($458+) Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $458 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,627 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 618 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,459, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,627 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,029 - $3,318, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $458 - $1,239.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,244 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 Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Memphis to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,244 - $5,253 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 44% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 618 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 618-mile route from Memphis to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,459 - $4,245 | $1,029 - $1,679 | $458 - $847 | $891 - $1,559 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,244 - $5,253 | $1,257 - $2,395 | $505 - $1,036 | $975 - $1,858 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,755 - $7,627 | $1,594 - $3,318 | $642 - $1,239 | $1,302 - $2,452 |
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 Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 618-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,459 - $7,627. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $259 - $1,728 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Memphis and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Memphis movers tend to run around $334 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,459 - $4,245
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,244 - $5,253
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,755 - $7,627
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 Memphis to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Iowa. 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 Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $432 - $4,320 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $173 - $1,037/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $259 - $2,074 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $864 - $2,592 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,160 - $8,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $647 - $1,229 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $864 - $2,160 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $691 - $3,024 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $259 - $1,296 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $562 - $1,728 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $259 - $12,960+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $259 - $3,024+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Memphis, TN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,029 and $3,318. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Memphis adds around $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,029 - $1,679
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,257 - $2,395
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,594 - $3,318
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Memphis, TN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $605, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $65 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $130 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Memphis, TN, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Iowa 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 $1,029. 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 $1,257 - $2,395.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Des Moines?
- 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 618-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $458 and $1,239. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $170 - $194
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Memphis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Memphis to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $458 - $847
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $505 - $1,036
- 4+ bedrooms: $642 - $1,239
Pro tip: The base rate of $458 - $1,239 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Memphis to Des Moines. Fuel ($170 - $194), lodging at around $130/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $170 - $194 for the 618-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $605.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 618-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $130 per night, adding $259 - $389 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $43 and $259.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Des Moines?
- 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 Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA
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 Memphis, Tennessee, to Des Moines, Iowa. 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 $975 and $1,858.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $891 - $1,559
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $975 - $1,858
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,302 - $2,452
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $65 and $130.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly five hours typically average $605.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Des Moines?
- 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs Des Moines, IA
Day-to-day costs in Des Moines are close to what you're used to in Memphis: cost of living index of 87 versus 86, with average rent of $1,150/mo compared to $1,299/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 35/100 and 22.51/100 in Memphis versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Iowa, 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. Tennessee alone has 213 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 618-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 618-mile route from Memphis, TN, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,459 - $7,627 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,029 - $3,318, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $458 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,244, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Des Moines, IA
How much does it cost to move from Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $458 to $7,627, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,459 and $7,627, 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $505 - $1,036. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($170 - $194), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $130/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 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 is the best time of year to move from Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.