($646+) Augusta, GA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Augusta, GA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $646 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,831 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,046 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,131, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,831 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,126 - $4,037, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $646 - $1,922.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Augusta, GA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,461 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 Augusta, GA to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Augusta to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,461 - $6,258. Containers cost roughly 42% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 70% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,046 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,046-mile route from Augusta to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,131 - $4,649 | $1,126 - $2,033 | $646 - $1,265 | $1,045 - $1,887 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,461 - $6,258 | $1,434 - $2,828 | $742 - $1,460 | $1,219 - $2,380 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,265 - $7,831 | $1,976 - $4,037 | $877 - $1,922 | $1,629 - $3,260 |
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 Augusta, GA to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers for the 1,046-mile relocation from Augusta, Georgia, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $2,131 and $7,831. 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 $248 - $1,656, 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 Augusta typically charge a base rate around $365 plus $95 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Augusta to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,131 - $4,649
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,461 - $6,258
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,265 - $7,831
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 Augusta to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Augusta, GA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Augusta 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 packing75% of local movers | $414 - $4,140 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $166 - $994/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $248 - $1,987 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $828 - $2,484 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,070 - $8,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $620 - $1,178 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items45% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $828 - $2,070 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $662 - $2,898 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $248 - $1,242 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $538 - $1,656 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $248 - $12,420+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $248 - $2,898+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Augusta to Des Moines?
Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Augusta, GA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Augusta, GA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Augusta, Georgia, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,126 and $4,037. 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 Augusta typically runs around $50/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Augusta to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,126 - $2,033
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,434 - $2,828
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,976 - $4,037
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Augusta, GA and Des Moines, IA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $580 in Augusta, GA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $62 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $124 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Georgia 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 $1,126. 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 $1,434 - $2,828.
What are the best moving containers Augusta 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 Augusta 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 Augusta:
- Budget Movers of Augusta Inc. (4.3/5), 21 years in business
- Apple Moving (3.3/5), 26 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Augusta, GA to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $646 - $1,922 for a rental moving truck on the 1,046-mile route from Augusta, Georgia, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $276 - $315
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Augusta daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $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 Augusta to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $646 - $1,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $742 - $1,460
- 4+ bedrooms: $877 - $1,922
Pro tip: A rental truck from Augusta to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $646 - $1,922. But once you factor in fuel ($276 - $315), overnight lodging ($124/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Augusta, Georgia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $580.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $276 - $315 for the 1,046-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $50 and $269, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $124 per night for hotel stops on the 1,046-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $248 - $373.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Augusta 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 Augusta, GA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Augusta, Georgia, to Des Moines, Iowa. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $745 and $2,380.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Augusta to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,045 - $1,887
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,219 - $2,380
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,629 - $3,260
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 Augusta, Georgia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $580.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $62 - $124 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 Augusta to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Augusta 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: Augusta, GA vs Des Moines, IA
Day-to-day costs in Des Moines are close to what you're used to in Augusta: cost of living index of 87 versus 80, with average rent of $1,150/mo compared to $1,250/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 22/100 and 51.54/100 in Augusta 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 Augusta, GA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Georgia to Iowa 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 256 movers based in Georgia, handy for sizing up options on this 1,046-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,046-mile route from Augusta, GA, to Des Moines, IA, run $2,131 - $7,831 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,126 - $4,037, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $646 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,461, 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 Augusta, GA, to Des Moines, IA
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.
What do local movers charge in Augusta?
Local movers based in Augusta typically start around $365 as a base rate, plus $95/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 Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Augusta, GA to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $646 to $7,831, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,131 and $7,831, 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 percentage of Augusta movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Augusta handle piano moves, and 45% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.