If you're moving from Des Moines to Nevada, you're covering roughly 1,450 miles and stepping into a genuinely different cost-of-living reality — higher rents, dramatically higher home prices, no state income tax, and summers that will redefine your definition of hot. Before you start boxing things up, it's worth knowing what this move actually costs by home size, which Des Moines movers are worth your time on an interstate haul this long, and what life in Nevada looks like compared to what you're leaving behind.
Local Moving Companies in Des Moines for the Iowa-to-Nevada Run
Out of 13 Des Moines movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, here are the top five for this route:
- 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. — 4.3 / 5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322 92% positive reviews | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
A 92% positive review rate across a substantial review base is the kind of number that's hard to fake. Customers consistently describe crews that work fast without being sloppy — attentive handling, clear communication, and jobs that sometimes come in under budget because the team moves efficiently. Office support gets called out positively more often than you'd expect, which matters when you're coordinating a long-distance move.
The negatives: occasional item damage on more complex jobs, and some reviewers report unexpected charges. Neither is unusual for a high-volume operation, but it's worth pinning down your pricing in writing before moving day.
DOT #: 2527384 | In business: 27 years Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes
All Mighty Movers LLC
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314 64% positive reviews | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
All Mighty Movers gets high marks for speed and price — two things that matter a lot when you're heading nearly 1,500 miles west. Customers frequently mention that crews handled furniture and fragile items carefully while still keeping a quick pace. Many say the company beats local competitors on both price and attitude.
That said, a 36% negative review rate is higher than I want to see on a route this long. The main complaints center on estimates that don't hold up, unexpected fees, and unclear communication when the bill doesn't match the quote. Get every charge itemized in writing and ask directly what triggers extra costs before you commit.
Hourly rate: ~$130/hr | DOT #: 2468266 | In business: 10 years Services: Local moves, interstate moves, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325 93% positive reviews | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
Ninety-three percent positive across a large volume of reviews — that's the kind of track record that holds up under scrutiny. Customers highlight speed, professionalism, and an ability to problem-solve mid-move without drama. Friendly crews get mentioned almost universally, and reliability is the thread that runs through most of the positive feedback.
The downsides are infrequent but real: a handful of reports about item damage, billing surprises, and the occasional crew member who wasn't on their best day. Those are the exceptions in an otherwise consistent operation.
DOT #: 2378173 | In business: 7 years Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage
Adamantine Spine Moving
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA 50322 100% positive reviews | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
Nearly 100% positive feedback across a large sample isn't a lucky streak — it means something structurally right is happening here. Customers describe accurate quotes, well-trained crews, and genuine care for specialty items: pianos, antiques, art, grandfather clocks. Many call it the best moving experience they've had. For a move with high-value or fragile inventory, that's meaningful.
One notable exception in the record: a billing dispute where the final charge far exceeded the initial estimate and wasn't resolved well. One data point in an otherwise outstanding track record, but worth knowing if you're moving anything expensive.
Hourly rate: ~$100/hr | DOT #: 1471037 | In business: 25 years Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; pianos; art; antiques; grandfather clocks; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage; safes
Select Van & Storage Co.
523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 68% positive reviews | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: NR
Select Van & Storage operates as a Mayflower agent with nearly 80 years in business. That kind of longevity means they've moved through enough market cycles to know what they're doing. Customers appreciate transparent pricing, careful handling, and jobs that often come in on or under budget. The upfront estimate process gets called out specifically as a strong point.
Where things slip: delivery reliability and communication under pressure. Late pickups, items left behind, and slow damage claim responses show up across the negative reviews. On a long haul to Nevada, those delays don't stay contained — they ripple. Worth getting a quote, but nail down the delivery window before you sign anything.
