($491+) Louisville, KY to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Louisville, KY, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $468 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,849 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 588 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 $1,513, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,849 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,006 - $3,370, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $468 - $1,200.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Louisville, KY, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,217 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 Louisville, KY to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Louisville to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,217 - $5,821 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 588-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 588-mile route from Louisville to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,513 - $4,485 | $1,006 - $1,888 | $468 - $881 | $953 - $1,648 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,217 - $5,821 | $1,357 - $2,660 | $484 - $1,067 | $1,001 - $2,006 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,286 - $8,849 | $1,687 - $3,370 | $662 - $1,200 | $1,420 - $2,748 |
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 Louisville, KY to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 588-mile move from Louisville, Kentucky, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,513 - $8,849. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $266 - $1,776 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Louisville and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Louisville movers tend to run around $209 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Louisville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,513 - $4,485
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,217 - $5,821
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,286 - $8,849
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 Louisville to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Kentucky 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 Louisville, KY to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Louisville 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 | $444 - $4,440 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Kentuckiana Moving, LLC | $178 - $1,066/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,131 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $888 - $2,664 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,220 - $8,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $665 - $1,264 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items43% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Margaret's Movers and Storage | $888 - $2,220 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Kentuckiana Moving, LLC | $710 - $3,108 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $266 - $1,332 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Margaret's Movers and Storage | $577 - $1,776 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,320+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,108+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Louisville to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Louisville, KY. 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 Louisville, KY to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Louisville, Kentucky, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,006 and $3,370. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Louisville typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Louisville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,006 - $1,888
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,357 - $2,660
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,687 - $3,370
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 Louisville, KY, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $622, 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 $67 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $133 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Louisville, KY, and Des Moines, IA, 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 Kentucky 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 $1,006. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,357 - $2,660, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Louisville 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 Louisville 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 Louisville:
- Kentuckiana Moving, LLC (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- Pack Mule Moving LLC (5.0/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Louisville, KY to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 588-mile move from Louisville, Kentucky, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $468 and $1,200, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $166 - $190
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Louisville daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Louisville to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $468 - $881
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $484 - $1,067
- 4+ bedrooms: $662 - $1,200
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $468 - $1,200 does not include fuel ($166 - $190) , lodging ($133/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Louisville to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Louisville, Kentucky, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $622.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $166 - $190 for the 588-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 $53 and $289, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $133 per night for hotel stops on the 588-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $266 - $400.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Louisville 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 Louisville, KY to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Louisville, Kentucky, 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 $799 and $2,006.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Louisville to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $953 - $1,648
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,001 - $2,006
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,420 - $2,748
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Louisville, Kentucky, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $622.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $67 - $133 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 Louisville 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.
- Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Jeff Robards Construction, 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: Louisville, KY vs Des Moines, IA
Louisville and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 90 in Louisville and 87 in Des Moines, and rent tracks closely too ($1,250/mo vs. $1,150/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (91 vs 45) and safety scores (43.32 vs 57.8) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Louisville, KY guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Kentucky to Iowa, 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 27 movers licensed in Kentucky, useful context for sizing up this 588-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 588-mile route from Louisville, KY, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,513 - $8,849 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,006 - $3,370, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $468 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,217, 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 Louisville, KY, to Des Moines, IA
What is the cheapest way to move from Louisville, KY 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 $484 - $1,067. 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 ($166 - $190), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $133/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Louisville, KY 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 is the best time of year to move from Louisville, KY to Des Moines, IA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Louisville, KY 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.
What percentage of Louisville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Louisville handle piano moves, and 43% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
