($653+) Des Moines, IA to Greenville, SC Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Greenville, SC, runs anywhere from $714 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,561 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 996 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 $2,074, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,561 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,220 - $4,183, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $714 - $1,940.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Greenville, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,723 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 Greenville, SC
Moving options from Des Moines to Greenville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,723 - $6,558 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 996 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 996-mile route from Des Moines to Greenville, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,074 for a studio up to $8,561 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,220 - $4,183 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $714 - $1,940, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,130 - $3,216, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Des Moines, IA to Greenville, SC
Full-service movers for the 996-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Greenville, South Carolina, cost between $2,074 and $8,561. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $266 - $1,772, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Des Moines typically charge a base rate around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Greenville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,074 - $5,223
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,723 - $6,558
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,396 - $8,561
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 Greenville.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to South Carolina. 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 Des Moines, IA to Greenville, SC
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Greenville, 83% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $886 - $2,658 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,215 - $8,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $664 - $1,261 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $576 - $1,772 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,101+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Greenville?
Movers licensed to operate in South Carolina are typically members of the South Carolina Trucking 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Greenville, SC
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Greenville, South Carolina, cost between $1,220 and $4,183. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Greenville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,220 - $2,111
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,586 - $2,934
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,095 - $4,183
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 Des Moines, IA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $620, 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 $66 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $133 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Greenville, SC, 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 Iowa to South Carolina 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 $1,220. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,586 - $2,934, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Greenville?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Greenville, SC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 996 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Greenville, South Carolina, running $714 - $1,940. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $281 - $321
- Daily insurance: $27/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 Greenville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $714 - $1,329
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $765 - $1,534
- 4+ bedrooms: $968 - $1,940
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $714 - $1,940 does not include fuel ($281 - $321) , lodging ($133/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Greenville typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $66 and $310.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $133.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $281 and $321 for the 996-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $620 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Greenville?
- 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 Greenville, SC
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Greenville, South Carolina.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,268 and $2,372.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Greenville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,130 - $2,020
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,268 - $2,372
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,660 - $3,216
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $620.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $66 and $133 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Greenville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Greenville fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Greenville, SC
Des Moines and Greenville land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 91 in Greenville, and rent tracks closely too ($1,150/mo vs. $1,551/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (45 vs 43) and safety scores (57.8 vs 61.44) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Greenville, SC to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to South Carolina in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 36 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 996-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 996-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Greenville, SC, run $2,074 - $8,561 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,220 - $4,183, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $714 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,723, 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 Michelin and Perrigo.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Greenville, SC
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Greenville, SC?
Costs on this route range from around $2,074 to $8,561, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,074 and $8,561, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 Greenville run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in South Carolina?
To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers.
What are the best neighborhoods in Greenville?
For families, Augusta Road, Gower Estates, and River Walk are worth a look in Greenville. If you're moving solo or without kids, West Greenville, The West End, and Downtown Greenville tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
