Des Moines moving companies at a glance
We found 23 moving companies in Des Moines and its suburbs that are registered with FMCSA to carry household goods, have updated their registration in the last three years and run at least one truck. Together they report 118 trucks.
- 17 hold active interstate household-goods authority, so they can legally carry a move to another state.
- 6 are registered for moves within Iowa only.
- 7 have been on the USDOT register for 10 years or more. The median is 6 years. The longest-registered, Siddall Moving And Storage INC, was added in 1982.
- 5 run five or more trucks. Larger fleets usually have more scheduling flexibility, but size alone says nothing about quality.
Where they're based: Des Moines (6), Urbandale (5), Ames (2), Ankeny (2), Clive (1), Indianola (1), Huxley (1), Milo (1), Albion (1), Johnston (1).
How companies are listed
Listings come from the FMCSA Company Census File, the federal register of companies with a USDOT number (data as of 2026-11-15). We include active registrations that list household goods as cargo, have a moving-related business name, a registration updated within three years, and at least one truck. Order is by fleet size by default. We don't accept payment for placement on this list. If we ever show sponsored companies, they will be clearly labelled. A listing is not an endorsement, and the register doesn't include customer reviews or prices. Report an error or request a correction.
How to choose a moving company in Des Moines
- Moving to another state? Use the Interstate filter above and check the company's FMCSA record.
- Moving within Iowa? Check the state license too. See below.
- Get at least three written estimates after a video or in-home survey.
- Compare valuation coverage, the type of estimate and the delivery window, not just the price.
- Avoid companies that ask for a large deposit or quote without seeing your belongings. Scam red flags.
Licensing: checking a Des Moines mover
Rules for moves that stay within Iowa vary. Some states license or register household-goods movers through their transportation department or public utilities commission, while others don't. Ask the mover for any Iowa license or registration number and check it with the issuing agency, or ask the Iowa attorney general's consumer protection office. For moves to or from another state, the mover must be registered with FMCSA and hold interstate household-goods authority.
For a move to another state, check the USDOT number on FMCSA. Step-by-step guide.
What movers cost in Des Moines
A local 2-bedroom move within Des Moines often falls roughly in the $950–$2,250 range, depending on access, stairs and hours. Longer moves are priced by weight and distance:
| To | Approx. road distance | Move type | Rough range, 2-bedroom | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | ~364 mi | Interstate | $2,000 – $3,500 | Get quotes |
| Nashville, TN | ~622 mi | Interstate | $2,400 – $4,250 | Get quotes |
| Denver, CO | ~716 mi | Interstate | $2,550 – $4,500 | Get quotes |
| New York, NY | ~1,207 mi | Interstate | $3,350 – $5,950 | Get quotes |
| Los Angeles, CA | ~1,696 mi | Interstate | $4,150 – $7,350 | Get quotes |
| Miami, FL | ~1,573 mi | Interstate | $3,950 – $6,950 | Get quotes |
Distances are approximate. Ranges are rough planning figures for an off-peak 2-bedroom move without packing, not quotes. How we estimate.
Moving services in Des Moines
Local Movers · Long Distance Movers · Interstate Movers · Apartment Movers · Office & Commercial Movers · Packing Services · Storage and Moving · Last-Minute & Same-Day Movers
Nearby areas
We also take requests from Urbandale, Ames, Ankeny, Clive, Indianola, Huxley and the rest of the Des Moines area.
Movers in other cities
Los Angeles movers · Dallas movers · Washington movers · Miami movers · Newark movers · New York movers · All of Iowa
Frequently asked questions
How many moving companies are there in Des Moines?
Our directory lists 23 companies based in the Des Moines area that are registered with FMCSA for household goods, with a current registration and at least one truck (FMCSA data as of 2026-11-15). 17 of them hold active interstate authority.
How do I know if a Des Moines mover is legitimate?
Look it up by USDOT number on FMCSA. Each listing above links to its FMCSA record. For moves within Iowa, also check the state license. Get a written estimate and avoid large upfront deposits.