DOT #: 1098759 | In business: 79 years Services: Local and interstate moves; packing/unpacking; offices; pianos; art; antiques; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage; shipment tracking; DOD certified
Local Moving Services in Des Moines, IA
Here's a snapshot of specialty services available across Des Moines movers:
| Service | Movers Offering | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 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 Nevada
The table below shows typical price ranges by home size and service type for this ~1,453-mile route. Use our moving cost calculator to build a more accurate number around your specific inventory and timeline.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,135 – $4,548 | $906 – $2,272 | $852 – $1,550 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,891 – $6,339 | $1,603 – $3,415 | $894 – $1,843 |
| 4+ BR | $4,845 – $8,970 | $2,156 – $4,689 | $1,182 – $2,393 |
Estimates reflect pricing data as of January 2026. Final costs vary based on inventory, access conditions, fuel, timing, and add-ons. Compare multiple quotes before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Des Moines to Nevada
Full-service movers are your highest-cost option on this route — but they're also the option where you show up and things are handled. For a studio or one-bedroom, budget $1,135 to $4,548. A two- or three-bedroom home typically runs $2,891 to $6,339. Larger households — four bedrooms or more — should expect anywhere from $4,845 to $8,970.
The wide range within each tier reflects differences in company, timing, and add-ons like packing services or specialty item handling. Comparing at least three quotes is worth the extra hour it takes.
Cost of Moving Containers from Des Moines to Nevada
Moving containers sit between full-service and fully DIY: a company delivers the container, you load it on your schedule, and they haul it to Nevada. For a small load, expect $906 to $2,272. A two- or three-bedroom move typically lands between $1,603 and $3,415. Larger households can run $2,156 to $4,689. It's a genuinely flexible option if you need time to load without a crew standing around on the clock.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Des Moines to Nevada
If you want to keep costs as low as possible and don't mind doing the physical work yourself, a rental truck is the cheapest path. For a studio or one-bedroom, plan on $852 to $1,550. Two- to three-bedroom moves land between $894 and $1,843. Larger households should expect $1,182 to $2,393. Those ranges already factor in estimated fuel for the 1,450-mile drive.
What I'd tell a friend: the savings are real, but so is the fatigue of driving a loaded 26-foot truck across Iowa, Nebraska, and into the Nevada desert. Be honest with yourself about whether that tradeoff makes sense.
Factors Influencing Moving Costs from Des Moines to NV
A few variables that move the needle on what you actually pay:
- Move size: More belongings mean more truck space, more labor, and a higher final bill. Declutter before you get quotes — it affects your estimate meaningfully.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season and rates reflect it. Moving in fall or early spring often gets you better pricing and more flexibility on scheduling.
- DIY vs. professional: The cost difference is real. So is the difference in what you're responsible for. A long interstate move isn't without complications either way — it's a matter of which complications you'd rather deal with.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Des Moines to NV
Moving to Nevada means adjusting to a higher cost of living on most fronts — but also higher average wages and no state income tax. Those factors interact in ways worth understanding before you lock in a budget.
Compare Cost of Living: Des Moines vs. Nevada
| Des Moines, IA | Nevada | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $1,382 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $442,185 |
| Per capita income | $58,492 | $71,646 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0% |
Des Moines sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Nevada sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
The numbers that stand out most:
- Rent in Nevada runs about 20% higher than Des Moines. Build that into your monthly budget from day one.
- Home prices in Nevada are roughly 130% higher than Des Moines. If you're planning to buy, your mortgage payment will look very different.
- Average wages in Nevada are about 22% higher than in Des Moines, which absorbs some of that cost increase — but not all of it.
- Overall cost of living in Nevada is around 15% higher. That's not a rounding error; it shows up across groceries, utilities, and services.
- Unemployment is nearly identical in both places, so employment prospects are comparable.
- No state income tax in Nevada means a real boost to take-home pay compared to Iowa's 4.4% rate. For most people, that's several thousand dollars a year.
How Life Is Different in Des Moines, IA vs. Nevada
| Des Moines, IA | Nevada | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 3,194,176 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57–41 | Democratic 50.6–47.5 |
| Summer high | 86°F | 96°F |
| Winter low | 13°F | 27°F |
| Annual rain | 36" | 8" |
| Annual snow | 33" | 22" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 28.34 |
Des Moines sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Nevada sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.
