Best Seattle to Des Moines Movers

How Much Do Seattle to Des Moines Movers Cost?

Moving 1,835 miles from Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 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 Seattle. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Des Moines from Seattle 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 Seattle to Des Moines moving option

Hire local Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 33 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Seattle and Des Moines areas.

From these 33 companies, we analyzed a total of 13,100 reviews dating all the way back to September 2006.

We also reviewed a total of 16 state and federal moving licenses from these 33 companies and 169 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~13,000 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 4,266 Seattle 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 Seattle Moves & More) vs older more established companies (like Best Move Inc).

Hire Trusted Movers

The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Seattle 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.

8.71/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 7,882 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.37/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 2,707 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.54/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 1,369 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.84/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 3,021 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.73/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 1,131 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.90/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 3,663 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.22/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 4,612 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.44/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 7,858 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.52/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 4,519 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.63/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 819 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.42/10 avg (Seattle & Des Moines combined) from 3,790 reviews

From Seattle to Des Moines: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Fremont in Seattle & East Village in Des Moines are both known for their artsy vibes & local boutiques
• Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood & Des Moines' Sherman Hill both share vibrant nightlife & historic homes
• If you're moving from Greenwood, check out Beaverdale in the Des Moines area for the tight-knit community & family-friendly shops
• Do you enjoy University District's college town atmosphere & student bars? You're sure to love Drake
• Move from South Lake Union to West Des Moines and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: tech hub & modern developments
• Beacon Hill & Ingersoll Park are both known for their diverse community & affordable housing

Pros and Cons of Moving from Seattle to Des Moines

ConsSeattle, WA

• High cost of living
• Frequent rain
• Heavy traffic
• Dense population

ProsDes Moines, IA

• More affordable housing
• Milder weather
• Less congestion
• Smaller, tight-knit community

---

Des Moines, IA

• Fewer job opportunities in tech
• Less diverse
• Fewer outdoor activities
• Less seafood variety

Seattle, WA

• Vibrant tech scene
• Rich cultural diversity
• Abundant nature
• Seafood cuisine

Pros of moving from Seattle to Des Moines

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from frequent rain and moving to Des Moines with milder weather
• Swap the heavy traffic of Seattle for less congestion in Des Moines
• Get ready for a smaller, tight-knit community in Des Moines

Cons of moving from Seattle to Des Moines

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant tech scene in Seattle to live with fewer job opportunities in tech in Des Moines
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of less diversity
• Time to bid farewell to abundant nature and get used to fewer outdoor activities in Des Moines
• Swap seafood cuisine for less variety in seafood

Seattle vs. Des Moines: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Seattle to Des Moines, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Seattle for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Des Moines. And while the locals in Seattle rave about their flavorful Pho and sumptuous Taco Trucks, Des Moines residents know they have tasty Steak de Burgo and Fried on a Stick to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Bao they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Des Moines. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Seattle eateries like Canlis, Matt's in the Market, and Racoon's Club. After the boxes are unpacked in Des Moines, don't wait too long before making your way to Des Moines' acclaimed eateries like Centro, Fong's Pizza, and Jethro's BBQ.

When comparing lifestyles, Des Moines shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Seattle. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Des Moines compared to what you are used to in Seattle. Also, the overall foodie scene is less 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 Seattle favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Canlis, The Walrus and the Carpenter, and Renee Erickson's Sea Creatures in Seattle, we're sure you'll love Aposto, Harbinger, and Bubba in Des Moines. See our Des Moines restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Seattle hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Salumi, head to Lucca on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Seattle and Des Moines

• The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Seattle is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Des Moines.
• Compared to Seattle's real estate listings that commonly reference views and eco-friendly features, Des Moines real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly neighborhoods and spacious yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Des Moines is less walkable than Seattle.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike because Des Moines is less bike-friendly than Seattle.
• Des Moines has less of an urban feel than Seattle.
• Des Moines housing costs are 77% less expensive than they are in Seattle with a median home price of $199,739 compared to Seattle’s $879,412.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Des Moines have increased by 38% compared to a 20% increase in Seattle.
• Rent in Des Moines is 51.27% more affordable than in Seattle.

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 Seattle and Des Moines

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Seattle to Des Moines. Des Moines gets 35% more sunshine days than Seattle.
• Des Moines has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Seattle.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Seattle, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in Des Moines.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Des Moines is 10 degrees warmer than in Seattle.
• The average winter lows are 23 degrees colder than they are in Seattle.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Des Moines. Des Moines receives 1.5 fewer inches of rain compared to Seattle.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Seattle and Des Moines

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Des Moines tend to earn about 45% less than in Seattle
• The COLI in Des Moines is 25% lower than what you are used to living in Seattle
• Bummer... By moving from WA to IA, you'll now have a state income tax of up to 8.53%
• The affluence in Des Moines is moderate compared to high in Seattle
• The poverty level is low in Des Moines compared to moderate in Seattle
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in Seattle and low in Des Moines

Political and Religious Climate in Seattle vs. Des Moines

• Seattle tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Des Moines, on the other hand, is often described as moderate with a mix of Democratic and Republican
• Des Moines' religious environment can be described as moderately religious with a Christian majority
• Seattle's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious with a variety of faiths

Seattle vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 25% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Des Moines compared to your Seattle daily drive. That's an annual savings of 3,640 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Des Moines to be better than it is in Seattle.
• Public transit is less readily available in Des Moines.