Best Fort Wayne to Des Moines Movers

How Much Do Fort Wayne to Des Moines Movers Cost?

Moving 491 miles from Fort Wayne, IN to Des Moines, IA will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Des Moines that already have a booked job heading from Des Moines to Fort Wayne. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Des Moines from Fort Wayne entirely empty. If you can find a Des Moines moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Fort Wayne to Des Moines moving option

Hire local Fort Wayne movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Des Moines movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Fort Wayne to Des Moines move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Fort Wayne to Des Moines movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Fort Wayne, IN to Des Moines, IA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Fort Wayne to Des Moines moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 12 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Fort Wayne and Des Moines areas.

From these 12 companies, we analyzed a total of 2,435 reviews dating all the way back to February 2009.

We also reviewed a total of 0 state and federal moving licenses from these 12 companies and 64 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~2,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 1,361 Fort Wayne to Des Moines moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like MVM Moving & Storage) vs older more established companies (like My Movers Inc.).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Fort Wayne to Des Moines moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.23/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 1,341 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

7.80/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 353 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.17/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 232 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.66/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 465 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.97/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 148 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.64/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 520 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.77/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 825 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

7.99/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 1,318 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

7.96/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 823 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.50/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 126 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.82/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Des Moines combined) from 653 reviews

From Fort Wayne to Des Moines: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Downtown in Fort Wayne & East Village in Des Moines are both known for their: restaurants & nightlife in the urban core
• Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood & Des Moines' Sherman Hill both share: historic architecture & tree-lined streets
• If you're moving from Southtown, check out Roosevelt in the Des Moines area for the: affordable homes & family-friendly vibe
• Do you enjoy Maplecrest's midcentury homes & mature trees? You're sure to love Beaverdale
• Move from East Central to Ingersoll-Grand and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: local shops & gentrification
• Covington Pointe & Rosedale are both known for their: planned subdivisions & new builds
• Fort Wayne's Ardmore Knolls neighborhood & Des Moines' Sherman Hill neighborhood both have: brick streets & Victorian homes
• If you're moving from Westlawn, look into Roosevelt for the: traditional bungalows & close-knit community
• Do you cherish living in Southwest's retail corridors & commercial access? Move into South of Grand for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Fort Wayne to Des Moines

ConsFort Wayne, IN

• Smaller job market
• Fewer cultural attractions
• Less diverse cuisine
• Lesser-known city

ProsDes Moines, IA

• Larger job market
• More cultural attractions
• More diverse cuisine
• More recognized city

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Des Moines, IA

• Higher cost of living
• More expensive housing
• Busy city life
• More hustle and bustle

Fort Wayne, IN

• Lower cost of living
• More affordable housing
• Quainter neighborhoods
• Simpler lifestyle

Pros of moving from Fort Wayne to Des Moines

• Say goodbye to the smaller job market and hello to the larger job market
• Look forward to moving away from fewer cultural attractions and moving to Des Moines with more cultural attractions
• Swap the less diverse cuisine of Fort Wayne for the more diverse cuisine in Des Moines
• Get ready for a more recognized city in Des Moines

Cons of moving from Fort Wayne to Des Moines

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Fort Wayne to live with the higher cost of living in Des Moines
• You'll lose out on the pro of more affordable housing and have to settle for the con of more expensive housing
• Time to bid farewell to the quainter neighborhoods and get used to the busy city life in Des Moines
• Swap the simpler lifestyle for the more hustle and bustle

Fort Wayne vs. Des Moines: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Fort Wayne to Des Moines, you will be trading the iconic Beef Manhattan of Fort Wayne for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Des Moines. And while the locals in Fort Wayne rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Taco Trucks, Des Moines residents know they have tasty Smoked Brisket and Elote (Mexican Street Corn) to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Des Moines. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Fort Wayne eateries like Cindy's Diner, Junk Ditch Brewing Company, and Paula's On Main. After the boxes are unpacked in Des Moines, don't wait too long before making your way to Des Moines' acclaimed eateries like Fong’s Pizza, The Smokin' Pig, and The Eatery/A Diner.

When comparing lifestyles, Des Moines shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Fort Wayne. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Des Moines compared to what you are used to in Fort Wayne. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Des Moines.

Discover Des Moines Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Des Moines is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Fort Wayne favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Cork 'N Cleaver, Coney Island Wiener Stand, and DeBrand Fine Chocolates in Fort Wayne, we're sure you'll love 801 Chophouse, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and Chocolaterie Stam in Des Moines. See our Des Moines restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Fort Wayne hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Paula’s On Main, head to Waterfront Seafood Market on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Fort Wayne and Des Moines

• The Colonial Revival architecture that Fort Wayne is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Des Moines.
• Compared to Fort Wayne's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and family rooms, Des Moines real estate listings often highlight features like open-concept layouts and energy efficiency.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Des Moines is less walkable than Fort Wayne.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Fort Wayne.
• Des Moines has more of an urban feel than Fort Wayne.
• Des Moines housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in Fort Wayne, with a median home price of $199,739 compared to Fort Wayne’s $225,268.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Des Moines have increased by 38% compared to a 64% increase in Fort Wayne.
• Rent in Des Moines is 8.60% more affordable than in Fort Wayne.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA

1. Beaverdale: You’ll love the abundance of parks and walking trails that make it easy to keep your furry friends active and happy.
2. Ingersoll Park: With pet-friendly cafes and easy access to local dog parks, you and your pet can enjoy everything the community has to offer.
3. Waveland Park: You’re never far from open spaces and trails, making it convenient for daily walks and outdoor pet activities.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Fort Wayne and Des Moines

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Fort Wayne to Des Moines. Des Moines gets 10% more sunshine days than Fort Wayne.
• Des Moines has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Fort Wayne.
• Say goodbye to the possible severe storms and tornadoes in Fort Wayne, but be on the lookout for potential severe storms and tornadoes in Des Moines.
• The average summer high temperature in Des Moines is 2 degrees warmer than in Fort Wayne.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Fort Wayne.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Des Moines. Des Moines receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Fort Wayne.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Fort Wayne and Des Moines

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Des Moines tend to earn about 11% more than those in Fort Wayne
• The COLI in Des Moines is 4% lower than what you are used to living in Fort Wayne
• The state income tax in IA is up to 8.53% compared to 3.23% in IN
• The affluence in Des Moines is more affluent compared to moderate affluence in Fort Wayne
• The poverty level is lower in Des Moines compared to moderate poverty in Fort Wayne
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Fort Wayne and lower in Des Moines

Political and Religious Climate in Fort Wayne vs. Des Moines

• Fort Wayne tends to lean moderately conservative in its political climate
• Des Moines, on the other hand, is often described as slightly liberal
• Des Moines' religious environment can be described as diverse with a strong Catholic diocese presence and a vibrant interfaith community
• Fort Wayne's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a Catholic diocese presence

Fort Wayne vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 9% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Des Moines compared to your daily drive in Fort Wayne. That's an annual savings of 1,040 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Des Moines to be better than it is in Fort Wayne.
• Public transit is more readily available in Des Moines.