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Long-Distance Moving From Des Moines
Des Moines, IA Long-Distance Movers
- Full-service long-distance moving. AVL handles your move directly, from pickup through delivery.
- A dedicated move coordinator. One contact stays with you from quote to final delivery.
- Binding flat-rate pricing. Your quote is set upfront so you can plan with confidence.
America's Trusted Moving Company Since 1995
What Our Customers Have to Say
Phil
"After being contacted by the company and voicing my concerns was able to come to a resolution. Wo..."Read More
Ankit Jain
"I am highly satisfied with the service. All the items were delivered as it is."Read More
Melissa Bowen
"Job #1974348 driver Marvin Hall and his helper Jaquelyn delivered my household goods from Texas ..."Read More
Todd Papineau
"Truck Driver and mover Glen Wright was a joy to work with, he made the stressful event of moving ..."Read More
Santiago Lopez Herrera
"The movers were great!"Read More
Long-Distance Moving Services From Des Moines, IA
Long-Distance Moving Specialists
Long-distance moving is what we do most. From Des Moines to anywhere in the country, American Van Lines coordinates the route, crew, schedule, and delivery so your move stays on target from start to finish.
Learn MoreFull-Service Packing and Unpacking
Some customers want us to pack the whole house. Others only need help with fragile items. Fragile-only packing is available from 3 of the 12 movers we track in Des Moines. American Van Lines offers both options, plus packing materials if you'd rather handle the rest yourself.
Learn MoreMoving and Storage
We own storage warehouses in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. For your move from Des Moines, we can coordinate storage through our national partner network and schedule it alongside your move, so you aren't left dealing with separate providers and timelines.
Learn MoreCommercial and Office Moves
A successful office move is the one that gets your team back to work quickly. American Van Lines schedules commercial moves around your operating hours and plans each stage to keep downtime to a minimum.
Learn MoreDisassembly, Reassembly, and Crating
Some furniture should come apart before it ever reaches the truck. Our crews handle disassembly, custom crating when needed, and reassembly at your new home, so you aren't left doing it yourself on either end.
Learn MoreCorporate and Employee Relocation
Companies relocating employees into or out of Des Moines need predictable costs, clear paperwork, and one person accountable for the move. American Van Lines handles both full corporate relocations and individual employee moves with binding pricing and a dedicated coordinator, so HR is not managing multiple vendors for one relocation.
Learn MoreWhy Choose American Van Lines
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A trusted carrier with a proven track record. We’re a licensed interstate carrier, not a broker, and have been family-owned since 1995. Take a look at our credentials.
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Upfront pricing you can plan around. Our flat-rate pricing and binding estimates protect your budget from unexpected charges on moving day.
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One dedicated team from start to finish. Work directly with American Van Lines from planning through delivery, and let your coordinator and experienced moving crew handle every detail.
American Van Lines is a 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice Best National Moving Company and a 2024 Customer Service Champion, with five consecutive years of America's Best Customer Service recognition from 2019–2023.
Comparing Des Moines, IA Moving Costs
Studio and 1-Bedroom Apartments
| Origin City | Destination | Distance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | Kansas City, MO | 179 miles | $1,079 - $2,945 |
| Des Moines, IA | Detroit, MI | 547 miles | $1,745 - $3,592 |
| Des Moines, IA | San Jose, CA | 1,532 miles | $2,968 - $5,796 |
2 - 3 Bedrooms
| Origin City | Destination | Distance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | Louisville, KY | 477 miles | $2,210 - $5,113 |
| Des Moines, IA | Nashville, TN | 525 miles | $2,436 - $4,767 |
| Des Moines, IA | Las Vegas, NV | 1,215 miles | $3,050 - $6,654 |
4+ Bedrooms
| Origin City | Destination | Distance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | Oklahoma City, OK | 472 miles | $3,719 - $7,517 |
| Des Moines, IA | Washington DC, MD | 895 miles | $4,743 - $7,468 |
| Des Moines, IA | Tucson, AZ | 1,153 miles | $5,156 - $8,190 |
American Van Lines uses flat-rate pricing, which means you'll get a straightforward, upfront quote with no hidden fees. You can budget for your long-distance move from Des Moines, Iowa with confidence, knowing exactly what your move will cost.
