If you're moving from Des Moines to Colorado, you're covering roughly 734 miles and making a decision that touches everything from your monthly rent to how much snow you're willing to shovel. The good news: Iowa and Colorado aren't wildly different on the cost-of-living index, so the financial adjustment won't be as jarring as some cross-country moves. The bad news: home prices in Colorado run about 181% higher than Des Moines. More on that below.
First, the Des Moines movers best equipped to handle this route — then the real cost numbers, then the life comparison.
Local Moving Companies in Des Moines
Out of 13 Des Moines movers that can handle interstate jobs, these five are the ones I'd point you toward for a move to Colorado.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.56 / 5
- All Mighty Movers LLC — 4.38 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.38 / 5
- Adamantine Spine Moving — 4.38 / 5
- Select Van & Storage Co. — 4.30 / 5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
92% positive | Yelp (23 reviews) | Google (505 reviews) | BBB: A+
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322 · (515) 216-3654 · DOT #2527384 · 27 years in business
The 92% positive rate holds up when you read the actual reviews. Customers consistently mention fast, careful crews who communicate well and show up organized. A handful reported coming in under their estimate because the team moved so efficiently. The 8% of negatives cluster around item damage, occasional inexperienced movers on complex jobs, and unexpected charges. Nothing unusual for a franchise of this size, but worth asking about their claims process before you book.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card accepted
All Mighty Movers LLC
64% positive | Yelp (28 reviews) | Google (490 reviews) | BBB: A+
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314 · (515) 313-1395 · DOT #2468266 · 10 years in business · $130/hr
The actual moves tend to go well — fast crews, competitive pricing, good attitude even on difficult jobs. What earns that 36% negative rate is the invoice stage: billing surprises, unexpected add-on fees, and communication breakdowns around final charges. If you use them, get an itemized quote in writing and confirm what conditions would change it before moving day.
Services: Local, interstate, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes, credit card accepted
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
93% positive | Yelp (25 reviews) | Google (1,452 reviews) | BBB: A+
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325 · (336) 810-1801 · DOT #2378173 · 7 years in business
93% positive across 260 analyzed reviews is a legitimately strong number. Speed, friendliness, and careful handling come up repeatedly. The small pool of negatives — about 7% — involves item damage, unexpected charges, and isolated reports of unprofessional conduct. The 1,452 Google reviews give you a solid sample to read through before calling.
Services: Local, packing, unpacking, offices, storage, credit card accepted
Adamantine Spine Moving
100% positive | Yelp (3 reviews) | Google (271 reviews) | BBB: A+
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA 50322 · (319) 519-0154 · DOT #1471037 · 25 years in business · $100/hr
Nearly 100% positive across 223 reviews is rare enough that I double-checked it. The feedback is consistent: accurate quotes, well-trained crews, and careful handling on both straightforward and complicated moves. The only documented negative involves a final charge significantly higher than the estimate, with no satisfactory resolution. One complaint in 223 is a strong signal. At $100/hr for local moves and 25 years in operation, this is the one I'd call first.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, credit card, money order, and cash accepted
Select Van & Storage Co.
68% positive | Yelp (4 reviews) | Google (22 reviews) | BBB: NR
523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 · (515) 223-8329 · DOT #1098759 · 79 years in business
Seventy-nine years in business is hard to dismiss. They operate as a Mayflower agent, which gives them access to a national network, shipment tracking, and full-valuation coverage. Positive reviewers highlight professional crews, transparent pricing, and smooth handling. The 32% negative feedback centers on late or missed deliveries, damaged or missing items, and slow claim responses. If your delivery timing is firm, get their window commitment in writing before you sign anything.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, DOD certified
Local Moving Services in Des Moines, IA
Here's how the Des Moines market breaks down on specialty services — useful to know before you start calling around:
| Service | Movers Offering It | % of 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 9 | 69% |
| Small moves | 9 | 69% |
| Antiques | 6 | 46% |
| Art | 7 | 54% |
| Pianos | 10 | 77% |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 | 31% |
Cost to Move from Des Moines, IA to Colorado
Use the table below to set a realistic budget — then run your numbers through the moving cost calculator to get estimates tailored to your actual move size and situation.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,126 – $3,730 | $710 – $1,668 | $526 – $941 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,153 – $5,469 | $1,240 – $2,582 | $530 – $1,161 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,872 – $7,983 | $1,661 – $3,098 | $642 – $1,327 |
Estimates based on a 734-mile move from Des Moines to Colorado using rate data current as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on move size, access conditions, add-on services, fuel prices, and timing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Des Moines to Colorado
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers run $1,126 to $3,730. A two- or three-bedroom home comes in at $2,153 to $5,469. For a four-bedroom-plus household, plan for $3,872 to $7,983. The upper end of those ranges reflects peak-season pricing, full packing services, and difficult access situations. Getting three quotes will tell you a lot.
Cost of Moving Containers from Des Moines to Colorado
Moving containers are worth considering on a long route like this. You load on your own schedule; the container company handles the 734-mile haul. For a small move, expect $710–$1,668. Two to three bedrooms run $1,240–$2,582. Four bedrooms or more lands at $1,661–$3,098.
