Des Moines, IA → Richmond, VA · Long-distance move
About 1,065 road miles heading east. Typical two-bedroom cost $4,740–$7,050, delivery in 3–7 days, 191 carriers on the Des Moines side and 400 in Richmond.
Moving from Des Moines to Richmond is a long-distance move of roughly 1,065 road miles, heading east from Iowa to Virginia.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $4,740 to $7,050 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 3 to 7 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 19 h 4 min.
On the Des Moines side there are 191 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (116 of them authorized for interstate work), and 400 around Richmond (215 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Richmond.
Des Moines has a population of about 212,086 and Richmond about 237,257. Richmond is the denser city (3,783 people per square mile versus 2,428 in Des Moines), which often means shuttle trucks, parking restrictions or building move-in windows on delivery day. Virginia is a higher-cost state than Iowa, so budget a little more for destination-side help, deposits and first-month expenses.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,890 | $2,310 | $2,820 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,840 | $3,470 | $4,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $4,740 | $5,780 | $7,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $7,580 | $9,240 | $11,270 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $10,420 | $12,710 | $15,500 |
$1,540–$2,180
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,970–$2,900
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$4,740–$7,050
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Des Moines, IA → Richmond, VA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Standard Forwarding LLC
Legal name: Jacobson Transportation Company INC
Legal name: Nationwide Truck Brokers INC
Legal name: Arona Corporation
Legal name: Tforce Freight INC
Legal name: The Wes Stewart Corporation
Legal name: Rcs Moving LLC
Legal name: D1 Moving LLC
Legal name: Centre Carriers Corp
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,890 to $2,820 for a studio, $2,840 to $4,230 for a one-bedroom, $4,740 to $7,050 for a two-bedroom, $7,580 to $11,270 for a three-bedroom and $10,420 to $15,500 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 1,065 road miles (902 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 19 h 4 min.
Expect a delivery window of 3 to 7 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Iowa into Virginia makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $1,540 to $2,180 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,970 to $2,900. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Des Moines–Richmond corridor.