Moving from Des Moines to Massachusetts: Cost, Movers & What to Know
If you're planning a move from Des Moines to Massachusetts, you're looking at roughly 1,288 miles and a real lifestyle adjustment on the other end — not just a change of scenery. Massachusetts costs more to live in across the board, and while incomes are higher there too, the gap doesn't close itself automatically. More on that below.
Let's start with who's moving you and what it's going to cost.
Local Moving Companies in Des Moines
Of the 13 Des Moines movers capable of handling interstate jobs, here are the five worth calling for a move to Massachusetts:
- 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
Rating: 4.56 / 5 | 92% positive reviews | DOT #: 2527384
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322 | 27 years in business
Yelp reviews (23) | Google reviews (505) | BBB: A+
A 92% positive rate across 500-plus reviews is a meaningful signal — that kind of consistency at volume is hard to manufacture. Customers consistently call out fast crews, careful handling, and honest pricing. Some reviewers specifically mention coming in under budget because the team worked efficiently, which you don't hear often in this industry. When negatives do surface, they center on item damage in complex moves, occasional inexperienced crew members, and unexpected charges. Worth confirming coverage for high-value items before you commit.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes
All Mighty Movers LLC
Rating: 4.38 / 5 | 64% positive reviews | DOT #: 2468266
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314 | 10 years in business | ~$130/hr
Yelp reviews (28) | Google reviews (490) | BBB: A+
Fast and competitive on price — that's the consistent praise. The 64% positive rate is the lowest on this list, and the complaint pattern matters: billing surprises. Final charges exceeding quoted amounts come up repeatedly in negative reviews. That's not a dealbreaker if you get every cost confirmed in writing upfront, but it's the specific question to press before you sign anything.
Services: Local, interstate, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Rating: 4.38 / 5 | 93% positive reviews | DOT #: 2378173
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325 | 7 years in business
Yelp reviews (25) | Google reviews (1,452) | BBB: A+
Over 1,400 Google reviews with a 93% positive rate is legitimate volume. Crews get consistent marks for professionalism, speed, and communication. Negatives — occasional item damage, billing disputes — are rare relative to the total. One thing to verify specifically: their listed services don't explicitly include interstate moves, so confirm they can handle the Des Moines–Massachusetts run before you schedule anything.
Services: Local, packing, unpacking, offices, storage
Adamantine Spine Moving
Rating: 4.38 / 5 | 100% positive reviews | DOT #: 1471037
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA 50322 | 25 years in business | ~$100/hr
Yelp reviews (3) | Google reviews (271) | BBB: A+
Near-perfect record — 99.6% positive across 223 reviews. Customers consistently describe accurate quotes, well-trained crews, and precise communication. The one exception in the data: a billing discrepancy where the final charge was substantially higher than the estimate and wasn't resolved well. That case stands out precisely because it's the outlier. Adamantine also handles specialty items — pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, custom crating — worth knowing if anything fragile or unusual is making the trip to Massachusetts.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes
Select Van & Storage Co.
Rating: 4.30 / 5 | 68% positive reviews | DOT #: 1098759
523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 | 79 years in business
Yelp reviews (4) | Google reviews (22) | BBB: Not Rated
Nearly eight decades in business, and they operate as a Mayflower agent — which gives you national network access alongside local familiarity. Reviews highlight professional staff, upfront pricing, and efficient handling. The negative pattern: late or unreliable deliveries, occasional damaged or missing items, and slow claims responses. For a 1,288-mile move, those are the exact things to probe before you book. DOD certified.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing
Local Moving Services Available in Des Moines
Quick look at specialty services offered across Des Moines movers handling interstate moves:
| Service | Available | % of movers |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 9 of 13 | 69% |
| Small moves | 9 of 13 | 69% |
| Antiques | 6 of 13 | 46% |
| Art | 7 of 13 | 54% |
| Pianos | 10 of 13 | 77% |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 of 13 | 31% |
If you have specialty items — antiques, artwork, instruments — not every mover on this list can handle them. Confirm before you book.
Cost to Move from Des Moines to Massachusetts
Here's the breakdown by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,133 – $4,490 | $862 – $2,265 | $738 – $1,495 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,525 – $5,931 | $1,544 – $3,011 | $847 – $1,779 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,797 – $8,619 | $2,178 – $4,292 | $1,034 – $2,149 |
Estimates based on a 1,288-mile move from Des Moines, IA to Massachusetts, using aggregated pricing data updated January 2026. Your final quote will vary based on move size, timing, access conditions, and optional services. Compare at least three estimates before committing.
Use the moving cost calculator to get a more specific estimate based on your home size and moving dates.
Cost to Hire Movers from Des Moines to Massachusetts
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers run $1,133–$4,490. A two- to three-bedroom home lands in the $2,525–$5,931 range. If you're moving a four-plus bedroom house, budget $4,797–$8,619.
The spread is intentional — these variables are real. Summer timing adds cost. Difficult access (long carries, tight stairwells, no elevator) adds labor time. The quality gap between a budget carrier and a full-service operator can run $2,000 or more on a move this size. Get three quotes minimum, and read the estimate line items carefully.
Cost of Moving Containers from Des Moines to Massachusetts
Moving containers are a solid middle option — you pack on your schedule, the company handles the driving. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $862–$2,265. Two to three bedrooms: $1,544–$3,011. Four or more bedrooms: $2,178–$4,292.
Cost of Truck Rentals from Des Moines to Massachusetts
Going the DIY route is cheapest on paper, but you're taking on all the labor and 1,288 miles of driving yourself. For a studio or one-bedroom, a rental truck runs $738–$1,495. Two to three bedrooms: $847–$1,779. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,034–$2,149. Estimated fuel is included in those figures.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost from Des Moines to Massachusetts
Three variables do the most work here:
- Move size. More items mean a larger truck, more labor hours, and a higher bill. This is the single biggest driver.