Cost of Renting a Moving Truck from Des Moines to Colorado
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper — but 734 miles of driving is a real commitment, and you're responsible for every mile and gallon. Rough cost: $526–$941 for a studio or one-bedroom, $530–$1,161 for two to three bedrooms, and $642–$1,327 for a larger home. Fuel is factored into these estimates.
Factors Influencing Moving Costs from Des Moines to CO
Three variables move the needle more than anything else on this route:
- Move size: More rooms, more volume, higher bill. This is always the biggest driver.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season in Des Moines and across the country. If you can move in fall or early spring, you'll likely pay less and deal with fewer scheduling headaches.
- DIY vs. professional: Full-service movers handle packing, loading, driving, and unloading — price out both options before assuming a rental truck saves money when your time and stress are factored in.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Des Moines to CO
Compare Cost of Living: Des Moines vs. Colorado
On a broad cost-of-living index, Iowa and Colorado are closer than you'd expect (87 vs. 91). Look at the individual line items, though, and a few numbers stand out — especially housing.
| Des Moines, IA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $58,492 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.49% |
Des Moines sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Colorado sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
What this actually means for your budget:
- Rent in Colorado runs about 39% higher — adjust your monthly budget before signing a lease.
- Home prices are approximately 181% higher in Colorado than Des Moines. If you're buying, that's a completely different financial conversation.
- Per capita income in Colorado is roughly 50% above Des Moines, so your earning potential typically goes up with the move.
- The cost-of-living indexes are close (87 vs. 91), so everyday spending — groceries, gas, utilities — won't feel dramatically different once you're settled.
- Colorado's unemployment rate is about 31% lower than Des Moines, which matters if you're in job-search mode.
- You'll pay roughly 25% more in state income taxes in Colorado compared to Iowa.
How Life Is Different in Des Moines, IA vs. Colorado
| Des Moines, IA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Democrat (57–41) | Democrat (54–46) |
| Summer high | 86°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 13°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AirNow.
A few things worth unpacking:
- Summer highs and winter lows are nearly identical on paper. But altitude, lower humidity, and Front Range wind patterns change how those temperatures actually feel — don't skip the local weather research.
- Colorado gets roughly half the rain of Des Moines (16″ vs. 36″). That's more sunshine and more time outdoors for most of the year.
- Colorado gets almost twice the snow (63″ vs. 33″). Great for skiing, less fun for your commute. Budget for winter tires and a decent snow blower if you're heading outside of Denver.
- The crime index difference is significant — Colorado at 36.4 vs. Des Moines at 5.0. That's a state-level average, so research your specific destination neighborhood before you commit to an address.
Other Considerations When Moving to Colorado
A few logistics to lock down before moving day:
- HOA rules: Check community move-in policies early. Some buildings have strict windows and require advance notice.
- Elevator reservation: If you're moving into a multi-story building, reserve the elevator ahead of time — most property managers require it.
- Truck parking permits: Some Colorado municipalities require permits for moving vehicles. Verify local rules for your destination city before moving day.
- State licensing: Colorado's Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates movers operating in the state. Confirm any company you hire is properly licensed before signing.
- Moving permits: Colorado doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking rules vary — check yours.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date to keep mail forwarding on track.
- Moving insurance: The default coverage most movers offer is Released Value Protection — 60 cents per pound per item. On a 50-lb TV, that's $30. If you have valuable items, ask about full-value coverage or look into third-party insurance.
- Stay organized: The MoveFinders moving checklist covers every task from eight weeks out through move-in day.
Things to Do in Colorado
Once the boxes are unpacked, Colorado has plenty to explore.
Museums in Colorado
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Parks in Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Sports Teams in Colorado
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
Universities in Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
- University of Colorado Denver
FAQ
How long does a move from Des Moines to Colorado take?
Most moves on this 734-mile route take one to six days, depending on the company and service type. Summer moves run longer — demand is high, crews are stretched, and delays happen more often. Ask any mover you're considering to give you a delivery window in writing before you commit.
How many Des Moines movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Eight movers in Des Moines offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces — including artwork, antiques, and electronics. If you need that service, confirm the specifics with the company before booking rather than assuming it's included.
What's the best way to get a car from Des Moines to Colorado?
Use a licensed auto transport company with experience on Midwest-to-Mountain West routes. Get at least three quotes and ask whether open or enclosed transport makes sense for your vehicle.
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Colorado?
Economic opportunity and outdoor recreation are the two biggest draws. Colorado's job market is measurably stronger — lower unemployment, higher incomes — and the access to mountains, skiing, hiking, and year-round outdoor activities is hard to replicate anywhere in the Midwest.
Where can I find the best long-distance movers in Des Moines?
Start with our picks for the best long-distance movers — it covers what to look for, how to vet companies, and how to compare quotes on interstate routes like this one.
Can I pay cash for a move from Des Moines, IA?
Four movers in Des Moines accept cash, but it's the exception rather than the rule. Most reputable moving companies prefer traceable payment. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to lock in your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm accepted payment methods with any company before you book.