Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 17 2025
Average Cost Of Moving From Des Moines to Waterloo
The average cost of moving from Des Moines to Waterloo, Iowa, is influenced by factors like distance, volume of belongings, and additional services. Estimates suggest a range of $800 to $2,500 for a basic move, with variables such as packing, insurance, and special handling impacting the final expenses.
Navigating Your Move
Moving from one city to another within the same state can be a daunting task, but with the right local shifting company, the process becomes smoother and less stressful. In this guide, we'll delve into the various aspects of shifting from Des Moines to Waterloo, Iowa, covering local movers, intrastate hauling companies, costs, commercial haulers, full-service transfers, cheap relocates, office shifters, and the benefits of incorporating hauling and storage services.
Local Movers and Intrastate Hauling Companies
Local haulers play a vital role in the relocation process, especially when hauling within the same state like from Des Moines to Waterloo. These professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of local regulations, ensuring a seamless transition. Intrastate relocating companies go a step further, specializing in moves that span longer distances within the state, providing expertise in navigating state-specific logistics.
How Much Charge for Hauling?
The cost of moving between Des Moines and Waterloo varies based on several factors. The distance, volume of belongings, and additional services requested contribute to the overall expenses. On average, a basic intrastate move can range from $800 to $2,500. It's essential to obtain quotes from multiple local transporting companies to find a balance between cost and services.
Commercial Haulers
For businesses looking to relocate their offices, commercial haulers are crucial. They specialize in handling the complexities of moving office furniture, equipment, and sensitive documents. Hiring experienced commercial shifters ensures minimal downtime for the business and a smooth transition to the new location.
Full-Service Relocates
Full-service movers offer a comprehensive solution, handling every aspect of the move from packing and loading to transportation and unpacking. While this service may come at a higher cost, the convenience and peace of mind it provides are invaluable, especially for those with busy schedules.
Cheap Shifters
For budget-conscious individuals, finding cheap movers is a priority. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between affordability and quality service. Researching customer reviews, obtaining quotes, and ensuring that the chosen moving company is licensed and insured are essential steps to avoid potential issues during the shift.
Office Carriers
Office relocators specialize in relocating businesses, understanding the unique requirements of commercial moves. From disassembling and packing office furniture to transporting sensitive equipment, they ensure a seamless transition for businesses looking to establish a new presence in Waterloo.
Relocating and Storage
Integrating relocating and storage services can be beneficial, especially when there's a gap between leaving the old residence and settling into the new one. Many moving companies offer secure storage solutions for belongings, providing a flexible and convenient option for individuals and families in transition.
Conclusion:
Moving from Des Moines to Waterloo requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. Local and intrastate hauling companies, commercial movers, full-service relocates, cheap shifters, and office haulers all play crucial roles in ensuring a successful transition. By understanding the costs involved and exploring the diverse services available, individuals and businesses can make informed decisions to streamline the shifting process and start their new chapter with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Des Moines to Waterloo moves cost between $700–$1,600 for a typical 1–3 bedroom home. This intrastate route is about 100 miles, so pricing reflects labor hours, truck size, and mileage rather than per-mile tariffs. Costs increase with stairs, packing services, heavy items, or long carry distances. Moves on weekends or during peak summer months often price higher due to crew demand and traffic timing.
This route is classified as an intrastate move, since it stays within Iowa but exceeds typical local mileage. It is usually handled under hourly plus mileage or flat-rate pricing rather than strict local hourly rates. Intrastate moves still follow Iowa DOT rules and professional mover standards. Many customers use this route as a short-form long-distance service with same-day delivery. Learn more about interstate moving service.
Most moves are completed in one day, with 3–5 hours for loading, 2 hours of driving, and 2–4 hours for unloading. Larger homes or added packing can extend timelines. Weather, especially winter snow or spring storms on I-35 and US-20 corridors, may add delays. Apartment moves with elevators or restricted loading windows can also increase total time on-site.
Yes. Because Des Moines and Waterloo are relatively close, same-day delivery is standard for most household moves. Crews typically load in the morning and unload by late afternoon or early evening. Same-day service works best for studio to 3-bedroom homes without extensive packing. Larger households or storage needs may require split-day scheduling. This route is commonly handled by long distance moving service.
Pricing is driven by home size (studio–5BR), number of movers (2–4 movers), packing needs, stairs or elevators, specialty items like pianos or safes, and parking access at both locations. Seasonal demand, weekend bookings, and building management rules also affect cost. Accurate inventories reduce surprise charges and help crews plan efficient loading and delivery windows.
Yes. Professional movers commonly offer full or partial packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and protective wrapping for fragile items. Packing typically adds $200–$600+ depending on materials and labor time. This is especially useful for apartments, tight staircases, or time-restricted buildings. Packing services can reduce damage risk and speed up loading day logistics when coordinated in advance.
