Best Moving Companies in Des Moines, IA 2026

Choosing the right mover in Des Moines starts with understanding your moving needs and making sure you hire a state-permitted company. Always check for Iowa DOT permits and compare written estimates from at least three movers. Read through independent customer reviews to spot issues like hidden charges or claims of broken belongings before you book.

Hiring the right moving company is often one of the biggest expenses of a move, so it pays to do careful research. Here’s how to make sure you choose a mover who fits your needs and budget:

1. Determine your move type

Before you start looking for a mover, figure out if you’re making a local move within Des Moines or heading out of state. Decide if you want a full-service mover to do all the packing and heavy lifting, or if you only need transportation for your boxes and furniture.

Knowing the type of move you’re making lets you focus on companies with the right set of services and helps you get more accurate quotes. Full-service moving usually costs more but saves you time and effort by including packing, loading, transport and unloading. With labor-only or self-service options, you’ll need to do more of the work, but you can save money.

2. Research movers in your area

Ask people you trust in Des Moines for mover recommendations, then check online ratings. Check online reviews from customers in Des Moines. The most common complaints about moving companies we see on ConsumerAffairs include:

• Damage to belongings during transit: Reports of items like furniture or electronics arriving broken or scratched, with customers often frustrated by slow or complicated claims processes. Sometimes, companies deny a claim or only offer minimal compensation.
• Hidden fees and cost overages: Some customers receive a final bill with unexpected extra charges for things like fuel or changes in weight, leading to higher costs than the original quote. It’s common for people to be surprised by last-minute fees added on moving day.

  John from Des Moines was caught off guard by a sudden increase in cost. He reported to us, “Days before my move there was follow up call where the agent bumped my cubic feet up.”

• Poor crew quality and unprofessional conduct: Complaints about movers arriving late, not working efficiently or being careless with possessions. Some reviewers mention rude or unresponsive movers who ignore concerns during the move.
• Unmet delivery dates and communication breakdowns: Delays in delivery without proper updates, with revised arrival windows or no clear information about when belongings will show up. Customers sometimes have difficulty getting updates or responses from the company during the moving process.

3. Compare multiple quotes

Reach out to at least three movers for detailed, written estimates. In-home surveys tend to be the most reliable because the mover can see exactly what you’re moving and any access issues. Compare quotes closely for both price and the services included.

Be careful if you get a quote that’s much lower than the rest — it could mean the company is skipping important services or is not reliable. Each estimate should clearly list labor, truck costs, packing materials and any possible extra fees.

4. Ask about extra services

Don’t forget to check what additional services are available and how much they cost. Packing, unpacking, moving special items (like pianos or antiques), storage and fees for difficult access are all things to ask about. Getting a full breakdown ahead of time helps you create an accurate budget and avoid surprise charges.

5. Verify credentials

Only hire licensed and insured movers. For moves out of Iowa, your company should have a USDOT number — check this with the FMCSA. Before you sign anything, make sure you know what the insurance covers and how to handle a claim if something is damaged.

Moving costs in Des Moines can be anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on how far you’re going, how much you have and what services you choose.

Avoid the East Side during the State Fair in August.

What you pay depends on:

• Distance: Relocating from the East Village to Beaverdale is less expensive than a cross-country haul.
• Volume: More items or larger homes mean extra work and more truck space.
• Services: Packing, unpacking and handling delicate or heavy items add to your bill.
• Timing: Moves during the summer and weekends cost more. If you can move during the slower winter months or on a weekday, you could pay 20 to 30% less.
• Deposits: Many brokers collect 20 to 50% of the move price upfront as a broker fee, with the rest due at delivery. Carriers usually require a smaller deposit.

Rates average $105 to $135 per hour. Very affordable. Winter moves are slower due to the snow.

Average cost for moving services from and within Des Moines

The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

Tipping isn’t required, but it’s customary for most moves. A typical moving tip is about $20 to $50 per mover for local jobs. For long-distance moves, tipping a bit more or giving a percentage of the total is common. Providing bottled water and snacks is also appreciated.

» COMPARE: Best national movers

Salt your driveway in winter to prevent liability issues.

• Begin planning at least two months out: This gives you plenty of time to compare estimates, organize your things and handle any surprises.
• Build a moving budget: Calculate all costs, including movers, truck rentals, packing materials, travel, storage, insurance and tips. Look up typical costs for moves like yours to set a realistic goal.
• Declutter before packing: Movers usually charge by weight or volume, so the less you move, the more you save. Sell, donate or recycle things you no longer need.
• Pack room by room: Start with areas you use least. Pack each space separately and label boxes clearly with their contents and destination. Use sturdy supplies and the right packing for breakables.
• Prepare an essentials kit: A week before you move, box up items you’ll want right away, like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes and important papers.
• Get the crew’s contact info: Make sure you know who to reach on moving day in case of questions about parking, timing or access.

» MORE: Inexpensive ways to move across the country

All moving companies operating in the U.S. have to be licensed and insured. For moves crossing state lines, companies need to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and have a valid USDOT number (which you can check on the FMCSA website).

Moves are regulated by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Movers must file tariffs, and claims for damage must be filed in writing.

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