($633+) Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $591 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,879 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 830 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 $1,975, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,879 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,095 - $3,815, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $591 - $1,574.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Knoxville, TN, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,414 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 Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Knoxville to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,414 - $6,302. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 830-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 830-mile route from Knoxville to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,975 - $4,977 | $1,095 - $2,000 | $591 - $1,171 | $1,036 - $1,912 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,414 - $6,302 | $1,495 - $3,035 | $645 - $1,418 | $1,231 - $2,197 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,089 - $8,879 | $1,870 - $3,815 | $807 - $1,574 | $1,496 - $2,900 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA
For the 830-mile move from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $1,975 and $8,879. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $270 - $1,800 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Knoxville generally start around $170 plus $113 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Knoxville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,975 - $4,977
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,414 - $6,302
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,089 - $8,879
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 Knoxville 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: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 67% of Knoxville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $450 - $4,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $180 - $1,080/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $270 - $2,160 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $900 - $2,700 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,250 - $9,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $674 - $1,281 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $900 - $2,250 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gouffon Moving & Storage | $720 - $3,150 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $270 - $1,350 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $585 - $1,800 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $270 - $13,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $270 - $3,150+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Knoxville to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,095 and $3,815. 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 Knoxville adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Knoxville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,095 - $2,000
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $3,035
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,870 - $3,815
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $68 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $135 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $630 in Knoxville, TN, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,095. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,495 - $3,035, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5), 10 years in business
- Gouffon Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 139 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $591 - $1,574 for the 830-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $238 - $272
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Knoxville daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Knoxville to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $591 - $1,171
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $645 - $1,418
- 4+ bedrooms: $807 - $1,574
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $591 - $1,574 when pricing out a rental truck from Knoxville to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs ($238 - $272) , and overnight lodging ($135/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $135 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $59 and $293 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $238 - $272 in fuel for the 830-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $630 in Knoxville, Tennessee, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Knoxville 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 Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Knoxville, Tennessee, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Des Moines, Iowa.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,231 and $2,197.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Knoxville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,036 - $1,912
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,231 - $2,197
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,496 - $2,900
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Knoxville, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $630.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $68 and $135 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Knoxville to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Hittman Transport Services, Inc. (4.26/5 stars): Hittman Transport Services, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Knoxville to Des Moines. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Knoxville, TN vs Des Moines, IA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Knoxville and Des Moines to plan around. Cost of living index: 92 vs. 87. Average rent: $1,795/mo vs. $1,150/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 31 vs. 45. Safety index: 57.46 vs. 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Knoxville, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Tennessee to Iowa, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 70 movers in Tennessee, so you have real options to compare for this 830-mile move.
Our take
A move from Knoxville, TN, to Des Moines, IA, 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 $1,975 - $8,879 on the 830-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,095 - $3,815, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $591 - $1,574. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,414 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 MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Knoxville, TN, to Des Moines, IA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Knoxville, 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.
How long does a move from Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($238 - $272), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $135/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Knoxville, 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 $645 - $1,418. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Knoxville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Knoxville handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
