($556+) Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Worth, TX, runs anywhere from $551 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,112 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 738 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 $1,762, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,112 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,040 - $3,659, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $551 - $1,504.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Worth, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,392 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX

Moving options from Des Moines to Fort Worth fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,392 - $5,838 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 738-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 738-mile route from Des Moines to Fort Worth, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,762 - $4,520 $1,040 - $1,970 $551 - $1,035 $966 - $1,719
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,392 - $5,838 $1,420 - $2,896 $571 - $1,216 $1,181 - $2,184
4+ bedrooms $4,135 - $8,112 $1,941 - $3,659 $736 - $1,504 $1,538 - $2,755

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX

Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Worth, Texas, costs between $1,762 and $8,112. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 738-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $279 - $1,860, 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 Fort Worth. 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 Fort Worth:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,762 - $4,520
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,392 - $5,838
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,135 - $8,112

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 Fort Worth.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX

Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Fort Worth, 93% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing92% of local movers$465 - $4,650
Storage in transitNew place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$186 - $1,116/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$279 - $2,232
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers$930 - $2,790
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,325 - $9,300
Car shippingSecond vehicle$697 - $1,323
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving$930 - $2,325
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$744 - $3,255
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers$279 - $1,395
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC$605 - $1,860
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$279 - $13,950+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$279 - $3,255+

What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Fort Worth?

Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 Des Moines, IA. 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 Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX

Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Worth, Texas, cost between $1,040 and $3,659. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Des Moines runs about $60/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Fort Worth:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $1,970
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,420 - $2,896
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,941 - $3,659

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 $651, 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 $70 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $140 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Fort Worth, TX, 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 Texas 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 $1,040. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,420 - $2,896, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Fort Worth?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Fort Worth, TX

A rental truck for this 738-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Worth, Texas, costs between $551 and $1,504. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $218 - $250
  • Daily insurance: $28/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to Fort Worth based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $551 - $1,035
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $571 - $1,216
  • 4+ bedrooms: $736 - $1,504

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $551 - $1,504 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Fort Worth. Fuel alone runs ($218 - $250) , and overnight lodging ($140/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 $140 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 $60 and $302 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $218 - $250 in fuel for the 738-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $651 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Fort Worth?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Fort Worth, TX

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 Fort Worth, Texas. 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,181 and $2,184.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Fort Worth:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $966 - $1,719
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,181 - $2,184
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,538 - $2,755

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?

  • 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 $70 and $140.
  • 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 Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $651.

What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Fort Worth?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Fort Worth. 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: Des Moines, IA vs Fort Worth, TX

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fort Worth, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Des Moines, IA Fort Worth, TX
Cost of living index87102
Average rent$1,150/mo$1,773/mo
Median home value$183,553$270,851
Average income$63,966/yr$76,602/yr
Unemployment rate5.9%3.6%
State income taxUp to 4.4%None
Walkability score45/10035/100
Safety index57.8/10056.81/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fort Worth, TX 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 Texas, 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 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 738-mile move like this one.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 738-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Worth, TX, run $1,762 - $8,112 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,040 - $3,659, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $551 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,392, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Fort Worth tend to point to quality education and ample economic opportunity, though tornadoes and allergy-inducing pollen come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include AMR/American Airlines and Texas Health Resources.

FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Worth, TX

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.

Is Fort Worth a safe place to live?

Fort Worth has a safety index of 56.81 out of 100 and a crime index of 43.19, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX?

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 $571 - $1,216. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What are the best neighborhoods in Fort Worth?

For families, Benbrook, North Richland Hills, and TCU-Westcliff are worth a look in Fort Worth. If you're moving solo or without kids, Arlington Heights, Fairmount, and Mistletoe Heights tend to be popular picks instead.

How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX 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 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.