10 best movers in Des Moines, Iowa

The best moving company for relocating out of Iowa is International Van Lines. If you're planning a local move in the Des Moines area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Des Moines

A long-distance move means relocating more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. Hiring a mover with the necessary federal licensing is essential if you're moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To confirm a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The long-distance moving companies below are experienced and have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Des Moines is higher than the national average, making it a fairly costly process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Des Moines is above 61.5% of the country.

Various factors are involved in moving, causing expenses adding up quickly. The following are typical moving expenses:

• Supplies
• Storage
• Professional labor
• Fuel
• Junk removal
• Packing

These additional factors can bring up the cost of your final moving bill:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. These items can be more expensive to move:

• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Artwork and sculptures
• Safes
• Pianos

Ask movers if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional but common if they get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. For long-distance moves, a typical tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as transportation emergencies, inclement weather, traffic and a lack of supplies. These can increase your moving costs and prolong your timeline. You can't avoid unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can save you money on moving in Des Moines.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without a problem, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed in advance. The movers may need to charge more for those additions and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and cost-effective movers are highly sought after, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to save some money while still reserving your preferred relocation service.

Peak moving season is between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a budget - friendly relocation service that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

You can handle the move by yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky or heavy items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone to help you move.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Des Moines

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will tackle the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you're arranging an interstate move, confirm the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Iowa are also required to have a license from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to review your mover’s insurance policies. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting valuable goods — just know that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months, May through September, are the best moving time, which results in increased demand for moving companies and substantially higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. This may deter you from a summer move due to the higher cost. However, you might also want to avoid a winter move, as the frigid weather and potentially snowy conditions that Iowa winters present can be tough for a move.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

Load up your car with anything too important to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and computers.

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're worried about possible loss or damage.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

• Batteries
• Plants
• Fuel sources
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fertilizers
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Aerosols
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Perishable foods and produce

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.