- Time of year. Summer is peak season — prices go up and availability gets tighter from May through August. If your schedule is flexible, fall or early spring typically offers better rates and more options.
- DIY vs. professional. Self-moving saves money upfront but adds physical effort and a long drive. For a long-distance move of this length, most people I talk to end up wishing they'd hired help for at least the loading and unloading.
What to Know Before Moving from Des Moines to Massachusetts
Moving from Iowa to Massachusetts means a real financial adjustment — not just a one-time moving cost, but an ongoing cost-of-living shift. Here's what the numbers show.
Cost of Living: Des Moines vs. Massachusetts
| Des Moines, IA | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $1,588 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $623,131 |
| Per capita income | $58,492 | $96,505 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.9% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 9.0% |
Des Moines sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Massachusetts sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
What this looks like in practice:
- Rent runs about 38% higher in Massachusetts than Des Moines. Budget for that gap immediately.
- Home prices in Massachusetts are roughly 224% higher than Des Moines — a serious recalibration if you're planning to buy rather than rent.
- Income averages about 65% higher in Massachusetts. That offsets the cost difference, but only if you've got a job lined up that reflects local rates.
- Cost of living is about 15% higher overall. It compounds across groceries, utilities, and services — not just housing.
- Unemployment is about 34% lower in Massachusetts than Des Moines — generally a healthy sign for job seekers moving to the area.
- State income tax nearly doubles: Iowa's 4.4% versus Massachusetts's 9.0%. That's a meaningful hit to your take-home that a lot of people underestimate.
How Life Is Different in Massachusetts vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines, IA | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high | 86°F | 82°F |
| Winter low | 13°F | 16°F |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 49″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 47″ |
| Crime index | 5.01 | 3.92 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, Walk Score, AirNow.
A few things worth flagging:
- Politically, both areas lean Democratic — Massachusetts just leans harder (61.5-36.3 vs. 57-41 in Des Moines).
- Weather is closer than most people expect. Summers are slightly cooler in Massachusetts (82°F vs. 86°F), winters a touch milder (16°F vs. 13°F). The real difference is precipitation: you're going from 36 inches of annual rain to 49, and from 33 inches of snow to 47. Wet weather gear and a solid snow shovel are more essential than in Des Moines.
- Crime — Massachusetts's index (3.92) is actually lower than Des Moines's (5.01). That's worth noting if it's part of your decision. Neighborhood-level research still matters, but it's not a statewide red flag.
- Scale. Going from a Des Moines metro of roughly 700,000 to a state population of 7 million means more density, more traffic, and a fundamentally different daily pace.
Other Considerations When Moving to Massachusetts
Beyond booking a mover, a few logistics to get ahead of:
- HOA rules. If your new building has an HOA, check whether there are restrictions on move-in hours, required loading areas, or elevator use before scheduling your crew.
- Elevator reservation. Many apartment and condo buildings require you to reserve the service elevator for move day. Confirm with building management well in advance — this can be hard to arrange last minute.
- Truck parking permits. Some Massachusetts cities require permits for moving trucks parked on public streets. Check with your local municipality before move day; requirements vary by neighborhood.
- State licensing. Moving companies operating in Massachusetts must hold a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division. They're required to carry cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs. Verify your mover's license before you sign anything.
- Change of address. Submit your USPS change of address at least a week before your move. Set the start date to your move date so mail begins forwarding automatically.
- Moving insurance. Massachusetts requires movers to offer Released Value Protection at no cost — but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. For a couch that weighs 150 pounds, that's $90 in coverage. If you have anything worth protecting, ask about full-value coverage or look into third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist. Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every step — from utility transfers to school enrollment — well before move day.
Things to Do in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has more going on than most people realize before they arrive. A quick preview:
Museums in Massachusetts
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Plimoth Patuxent
- New Bedford Whaling Museum
- John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Parks in Massachusetts
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Forest Park
- Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
- Veterans Memorial Park
Sports Teams in Massachusetts
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
FAQ
How long does a move from Des Moines to Massachusetts take?
Plan on three to eight days from pickup to delivery. Summer moves tend to land at the longer end — high demand compresses schedules. Confirm the delivery window in your contract before signing, and ask specifically whether it's a guaranteed window or an estimate. If you can't afford flexibility on your end, that distinction matters.
How many Des Moines movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Eight movers in Des Moines offer custom crating for specialty items — artwork, antiques, electronics. If you have anything high-value or fragile, confirm crating availability and what materials they use before booking.
What's the best way to get a car from Des Moines to Massachusetts?
Auto transport is the standard approach for moving a vehicle 1,288 miles — far enough that driving it yourself rarely makes financial sense once you factor in time and wear. Use our car shipping calculator to compare rates, and make sure any carrier you use is properly insured and has verifiable reviews.
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Massachusetts?
Typically: job opportunities, education, and the pull of the Northeast. Massachusetts has a strong labor market, one of the densest concentrations of universities in the country, and proximity to Boston. The per capita income is significantly higher — which helps offset costs if your new job reflects local rates.
Where can I find long-distance movers in Des Moines?
The best long-distance movers page at MoveFinders covers national carriers worth considering for an interstate move of this distance. For Iowa-specific options, check our Iowa movers guide at movefinders.org.
Do Des Moines movers accept cash?
Four movers in Des Moines accept cash payments. That said, cash is uncommon in the industry — most companies use traceable payment methods, and cash can complicate any dispute resolution if something goes wrong during your move. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to secure your booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm both the payment schedule and accepted methods when you get your quote.
Ready to compare estimates? Use the moving cost calculator to get a real number for your Des Moines to Massachusetts move — then reach out to at least three movers before you commit to anyone.