crossing the Iowa state line makes it an interstate move, which needs a carrier registered with a USDOT number. Our call line routes you to the right kind of mover once you tell us which one you’re doing.

Before you book a Des Moines mover

Get at least three written estimates so you can compare like with like.
Check the mover’s USDOT or state licence number and current insurance.
Confirm what valuation coverage is included and what an upgrade costs.
Ask how they handle stairs, lifts, long carries and parking at both ends.
Never pay a large deposit in cash before the truck arrives.

Use the moving checklist

Common questions about moving in Des Moines

How much do movers cost in Des Moines, IA?: Local Des Moines moves are normally charged by the hour for a truck and crew, so the total depends on how much you're moving, stairs or lifts at either end, and how much packing you want the crew to do. Long-distance moves out of Des Moines are priced on shipment weight and mileage. Getting two or three written estimates is the only reliable way to see your real price.
Do I need an interstate mover to leave Iowa?: Yes. Any mover crossing a state line must be registered with the FMCSA and carry a USDOT number. For a move that stays inside Iowa, a local in-state mover is all you need.
When is the cheapest time to move in Des Moines?: Midweek dates in the middle of the month, outside the May-to-September peak, are usually the cheapest. Booking three to six weeks ahead also gives you more choice of crews.
How far in advance should I book Des Moines movers?: Four to six weeks is comfortable for a local move. Allow six to eight weeks for a long-distance move or any move landing on a month-end or summer weekend.

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