Best 5 Movers in Des Moines, IA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Des Moines

A few factors to consider when looking for a moving company include cost, licensing, services offered, and customer reviews.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, Des Moines movers charge $66 per hour on average. The average cost overall is $4,237 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include the season, any additional tasks you need done, your home size, and move distance.

Consider getting quotes from at least three movers in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should have a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on forums such as the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Reviews, social media, and Trustpilot will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Des Moines must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your moving company must have intrastate travel authority and a motor carrier permit from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by taking a thorough inventory of your belongings and writing down any services you might require. Furthermore, tell your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to assess the company's ability to provide adequate service.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will include these moving services in the base price for basic moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Ensure that your moving company is aware of any special services you require while going through the quote process. Increased pricing may apply for these services:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Des Moines, IA

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Des Moines move.

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in Des Moines are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. Planning your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers get there before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is limited.

Avoid Busy Season

Moving season peaks between May and September. In Des Moines, this time corresponds to hot summer weather, which can worsen your move. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to lock in your desired moving company. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most movers handle same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start in many cases. You should begin packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.

How Much do Movers Cost in Des Moines, IA

Movers in Des Moines cost $2,639 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,181 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.