($593+) Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Rochester, NY, runs anywhere from $593 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,512 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 919 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,965, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,512 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,075 - $3,622, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $593 - $1,570.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Rochester, NY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,470 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY
Moving options from Des Moines to Rochester fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,470 - $5,830 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 74% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 919-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 919-mile route from Des Moines to Rochester, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,965 - $4,442, container $1,075 - $2,111, rental truck $593 - $1,122, freight trailer $987 - $1,846.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,470 - $5,830, container $1,424 - $2,792, rental truck $647 - $1,360, freight trailer $1,162 - $2,188.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,205 - $7,512, container $1,840 - $3,622, rental truck $845 - $1,570, freight trailer $1,472 - $2,898.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Rochester, New York, costs between $1,965 and $7,512. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 919-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $263 - $1,756, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Rochester. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,965 - $4,442
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,470 - $5,830
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,205 - $7,512
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Des Moines to Rochester.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to New York. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Rochester, 78% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $439 - $4,390 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $176 - $1,054/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $263 - $2,107 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $878 - $2,634 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,195 - $8,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $658 - $1,249 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $878 - $2,195 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $702 - $3,073 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $263 - $1,317 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $571 - $1,756 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $263 - $13,170+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $263 - $3,073+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Rochester?
Movers licensed to operate in New York are typically members of the New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Des Moines, IA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Rochester, New York, cost between $1,075 and $3,622. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,075 - $2,111
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,424 - $2,792
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,840 - $3,622
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $615 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $66 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $132 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Rochester, NY, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to New York move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,075. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,424 - $2,792.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Rochester?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Des Moines to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Des Moines:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY
Renting a moving truck for the 919-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Rochester, New York, costs between $593 and $1,570, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $257 - $293
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to Rochester based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $593 - $1,122
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $647 - $1,360
- 4+ bedrooms: $845 - $1,570
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $593 - $1,570 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Rochester. Fuel alone runs $257 - $293, and overnight lodging ($132/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $132 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Des Moines, Iowa, usually costs about $615 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 919-mile drive falls between $257 and $293, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $44 and $263 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Rochester?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Des Moines, Iowa, to Rochester, New York. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,162 and $2,188.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $987 - $1,846
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,162 - $2,188
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,472 - $2,898
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $615.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $66 - $132 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Rochester?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Rochester quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Rochester, NY
Des Moines and Rochester land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 89 in Rochester, and average rent is $1,150/mo vs. $1,250/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 45 vs 61 and safety scores are 57.8 vs 36.66.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Rochester, NY to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to New York, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 67 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 919-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Rochester, NY, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,965 - $7,512 on the 919-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,075 - $3,622, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $593 - $1,570. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,470 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Wegmans Food Markets and Paychex.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Rochester, NY
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Rochester run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, NY?
Costs on this route range from around $593 to $7,512, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,965 and $7,512, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Rochester?
Rochester has a walkability score of 61 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.