If you're planning a move from Des Moines to Ohio, you're looking at roughly 632 miles of interstate driving — enough distance to make this a real long-distance move that deserves real planning. This isn't a quick weekend rental truck run. You need to know what it'll cost, which Des Moines movers are actually worth hiring, and what's different — financially and practically — once you land in Ohio.
Here's everything I'd tell a friend making this move.
Top Des Moines movers for your move to Ohio
Out of 13 Des Moines movers equipped to handle state-to-state moves, these five are the ones I'd look at first for a Des Moines to Ohio move:
- 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
Here's what you actually need to know about each one.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322 | DOT #: 2527384 | 27 years in business
- Yelp reviews — 23 reviews
- Google reviews — 505 reviews
- BBB profile — Grade A+
92% positive reviews.
This is one of the more consistent franchise operations in Des Moines, and consistency is what you want on a 632-mile move. Crews show up on time, work efficiently, and communicate well. Multiple customers specifically mention coming in under the initial estimate — which isn't something you hear often in this industry. The negatives worth knowing about: a subset of reviews flag item damage and unexpected charges on more complex jobs. Before you sign anything, ask specifically how they handle damage claims. The overall track record is strong enough to warrant a quote.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, safes, storage | Accepts credit cards
All Mighty Movers LLC
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314 | DOT #: 2468266 | 10 years in business | ~$130/hr
- Yelp reviews — 28 reviews
- Google reviews — 490 reviews
- BBB profile — Grade A+
64% positive reviews.
That positive rate is lower than I'd like to see, but the context matters. Most of the negative feedback focuses on a specific problem: final bills running meaningfully higher than quoted amounts without clear explanation. On the other side of the ledger, the crews are quick and careful, and customers frequently note better pricing than local competitors. The talent is there. The billing communication isn't always. If you hire them, get every line item in writing upfront and ask exactly what triggers additional charges before your crew shows up.
Services: Local and interstate moves, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes | Accepts credit cards
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325 | DOT #: 2378173 | 7 years in business
- Yelp reviews — 25 reviews
- Google reviews — 1,452 reviews
- BBB profile — Grade A+
93% positive reviews.
A 93% positive rate backed by over 1,400 Google reviews is a signal worth taking seriously. Customers consistently praise crew friendliness, speed, and careful handling — and they score well on reliability compared to competitors. The 7% of negative reviews tend to cluster around damage and unexpected charges, which points to quality control gaps on trickier jobs. That said, for a Des Moines to Ohio move, this is a strong option to get a quote from.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage | Accepts credit cards
Adamantine Spine Moving
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA 50322 | DOT #: 1471037 | 25 years in business | ~$100/hr
- Yelp reviews — 3 reviews
- Google reviews — 271 reviews
- BBB profile — Grade A+
100% positive reviews.
Nearly all 223+ customer reviews are positive — that's genuinely hard to sustain. Crews are consistently described as organized, responsive, and careful. Quoted prices tend to hold, which is more than you can say for plenty of movers. There's one notable exception in the data: a billing dispute where the final charge far exceeded the estimate with no satisfying resolution. One in 223 is still about as good as this industry gets. If you have antiques, artwork, or fragile specialty items, Adamantine's service list is among the deepest I've seen from a Des Moines mover.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes | Accepts cash, money order, and credit card | Deposit required
Select Van & Storage Co.
523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 | DOT #: 1098759 | 79 years in business | Mayflower agent
- Yelp reviews — 4 reviews
- Google reviews — 22 reviews
- BBB — Grade NR
68% positive reviews.
