($796+) Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Laredo, TX, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $751 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,806 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,127 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 $2,239, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,806 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,314 - $4,127, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $751 - $2,154.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Laredo, TX, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,620 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 Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Laredo to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,620 - $6,455 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,127 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,127-mile route from Laredo to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,239 - $5,394 | $1,314 - $2,408 | $751 - $1,401 | $1,091 - $2,019 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,620 - $6,455 | $1,725 - $3,419 | $852 - $1,717 | $1,302 - $2,657 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,764 - $8,806 | $2,178 - $4,127 | $1,030 - $2,154 | $1,866 - $3,406 |
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 Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Laredo, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $2,239 and $8,806. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,127-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $252 - $1,680, 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 Laredo and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Laredo tend to start around $938 plus $60/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 Laredo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,239 - $5,394
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,620 - $6,455
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,764 - $8,806
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 Laredo to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas 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 Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Laredo 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 | $420 - $4,200 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Wee-Move Moving Company | $168 - $1,008/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $252 - $2,016 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage100% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs100% of local movers | $840 - $2,520 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,100 - $8,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $629 - $1,195 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items100% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Wee-Move Moving Company | $840 - $2,100 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Wee-Move Moving Company | $672 - $2,940 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling100% of local movers | $252 - $1,260 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $546 - $1,680 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $252 - $12,600+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $252 - $2,940+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Laredo to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, 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 Laredo, TX, 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 Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Laredo, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,314 and $4,127. 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 Laredo adds around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Laredo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,314 - $2,408
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,725 - $3,419
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,178 - $4,127
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $63 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $126 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 $588 in Laredo, TX, 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 Texas 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 $1,314. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,725 - $3,419, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Laredo 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 Laredo 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 Laredo:
- Wee-Move Moving Company (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $751 - $2,154 for a rental moving truck on the 1,127-mile route from Laredo, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $301 - $344
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Laredo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| 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 Laredo to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $751 - $1,401
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $852 - $1,717
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,030 - $2,154
Pro tip: The base rate of $751 - $2,154 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Laredo to Des Moines. Fuel ($301 - $344) , lodging at around $126/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $301 - $344 for the 1,127-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Laredo, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $588.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,127-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $126 per night, adding $252 - $378 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $42 and $252.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Laredo 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 Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Laredo, Texas, 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 $756 and $2,657.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Laredo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,091 - $2,019
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,302 - $2,657
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,866 - $3,406
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 $63 and $126.
- 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 Laredo, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $588.
What are the best freight companies from Laredo to Des Moines?
- 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.
- 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.
- Alpha Carriers, Inc. (4.42/5 stars): Alpha Carriers, Inc. 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Laredo, TX vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Laredo. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 82 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 37/100 and 63.77/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Laredo, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Texas 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 289 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,127-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Laredo, TX, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,239 for a studio to $8,806 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,127-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,314 - $4,127. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $751 - $2,154, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,620 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Laredo, TX, to Des Moines, IA
How long does a move from Laredo, TX 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 do local movers charge in Laredo?
Local movers based in Laredo typically start around $938 as a base rate, plus $60/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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Laredo, TX 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.
How much does it cost to move from Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,239 to $8,806, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,239 and $8,806, 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.
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 37 and 40 in Laredo. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Laredo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Laredo handle piano moves, and 100% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
