($764+) Des Moines, IA to Myrtle Beach, SC Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Myrtle Beach, SC, runs anywhere from $764 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,699 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,239 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 $2,240, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,699 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,309 - $4,319, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $764 - $2,157.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Myrtle Beach, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,660 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
Moving options from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach 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 $2,660 - $6,026 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% 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 1,239 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,239-mile route from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,240 - $5,088, container $1,309 - $2,431, rental truck $764 - $1,458, freight trailer $1,065 - $2,167.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,660 - $6,026, container $1,605 - $3,129, rental truck $785 - $1,734, freight trailer $1,271 - $2,451.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,396 - $8,699, container $2,284 - $4,319, rental truck $987 - $2,157, freight trailer $1,758 - $3,557.
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 Myrtle Beach, SC
Full-service movers for the 1,239-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, cost between $2,240 and $8,699. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $265 - $1,764, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Des Moines typically charge a base rate around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,240 - $5,088
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,660 - $6,026
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,396 - $8,699
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 Myrtle Beach.
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 Des Moines, IA to Myrtle Beach, SC
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Myrtle Beach, 77% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $441 - $4,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $176 - $1,058/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $265 - $2,117 |
| 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 | $882 - $2,646 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,205 - $8,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $661 - $1,255 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $882 - $2,205 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $706 - $3,087 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $265 - $1,323 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $573 - $1,764 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $265 - $13,230+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $265 - $3,087+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach?
South Carolina Trucking Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in South Carolina, 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, cost between $1,309 and $4,319. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,309 - $2,431
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,605 - $3,129
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,284 - $4,319
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $617 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $66 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $132 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Myrtle Beach, SC, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to South Carolina 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 $1,309. 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 $1,605 - $3,129.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Myrtle Beach?
- 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,239 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, running $764 - $2,157. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $348 - $397
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- 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 Myrtle Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $764 - $1,458
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $785 - $1,734
- 4+ bedrooms: $987 - $2,157
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach starts at $764 - $2,157, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($348 - $397), overnight lodging ($132/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $66 and $309.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $132.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $348 and $397 for the 1,239-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 $617 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach?
- 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,271 and $2,451.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,065 - $2,167
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,271 - $2,451
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,758 - $3,557
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 Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $617.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $66 and $132 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach?
- 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: 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
Des Moines and Myrtle Beach land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 90 in Myrtle Beach, and average rent is $1,150/mo vs. $1,850/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 45 vs 43 and safety scores are 57.8 vs 41.94.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Myrtle Beach, SC 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 South Carolina, 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 1,239-mile move.
Our take
The 1,239-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Myrtle Beach, SC, costs between $2,240 and $8,699 with full-service movers, $1,309 - $4,319 with a moving container, and $764 - $2,157 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,660 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Grand Strand Medical Center and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Myrtle Beach, SC
How do I know a mover is licensed in South Carolina?
To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Myrtle Beach, SC?
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. South Carolina also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.
Is Myrtle Beach a safe place to live?
Myrtle Beach has a safety index of 41.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.06, 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 Myrtle Beach, SC?
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 $785 - $1,734. 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.