Compare Des Moines to Ohio moving costs, top-rated movers, and what to expect. Get quotes and plan your interstate move with confidence.
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If you're moving from Des Moines to Ohio, you're looking at a 632-mile haul that'll take roughly one to six days depending on your service level and the moving season. The cost varies significantly based on what you're moving and how you move it—full-service movers, moving containers, or rental trucks each have different price points.
Let me walk you through what you need to know before you book.
Out of 13 Des Moines movers capable of handling interstate moves, here are the five I'd recommend for an Ohio delivery:
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322
Phone: (515) 216-3654
92% of reviews land positive. This outfit has earned its reputation for speed, careful handling, and professionalism. Customers consistently praise efficient crews who work quickly without cutting corners—many report finishing under budget thanks to solid team coordination. Communication is transparent, and office support is reliable.
The downside: A small number of customers reported damage, inexperienced crews on rare occasions, and unexpected charges. Damage claims came up more than other complaints, but the volume of praise still positions Two Men and A Truck as one of the region's most reliable options.
Years in business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card payments
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: (515) 313-1395
64% positive feedback. What stands out: fast, affordable, and careful. All Mighty undercuts many local competitors on price without sacrificing quality. Staff stays polite even on complex jobs, and fragile items typically arrive intact. The crews are attentive to detail and keep the pace brisk.
The catch: 36% of reviews cite inaccurate estimates and surprise charges. Some customers felt blindsided when final bills exceeded quotes, and communication about additional fees could be clearer. Transparency during the estimation and billing phases is where this company needs work.
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in business: 10
DOT #: 2468266
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes, credit card payments
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325
Phone: (336) 810-1801
93% positive reviews from 260 customer entries. Fast, friendly, and efficient—that's the pattern here. Crews communicate well, treat belongings with care, and deliver strong reliability compared to many competitors. Speed is a genuine advantage, and the staff demeanor is consistently noted as courteous.
Negatives are rare but real: a small percentage reported damage, unexpected charges, and occasional unprofessional behavior. Quality control lapses and billing surprises show up in the 7% of negative feedback. Worth confirming all details upfront before booking.
Years in business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage, credit card payments
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA 50322
Phone: (319) 519-0154
Nearly flawless: 99.6% of 223 reviews are positive. This is a top-tier operation. Customers describe hard-working teams, reliable pricing, prompt responses, and careful handling across moves of any size. Quotes stay accurate, crews are well-trained, and the experience consistently exceeds expectations compared to larger firms.
The single meaningful complaint: one customer experienced a billing discrepancy where the final charge far exceeded the estimate, and resolution wasn't handled well. That one incident stands out sharply against an otherwise stellar reputation.
Pricing: $100/hr
Years in business: 25
DOT #: 1471037
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, multiple payment methods, deposit required
523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 223-8329
68% positive out of 34 reviews. Professional, polite staff who move quickly and often finish under budget or on time. Customers appreciate transparent pricing, careful item handling, and responsive communication. The estimate process is detailed and upfront.
On the downside: many negative reviews cite late or unreliable deliveries, occasional damage or lost items, and lapses in communication. Delayed pickups, items left behind, and slow claim responses stand out as real friction points. If guaranteed timeliness matters to you, confirm all details before committing.
Years in business: 79
DOT #: 1098759
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, credit card payments, DOD certified
Here's how many Des Moines movers offer specialty services:
| Service | # of Movers | % |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 9 | 69% |
| Small moves | 9 | 69% |
| Pianos | 10 | 77% |
| Art | 7 | 54% |
| Antiques | 6 | 46% |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 | 31% |
Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your exact price, but here are the ranges based on move size:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,073 – $3,305 | $700 – $1,673 | $454 – $806 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,166 – $5,477 | $1,188 – $2,316 | $513 – $1,016 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,680 – $7,289 | $1,636 – $3,182 | $629 – $1,156 |
These are approximate estimates for a 632-mile move based on pricing data current as of January 2026. Actual costs vary by move size, added services, access issues, fuel prices, and timing. Always request quotes from multiple movers for accurate pricing.
A studio or one-bedroom move typically runs $1,073 to $3,305. Two to three bedrooms: $2,166 to $5,477. Four or five bedrooms: $3,680 to $7,289.
Hiring professionals handles the heavy lifting and logistics, which reduces your stress—but it costs more. The price covers labor, transportation, and insurance.
Containers cost $700 to $1,673 for a small move, $1,188 to $2,316 for two to three bedrooms, and $1,636 to $3,182 for four or more bedrooms.
You pack at your own pace, the company delivers the container, and they pick it up when you're ready. More flexibility than movers, less work than a rental truck.
The cheapest option upfront—$454 to $806 for a studio, $513 to $1,016 for two to three bedrooms, $629 to $1,156 for four or more. The catch: you drive, you pack, you unload. Factor in fuel costs and your own sweat equity.
Move size: More rooms and higher volume = higher bill.
Time of year: Summer is peak season in Des Moines—expect higher rates. Winter moves are cheaper but weather-dependent.
DIY vs. professional: Renting a truck is cheaper but you do all the work. Full-service movers cost more but save time and physical strain.
Before you move, understand how Ohio's economy compares to what you're leaving behind.
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $945 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $230,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 3.5% |
Key takeaways:
| Factor | Des Moines, IA | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 11,785,935 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (57–41) | Republican (55–45) |
| Summer high | 86°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 13°F | 20°F |
| Annual rain | 36" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 33" | 28" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 20.76 |
What this means for you:
Moving involves more than just hiring movers and packing boxes. Handle these logistics:
HOA & building rules: Check community regulations before move-in to avoid surprises.
Elevator reservation: If your building requires it, reserve ahead.
Truck parking permits: Some Ohio cities require parking permits for moving trucks. Verify locally before moving day.
USDOT licensing: Ohio doesn't require a state-specific mover license, but your moving company must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Ask for their USDOT number and verify it before hiring.
Moving permits: No state-level moving permit required in Ohio, but check local parking rules.
USPS change of address: File at least one week before your move at USPS.com. Choose your official move date and have mail forwarded.
Moving insurance: Every mover offers Released Value Protection at no cost—covers up to 60 cents per pound. For real coverage, buy additional insurance through the mover or a third-party provider.
Moving checklist: Use our comprehensive moving checklist to stay organized and catch nothing.
Museums: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Franklin Park Conservatory, Cleveland Museum of Art, A Christmas Story House, National Museum of the US Air Force
Parks: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Wayne National Forest, Maumee Bay State Park
Sports: Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Cleveland Guardians (MLB), Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities: The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University, Bowling Green State University
One to six days, depending on your service type and season. Summer moves may face delays during peak season. Confirm your delivery timeline before booking.
Eight movers in Des Moines provide custom crating for fragile, oversized, or odd-shaped pieces. If you need it, confirm capabilities with your mover upfront.
Need your vehicle shipped? Hire a company that prioritizes professionalism and has real experience with interstate automotive transport.
Economic opportunity, lower cost of living (especially rent), and a stronger job market draw people from Des Moines.
Four Des Moines movers accept cash, but it's not standard in the industry. Traceable payments are preferred. Expect to pay a deposit upfront; balance due at pickup or delivery.
Don't just pick the cheapest option. Compare quotes from multiple Des Moines movers to see who offers the best value for your specific move. Get at least three estimates, ask about add-on costs, and verify USDOT licensing.
The move from Des Moines to Ohio is substantial—take your time choosing the right partner.