Our pricing is based on factors like the distance and size of your move and any extra services you choose, such as packing, specialty item handling, or storage. For example, we recently quoted a 1-bedroom, 179-mile move from Des Moines to Kansas City, Missouri at $1,079. A similarly sized move from Des Moines to Detroit, Michigan, was estimated at $1,745 due to the 547-mile distance.
How American Van Lines Is Unique
Experienced Crews
Long-haul moving is its own specialty, not a bigger version of a local move. Our crews handle cross-country moves all the time, so multi-day moves are routine for them.
Transparent Pricing
We offer flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees and bottom-line moving quotes, so you'll know exactly what to expect.
Comprehensive Services
From packing and loading to furniture reassembly and storage, we're ready to handle every aspect of your long-distance move.
Professional Support
You'll get a dedicated move coordinator who will guide you through the process and be available for any questions about your long-distance move from Des Moines.
Commitment to Quality
American Van Lines is trusted and featured by numerous media outlets for our exceptional long-distance moving services.
National Reach
No matter where you're headed in the Lower 48 from Des Moines, we're equipped to manage moves across state lines and cross-country with ease.
The details are our job, not yours.
We handle the inventory, the paperwork, the scheduling, and the specialty items. Your part is telling us what you're moving, where you're going, and when. We take care of the details.
Are You Moving to Des Moines, Iowa?
- Between the years of 1942 and 2009, a city ordinance made dancing illegal between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m.
- The Des Moines Blank Park Zoo became home to a third red panda, Razz, in 2012. It is estimated that there are only about 2,500 to 20,000 red pandas left in the wild.
- The Iowa State Capitol’s dome contains roughly 100 ounces of gold.
- Ronald Reagan held one of his first entertainment jobs as an announcer of Chicago Cubs games for WHO radio in Des Moines.
- Des Moines, IA, has a rich history that has helped shape the city that 699,292 people call home today.
Job Market
You'll find a variety of career opportunities in Des Moines through major employers like MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings. The average income in Des Moines is $63,966, with an unemployment rate of 5.9%.
Quality of Life
Des Moines offers parks, like Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and museums, including Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, and Science Center of Iowa, for recreation and cultural enrichment. State Capitol, Science Center of Iowa, and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are among the city's top attractions.
Safety
Des Moines has a crime index of 5.0, meaning the city is safer than 57.8% of all U.S. cities.
Top Neighborhoods
If you're moving with kids, these neighborhoods are among the best in Des Moines for families:
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
If you're moving solo, these neighborhoods are some of the best in Des Moines for singles:
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
Cost of Living
Rental rates in Des Moines range from $1,229 for a 1-bedroom to $1,763 for a larger home. Buying instead? The average property costs about $183,553, and per-square-foot prices vary from $212 to $212 depending on the neighborhood.
Monthly living costs hover around $1,891 for a single person. A family will typically need about $4,380 to cover day-to-day expenses like groceries, school supplies, and utilities.
Here's what those expenses look like when they’re broken down for Des Moines residents:
| Living Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Utilities | $145 |
| Internet | $53 |
| Meal (Fast Casual) | $16 |
| 3-Course Meal for 2 | $78 |
| Gallon of Milk | $1 |
| Dozen Eggs | $4 |
| Loaf of Bread | $3 |
| Gym Membership | $67 |
| Private Preschool | $1,369 |
Making your move from Des Moines easier
Not every customer wants the same level of help. We can take care of nearly everything for your Des Moines move or step in only for the parts you'd rather not handle yourself, from packing to furniture setup.
A long-distance move is easier when you know what to expect.
American Van Lines sets expectations early for your Des Moines, Iowa relocation and keeps the process moving with experienced crews, coordinated service, and updates when they matter.
Why AVL Instead of DIY?
DIY Isn't Always Cheaper
Between truck rentals, fuel, packing materials, and the physical toll of a long-distance move, the DIY route often costs more than it looks like on paper.