Nearly eight decades in business is real experience you can't manufacture. Most customers describe a professional, efficient crew that's upfront about pricing — and note jobs completed on or under budget. But the negatives are pointed: late deliveries, items missing or damaged, and slow claims responses. That's a pattern worth treating seriously on an interstate move where you won't be watching your stuff every step of the way. If you go this direction, confirm your delivery window in writing and understand the claims process before you commit. As a local agent for Mayflower, they have access to national tracking infrastructure.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing | DOD certified | Accepts credit cards
Local moving services in Des Moines, IA
Not every mover in Des Moines handles everything. Here's how the 13 interstate-capable movers break down on specialty services:
| Service | Movers offering it |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 9 (69%) |
| Small moves | 9 (69%) |
| Piano moving | 10 (77%) |
| Art handling | 7 (54%) |
| Antiques | 6 (46%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 (31%) |
Piano moving is well-covered. Fragile-only packing is available from fewer than a third of the field — if you need it, confirm availability explicitly before booking.
Cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Ohio
Before you call anyone, use the moving cost calculator to get a ballpark for your specific situation. Here are the general ranges based on a ~632-mile move, by home size and service type:
| Move size | Full-service movers | Moving containers | 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 |
Approximate estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Your actual cost will vary based on home size, services added, access issues at pickup or delivery, fuel prices, and timing.
Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Ohio
Studio or one-bedroom: budget $1,073–$3,305. Two- or three-bedroom: $2,166–$5,477. Four-plus bedrooms: $3,680–$7,289.
The wide ranges exist because two moves of the same size can be very different jobs — a minimally furnished studio versus a fully packed one-bedroom with specialty items moves very differently. Get quotes from at least three companies and ask each one what specifically drives the price toward the higher end.
Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Ohio
For a studio or one-bedroom, moving containers run $700–$1,673. Two to three bedrooms: $1,188–$2,316. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,636–$3,182.
On a 632-mile route, containers can be a genuinely smart middle option — you control the packing, the company handles the driving. They also give you more flexibility on pickup and delivery timing than a traditional mover. That said, rates vary more than you'd expect between providers. Get at least two or three quotes before booking.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Ohio
The cheapest option on paper — and the most physically demanding. Studio or one-bedroom: $454–$806. Two- to three-bedroom: $513–$1,016. Four-plus bedrooms: $629–$1,156. These figures factor in average fuel costs.
If you're seriously considering the DIY path, add up the full picture: truck rental fee, fuel for 632 miles, potential overnight lodging, and the physical reality of loading and unloading without help. Then compare that against full-service quotes. For some people it still pencils out — for others it doesn't.
Factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Ohio
Three things move the needle more than anything else on this route:
- Move size: More rooms, more volume — bigger bill. People consistently underestimate how quickly stuff accumulates.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season in Des Moines. Scheduling in late fall or winter usually means lower prices and more available slots.
- DIY vs. professional movers: Going DIY cuts the line-item cost but transfers all the labor and logistical risk to you. Getting multiple quotes from affordable movers is often the smarter path — you might be surprised how competitive full-service options get when you're comparing several at once.
What you should know before moving from Des Moines to Ohio
Compare cost of living: Des Moines vs. Ohio
| Des Moines, IA | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150 | $945 |
| Average home cost | $192,347 | $230,798 |
| Per capita income | $58,492 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 3.5% |
Des Moines sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Ohio sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
Here's what those numbers mean in practice:
- Rent in Ohio runs about 18% lower than in Des Moines — a real monthly win if you're renting.
- Home prices are roughly 20% higher in Ohio, so buyers should run the mortgage math carefully before assuming it's cheaper to own.
- Per capita income averages about 15% higher in Ohio, which helps offset the cost-of-living gap.
- Overall cost of living is about 8% higher in Ohio than Des Moines. Not a dramatic shift, but worth budgeting for.
- Unemployment is nearly 40% lower in Ohio — the job market there is meaningfully tighter.
- State income tax is about 20% lower in Ohio, so your take-home pay improves on that front.
The picture is genuinely mixed. Renters come out ahead on housing. Buyers face higher prices. Incomes are higher but so is overall cost of living. Run your specific numbers rather than assuming it's obviously better or worse.
