Best Moving Companies in Des Moines for Your California Move
You're looking at a 1,807-mile haul from Des Moines to California—that's a serious move. Out of the movers in and around Des Moines that can handle interstate jobs, I've narrowed it down to the five that consistently deliver solid results.
- Two Men and a Truck — 4.56 / 5
- All Mighty Movers LLC — 4.38 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.38 / 5
- Adamantine Spine Moving — 4.38 / 5
- Select Van & Storage Co. — 4.3 / 5
Two Men and a Truck
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322
92% positive reviews | Yelp | Google reviews | BBB (Grade A+)
What customers say: This crew earns its reputation for speed and care. Out of 23 Yelp reviews and 505 Google reviews, the consistent theme is efficient work—movers who show up on time, handle your stuff carefully, and communicate clearly. Most people praised the professionalism and noted they came in under budget because the teams worked fast without cutting corners. The few negatives mention damage to items and inexperienced crew members, but those are outliers.
Services:
- Local and interstate moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Storage, pianos, safes
- Credit card payments accepted
Contact: (515) 216-3654 | DOT #: 2527384 | 27 years in business
All Mighty Movers LLC
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314
64% positive reviews | Yelp | Google reviews | BBB (Grade A+)
What customers say: Fast and affordable—that's the pitch, and most reviews back it up. Out of 25 reviews analyzed, customers consistently praised low rates and quick turnaround. The crews are polite and efficient, and your furniture arrives intact. The downside? About 36% of feedback flags inaccurate estimates or surprise charges at the end. If you book with them, get everything in writing and confirm final costs upfront.
Services:
- Local and interstate moves
- Office moves
- Specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes)
- Credit card payments accepted
Contact: (515) 313-1395 | $130/hr | DOT #: 2468266 | 10 years in business
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325
93% positive reviews | Yelp | Google reviews | BBB (Grade A+)
What customers say: Out of 260 reviews, nearly 93% are positive. Customers rave about friendly crews, quick work, and careful handling of belongings. The communication tends to be solid, and people appreciate the transparency. The 7% downside mentions occasional damage, unexpected charges, or unprofessional behavior in edge cases. Overall, this is a reliable outfit that keeps things moving smoothly.
Services:
- Local and interstate moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Office moves
- Storage available
- Credit card payments accepted
Contact: (336) 810-1801 | DOT #: 2378173 | 7 years in business
Adamantine Spine Moving
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA 50322
100% positive reviews | Yelp | Google reviews | BBB (Grade A+)
What customers say: This is the standout. Across 223 reviews analyzed, 99.6% are positive. Customers consistently mention professional crews, accurate quotes, careful handling, and strong communication. People describe moves as effortless because the team is organized and polite. The one negative note involved a billing discrepancy that wasn't resolved quickly, but it's a single complaint against hundreds of rave reviews. If you want the peace of mind of near-perfect execution, this is your best bet.
Services:
- Local, interstate, and international moves
- Full packing and unpacking
- Specialty items (pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks)
- Custom crating
- Full-valuation coverage and storage
- Multiple payment methods accepted (cash, check, credit card)
Contact: (319) 519-0154 | $100/hr | DOT #: 1471037 | 25 years in business
Select Van & Storage Co.
523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
68% positive reviews | Yelp | Google reviews | BBB
What customers say: Out of 34 reviews, two-thirds are positive. People appreciate the professional, polite staff and the quick, efficient service. Many noted transparent pricing and finishing ahead of schedule. The downside: late deliveries, occasional damage or lost items, and communication lapses. It's a solid option if you confirm all details upfront, but don't expect the consistency of top-ranked competitors.
Services:
- Local and interstate moves
- Packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing
- Office moves
- Specialty crating and crane vans
- Shipment tracking and full-valuation coverage
- Credit card payments accepted
- DOD certified
Contact: (515) 223-8329 | DOT #: 1098759 | 79 years in business | Also operates as Mayflower
What Moving Services Are Available in Des Moines?
Here's a quick breakdown of specialty services offered by Iowa movers in the Des Moines area:
| Service | # of Movers | % Available |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 9 | 69% |
| Small moves | 9 | 69% |
| Antiques | 6 | 46% |
| Art | 7 | 54% |
| Pianos | 10 | 77% |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 | 31% |
How Much Does It Cost to Move from Des Moines to California?
Here's what you're looking at for a 1,807-mile move:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | DIY Truck Rental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,211 – $4,758 | $1,042 – $2,625 | $998 – $1,979 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,040 – $6,716 | $1,857 – $3,650 | $1,134 – $2,285 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,981 – $10,411 | $2,665 – $5,162 | $1,403 – $2,684 |
*These estimates are based on verified pricing data as of January 2025. Your actual quote will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access challenges, fuel surcharges, and timing. Always get estimates from multiple movers for accurate pricing.
Hiring Full-Service Movers from Des Moines to California
A studio or one-bedroom move will run $1,211 to $4,758. For two to three bedrooms, expect $3,040 to $6,716. A larger move of four bedrooms or more will cost $5,981 to $10,411. Prices vary based on the mover, the time of year, and how much stuff you have.
Renting Moving Containers from Des Moines to California
If you prefer moving containers—where you load at your own pace and they handle transport—expect $1,042 to $2,625 for a small load. For two to three bedrooms, $1,857 to $3,650. Larger moves run $2,665 to $5,162. Containers give you flexibility, but you'll pack and unpack yourself.
