($540+) Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Worth, TX, runs anywhere from $540 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,573 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,533, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,573 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,084 - $3,282, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $540 - $1,390.
- 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 $2,234 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 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,234 - $5,843 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 76% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 738 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 738-mile route from Des Moines to Fort Worth, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,533 - $4,434 with full-service movers, $1,084 - $1,839 with a container, $540 - $947 with a rental truck, or $911 - $1,757 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,234 - $5,843 full-service, $1,260 - $2,575 by container, $544 - $1,124 by rental truck, or $1,103 - $2,122 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,978 - $7,573 full-service, $1,866 - $3,282 by container, $729 - $1,390 by rental truck, or $1,379 - $2,734 by freight.
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 Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX
For the 738-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Worth, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,533 and $7,573. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $279 - $1,860 (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 Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Fort Worth:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,533 - $4,434
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,234 - $5,843
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,978 - $7,573
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.
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 Fort Worth, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fort Worth, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $465 - $4,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $186 - $1,116/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $279 - $2,232 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $930 - $2,790 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,325 - $9,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $697 - $1,323 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $930 - $2,325 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $744 - $3,255 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $279 - $1,395 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $605 - $1,860 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $279 - $13,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, 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 Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Worth, Texas, cost between $1,084 and $3,282. 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 Fort Worth. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Fort Worth:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,084 - $1,839
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,260 - $2,575
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,866 - $3,282
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 $1,084. 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 $1,260 - $2,575.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Fort Worth?
- 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:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX
Renting a moving truck for the 738-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Worth, Texas, costs between $540 and $1,390, before these typical add-ons:
- 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 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 Fort Worth based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $540 - $947
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $544 - $1,124
- 4+ bedrooms: $729 - $1,390
Pro tip: A rental truck from Des Moines to Fort Worth looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $540 - $1,390. But once you factor in fuel ($218 - $250), overnight lodging ($140/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 Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $651.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $218 - $250 for the 738-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 $56 and $302, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $140 per night for hotel stops on the 738-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $279 - $419.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Fort Worth?
- 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 Fort Worth, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Fort Worth, Texas. 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 $837 and $2,122.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Fort Worth:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $911 - $1,757
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,103 - $2,122
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,734
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $651.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $70 - $140 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 Des Moines to Fort Worth?
- 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Fort Worth quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
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 index | 87 | 102 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,773/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $270,851 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $76,602/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 56.81/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Texas, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 67 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 738-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Fort Worth, TX, 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 $1,533 - $7,573 on the 738-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,084 - $3,282, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $540 - $1,390. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,234 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
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
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
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 Fort Worth 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 Des Moines, IA to Fort Worth, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $540 to $7,573, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,533 and $7,573, 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 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 $544 - $1,124. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.