Full Service, Fair Price
American Van Lines packages professional packing, transport, and delivery into one flat rate. You get a complete moving experience without the guesswork.
Saving Money vs. Saving Yourself
DIY moves require you to handle the heavy lifting, driving, and logistics yourself. American Van Lines takes that off your plate entirely.
Long-Distance Moving From Des Moines Made Simple
From your first quote to final delivery, American Van Lines handles every detail of your long-distance move from Des Moines. No hidden fees, no last-minute surprises, just reliable service at a clear price.
Here's how it works: Request your free quote and we'll ask a few straightforward questions about your home size, destination, and schedule. From there, we build a flat-rate plan with no surprises. Once you book, our team handles every step from start to delivery.
Flat-rate pricing means the quote you get is the price you pay. No changes, no last-minute additions.
What to Expect When Moving From Des Moines
Here's a quick look at how we handle your move from start to finish:
Get a Flat-Rate Quote
Start with a free quote and a quick inventory review. We'll ask about your move size, timing, and destination, then provide a flat-rate estimate so you can plan with confidence.
Work With a Dedicated Move Coordinator
Once you book, you'll be paired with a move coordinator who guides you through every phase, from paperwork and logistics to any last-minute questions.
Build Your Moving Plan
Want packing help, storage, or specialty handling? We'll customize services based on your needs and budget so you get the support you want and only pay for what you use.
Prepare for Moving Day
In the days before your move, we'll send helpful reminders and checklists. You'll know exactly what to expect and what our team will handle when they arrive.
Load, Move, and Stay Informed
On moving day, our crew carefully loads and secures your belongings. They'll transport your items to your destination, and you'll receive updates along the route so you're never left guessing.
Unload, Place Items, and Follow Up
Once we arrive, we'll unload your items with care and place boxes and furniture where you need them. After delivery, your coordinator confirms everything arrived safely.
Tips for Your Long-Distance Move From Des Moines
- Book early. Secure your mover at least 4 to 6 weeks out, especially if you're moving in summer or at the start or end of the month.
- Keep an inventory as you pack. A simple checklist of what's in each box helps you track everything and makes unpacking more organized.
- Label every box. Write the destination room and a brief description on each box. It makes delivery day faster and unpacking less chaotic.
- Set up utilities before you arrive. Contact your new utility providers ahead of time so power, water, and internet are ready when you walk in the door.
- Build in a weather buffer. Des Moines winters average lows around 13°F. Ice and snow can delay pickup or delivery, so if your dates are flexible in winter, book earlier in the week and leave room in your schedule on both ends.
- Clear a path before the truck arrives if you’re moving in the winter. With about 33" of snow a year in Des Moines, a salted walkway and a shoveled driveway save time on loading day and keep the crew on their feet.
- Sort out the truck’s parking spot early. Des Moines has permit and parking requirements that apply to moving trucks. Handling that in advance beats improvising while a loaded truck sits idling.
- Account for city logistics. Moving out of a large city like Des Moines means planning around traffic, building access, and loading restrictions. Confirm elevator reservations and dock times early.
- File your change of address. Update your address with USPS before you go so mail follows you without a gap.
FAQs
How long does a long-distance move usually take?
Long-distance moves typically take 3 to 14 days from pickup to delivery, depending on how far you're going and your scheduling needs. American Van Lines will give you a realistic delivery window upfront so you can plan accordingly.
What's the best time of year to move?
The off-season, roughly late fall through early spring, tends to offer better availability and lower rates. Summer is the busiest time for movers, so if you're set on a summer move, booking at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead is key.
What is an inventory?
Your moving inventory is a room-by-room list of everything going on the truck. American Van Lines uses it to calculate your flat-rate estimate and confirm that every item is loaded and delivered as expected.
What payment methods do you accept, and when are payments due?
We accept major credit and debit cards and certified checks. Payment for long-distance moves is typically due upon delivery, but our team will walk you through the specifics during the planning process.
Do you provide or sell packing materials?
Absolutely. Packing materials are included when you choose our packing service. If you'd rather handle packing yourself, we can supply boxes, tape, and other materials and have them delivered to your home.