Renting a Moving Truck from Des Moines to California
The cheapest option is renting a truck—but you do all the work. A studio or one-bedroom move costs $998 to $1,979. Two to three bedrooms run $1,134 to $2,285. A four-bedroom or larger place runs $1,403 to $2,684. These estimates include fuel.
What Affects Your Moving Costs?
A few key factors shape your final bill:
- Move size: The more stuff you have, the more it costs. Volume drives pricing in the moving industry.
- Season: Summer is peak moving season. Movers charge premium rates, so consider moving in fall or spring if your timeline is flexible.
- Service level: DIY is cheapest but demands heavy lifting. Full-service costs more but saves your back and time.
Use our calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your exact situation.
What to Know Before Moving from Des Moines to California
California is a bigger move than it might sound. Your cost of living will jump, wages may be higher, and the whole environment is different. Here's how the two stack up:
Cost of Living Comparison
| Des Moines, IA | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,150/month | $1,856/month |
| Average home price | $192,347 | $771,057 |
| Per capita income | $58,492 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
The practical impact:
- Rent in California is 61% higher than Des Moines. Budget for steeper monthly housing costs.
- Home prices in California are roughly 301% more. If you're buying, expect a much larger mortgage.
- Incomes in California run 57% higher, which means more earning potential—but also higher costs across the board.
- Overall cost of living is 54% higher, so you'll need a solid financial plan to maintain your lifestyle.
- The unemployment rate is slightly better in California, suggesting more job opportunities.
- State income tax in California is 202% higher than Iowa. That's a significant hit to take-home pay.
Climate & Lifestyle Differences
| Des Moines, IA | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 39,029,342 |
| Political lean | Democratic 57–41 | Democratic 59–41 |
| Summer high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Winter low | 13°F | 59°F |
| Annual rainfall | 36″ | 22″ |
| Annual snowfall | 33″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 8.43 |
Here's what changes:
- Summer temperatures are nearly identical, so you won't feel much seasonal shift there.
- Winters in California are dramatically milder. You're swapping 13°F lows and 33 inches of snow for 59°F and 7 inches. Shoveling becomes optional.
- Rainfall drops from 36 to 22 inches per year in California. More sunshine, fewer gray days.
- Crime rates are higher in California (8.43 vs. 5.0). Research neighborhoods carefully—it's not a dealbreaker, but worth understanding before you land.
- Both places lean Democratic, so political culture is broadly similar.
Practical Logistics Before You Move
Before you book movers and load the truck, handle these items:
- HOA rules: Check if your community has moving restrictions or elevator reservations you need to schedule.
- Truck parking permits: Some California cities require moving truck parking permits. Get that squared away ahead of time.
- California mover licensing: California requires movers to have a "T Number" from the Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Verify any mover you hire has one—it means they've met insurance, safety, and financial standards and passed background checks. Check the CPUC website to confirm.
- Moving permits: You won't need a state permit in California, but check local parking rules in your specific city.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address at least a week before moving. Get started at USPS.com.
- Moving insurance: Standard Released Value Protection is free but only covers 60 cents per pound per item. A 25-pound TV would be reimbursed at just $15 if damaged. Ask your mover about full-value protection or third-party insurance if you have high-value items.
- Moving checklist: Use our checklist to stay organized and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Things to Do in California
Once you land, there's no shortage of things to explore:
Museums: The Getty Center, USS Midway Museum, California State Railroad Museum, The Getty Villa
Parks: La Jolla Cove, Sonoma Plaza, Mount Rubidoux Park, Redwood Regional Park
Sports: Anaheim Ducks (NHL), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Jose Sharks (NHL)
Universities: Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, UC San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Des Moines to California move take?
Typically 5 to 16 days, depending on the service. Summer moves may take longer due to higher demand. Confirm delivery timelines with your mover before booking to avoid surprises.
How many Des Moines movers offer custom crating?
Eight movers in the Des Moines area offer custom crating for art, antiques, and fragile items. If you need this service, confirm capabilities with your mover before signing.
What's the best way to ship a car from Des Moines to California?
Look for an auto transport company with solid reviews and experience on long-haul routes. Check our car shipping resource for top-rated carriers.
Why are people moving from Des Moines to California?
Economic opportunity and weather are the big drivers. California offers more job options in tech, entertainment, and other sectors, plus year-round milder weather.
Where do I find long-distance movers in Des Moines?
Start by comparing quotes from the top companies listed above. Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your specific move, then get detailed quotes from at least three movers.
Do Des Moines movers accept cash?
Yes, four movers in the area accept cash. However, most moving companies prefer traceable payments. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to secure your booking, with the balance due on moving day. Confirm payment methods when you get your quote.
More Moving Resources
Looking for movers in other Iowa cities?
Popular routes from Iowa:
- Des Moines to Florida
- Des Moines to Georgia
- Des Moines to Illinois
- Des Moines to Arizona
- Des Moines to Texas
Other helpful guides:
Ready to Get Started?
The best next step is comparing quotes from multiple movers. Use the calculator to estimate your move, then reach out to at least three companies from the list above. You'll get a clear picture of pricing, timelines, and service quality—and you can make a decision based on real numbers, not guesses.