How life is different in Des Moines, IA vs. Ohio
| 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 |
Des Moines sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Ohio sources: Wikipedia, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.
A few things worth flagging:
- Scale: Ohio has nearly 17 times Des Moines's population. "Ohio" isn't a monolith — Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati feel like completely different places. Where you land within the state matters.
- Politics: Des Moines leaned Democratic in the last presidential election; Ohio as a state went Republican. Depends which part of Ohio you're heading to.
- Winters: Ohio's low temperatures are noticeably warmer than Des Moines — 20°F vs. 13°F. That's a real difference in your day-to-day and your heating bill.
- Snow: You'll actually see slightly less snow in Ohio (28" vs. 33"), so winter driving gets marginally easier.
- Crime: Ohio's statewide crime index is significantly higher than Des Moines's. Don't lean too hard on state averages — research your specific destination city and neighborhood.
Other considerations when moving to Ohio
This is the logistics checklist people consistently skip until moving day:
- HOA rules: If you're moving into an HOA community, check their move-in procedures first. Some have specific approved hours or vehicle size restrictions.
- Elevator reservation: Moving into a multi-floor building? Reserve the elevator ahead of time. Being stuck waiting with a loaded dolly is a preventable headache.
- Truck parking permits: Some Ohio cities require permits for large vehicles on moving day. Check local regulations before your truck arrives.
- USDOT verification: Ohio doesn't require its own state moving license, but your mover must be federally registered. Ask for their USDOT number and verify it through the FMCSA before you book.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date. You can set your official move date and have mail automatically forwarded to Ohio.
- Moving insurance: Every interstate mover must offer Released Value Protection at no charge — but it only covers $0.60 per pound per item. That's next to nothing on a flat screen or a piece of furniture. Consider supplemental coverage through your mover or a third-party insurer.
- Moving checklist: A 632-mile interstate move has a lot of moving parts. Use a moving checklist to make sure nothing falls through.
Things to do in Ohio
Ohio has more to offer than the flyover reputation suggests. A few highlights:
Museums
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- National Museum of the US Air Force (Dayton)
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Columbus)
- A Christmas Story House (Cleveland)
Parks
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports teams
- Cincinnati Reds and Bengals
- Cleveland Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers
Universities
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
FAQ
How long does a move from Des Moines to Ohio take?
Plan for one to six days depending on the service type and time of year. Some full-service moves complete the 632-mile run in a single long day; multi-day delivery windows are common for larger loads and container moves. Summer bookings are most prone to delays. Before you sign anything, ask your mover specifically what your delivery window looks like.
How many Des Moines movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Eight movers in Des Moines offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or irregularly shaped items — including artwork, antiques, and electronics. If you have anything that needs it, confirm crating capability directly with your mover. Don't assume it's included in a standard quote.
What's the best way to ship a car from Des Moines to Ohio?
Use a dedicated auto transport company rather than tacking it onto your moving truck rental or driving it separately. Use our car shipping calculator to compare rates. Look for carriers that are FMCSA-licensed and have clear delivery-window commitments in writing.
Why are people moving from Des Moines to Ohio?
The two main drivers are job market strength and lower rent. Ohio's unemployment rate is significantly below Des Moines's, and renters pay meaningfully less on a monthly basis. Career opportunity and proximity to family are also common factors. The financial case for renters in particular is real.
Where can I find long-distance moving companies in Des Moines?
The five companies profiled above are the strongest options I've found for the Des Moines to Ohio route specifically. You can also browse Iowa movers for a fuller picture of who's operating out of Des Moines.
Can I pay cash for a Des Moines to Ohio move?
Four movers in Des Moines accept cash. I'd be cautious — cash payments leave no paper trail if something goes wrong, and interstate moves have enough things that can go sideways. Most movers require a deposit to secure your move date, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Confirm payment methods and deposit terms in writing before committing.
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