($702+) Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Laredo, TX, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $702 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,656 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,051, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,656 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,267 - $4,106, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $702 - $1,896.
- 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 $2,553 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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,553 - $6,348 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 70% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,127 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
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:
- Full-service movers: $2,051 for a studio up to $8,656 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,267 - $4,106 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $702 - $1,896, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,074 - $3,351, 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 October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,127-mile move from Laredo, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,051 - $8,656. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $252 - $1,680. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Laredo and Des Moines. Local movers in Laredo typically start around $938 as a base rate plus $60/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Laredo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,051 - $4,953
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,553 - $6,348
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,238 - $8,656
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.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $420 - $4,200 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% nationallyTop pick: Flex Moving & Storage (TX) | $168 - $1,008/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $252 - $2,016 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $840 - $2,520 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,100 - $8,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $629 - $1,195 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (TX) | $840 - $2,100 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving (TX) | $672 - $2,940 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $252 - $1,260 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $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?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Laredo, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Laredo, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,267 and $4,106. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Laredo costs roughly $55/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Laredo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,267 - $2,141
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,647 - $3,264
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,036 - $4,106
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Laredo, TX 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 $588 in Laredo, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $63 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $126 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 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 $1,267. 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 $1,647 - $3,264.
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:
Moving truck rental costs from Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,127-mile move from Laredo, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $702 and $1,896. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $702 - $1,447
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $766 - $1,704
- 4+ bedrooms: $953 - $1,896
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $702 - $1,896 when pricing out a rental truck from Laredo to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $301 - $344, and overnight lodging ($126/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
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 $63 and $294.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $126.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $301 and $344 for the 1,127-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 $588 for 2 movers in Laredo, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Laredo, Texas, 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 Des Moines, Iowa.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,205 and $2,561.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Laredo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,074 - $2,008
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,205 - $2,561
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,782 - $3,351
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?
- 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 Laredo, Texas, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $588.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $63 and $126 per foot.
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.
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. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 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 use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Iowa over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 803 movers in our Texas network to compare for this 1,127-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,127-mile route from Laredo, TX, to Des Moines, IA, run $2,051 - $8,656 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,267 - $4,106, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $702 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,553, 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 Laredo, TX, to Des Moines, IA
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 Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $702 to $8,656, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,051 and $8,656, 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 Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA?
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 $766 - $1,704. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($301 - $344), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $126/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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.