Things worth knowing before you get there:
- Politics: Both areas leaned Democratic in the last presidential election, though Nevada's margin (50.6–47.5) is far narrower than Des Moines's (57–41).
- Summer heat: Nevada's summer highs average 96°F — 10 degrees hotter than Des Moines. Your electric bill will feel the difference.
- Milder winters: Nevada lows average 27°F versus 13°F in Des Moines. Less shoveling, lower heating costs, fewer ice days.
- Dramatically less rain: Nevada averages about 8 inches of rain per year; Des Moines gets 36. More outdoor flexibility, but you'll want to stay on top of hydration and humidity.
- Less snow: Nevada gets around 22 inches annually compared to Des Moines's 33. Gentler winters overall.
- Crime: Nevada's crime index (28.34) is significantly higher than Des Moines's (5.0). Research specific neighborhoods carefully before you settle on an address.
Other Considerations When Moving to Nevada
The logistics that tend to get overlooked until move day:
- HOA rules: If you're moving into a community with an HOA, check their specific moving guidelines before you book your truck or container. Some have strict hour restrictions.
- Elevator reservations: If your new Nevada building has an elevator, reserve it for moving day — don't assume it'll be free.
- Truck parking permits: Some Nevada cities require permits for moving vehicles on public streets. Check with the city or municipality before move day.
- State licensing: Nevada movers are regulated by the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA). Confirm your mover is properly licensed through the NTA before booking.
- Moving permits: Nevada doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking rules can still catch you off guard — check in advance.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move date. You'll specify your official move date, and mail will forward to Nevada from there.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection is included at no cost with most movers — but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. If your mover loses a 30-pound sculpture, you'd recover $18. For anything valuable, ask about Full Value Protection or get a quote from a third-party insurance provider before your move date.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized in the weeks leading up to your move. It's easy for details to fall through the cracks on a long-distance relocation.
Things to Do in Nevada
Nevada offers more than most people expect, particularly once you get past the Strip.
Museums in Nevada
- National Automobile Museum
- Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection
- The Mob Museum
- Nevada State Museum
- The Washoe Club Haunted Museum
Parks in Nevada
- Hemenway Park
- Kahle Park and Community Center
- Aliante Nature Discovery Park
- Sparks Marina Park
- Great Basin National Park
Sports Teams in Nevada
- Las Vegas Aces (WNBA)
- Las Vegas Raiders (NFL)
- Vegas Golden Knights (NHL)
Universities in Nevada
- University of Nevada, Reno
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- College of Southern Nevada
- Sierra Nevada University
- Great Basin College
FAQ
How long does a move from Des Moines to Nevada take?
Expect three to eight days depending on service type and time of year. Peak summer season can push timelines longer. Before you book, ask your mover for a written delivery window — not just a general estimate.
What's the availability of custom crating among movers in Des Moines?
Eight movers in Des Moines can build custom crates for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm that materials and dimensions match your specific items before booking.
What is the best way to get a car from Des Moines to Nevada?
Driving adds 1,450-plus miles of wear on your vehicle. Auto transport is worth pricing out for this distance — compare a few carriers, check their FMCSA registration, and factor the cost against the mileage you'd put on your car.
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Nevada?
Mostly the combination: outdoor recreation, significantly milder winters, no state income tax, and a job market that's grown steadily in logistics, hospitality, and tech. It's as much a practical financial move as it is a lifestyle one for a lot of people.
Where can I find long-distance moving companies for this route?
Start with our list of long-distance movers to compare options rated specifically for interstate hauls. SafeShip Moving is one operator I've found reliable on routes of this distance — worth including in your comparison when you're getting quotes.
Can I use cash to pay a mover in Des Moines, IA?
Four Des Moines movers accept cash. That said, cash leaves you with almost no paper trail if something goes wrong. Credit card or another traceable payment method offers far more protection. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to hold your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery — confirm the schedule and accepted payment types with your specific mover.