($654+) Des Moines, IA to Lubbock, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Lubbock, TX, runs anywhere from $629 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,130 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 888 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,975, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,130 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,139 - $3,716, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $629 - $1,681.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Lubbock, TX. 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.
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Lubbock, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Lubbock: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,620 - $6,265. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 888 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 888-mile route from Des Moines to Lubbock, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,975 - $5,094 with full-service movers, $1,139 - $2,151 with a container, $629 - $1,236 with a rental truck, or $1,026 - $1,839 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,620 - $6,265 full-service, $1,525 - $3,075 by container, $658 - $1,397 by rental truck, or $1,160 - $2,460 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,351 - $8,130 full-service, $2,071 - $3,716 by container, $876 - $1,681 by rental truck, or $1,560 - $3,160 by freight.
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 Des Moines, IA to Lubbock, TX
For the 888-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Lubbock, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,975 and $8,130. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $254 - $1,692 (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 Lubbock:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,975 - $5,094
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,620 - $6,265
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,351 - $8,130
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 Lubbock.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Lubbock, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Lubbock, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $423 - $4,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $169 - $1,015/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $254 - $2,030 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $846 - $2,538 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,115 - $8,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $634 - $1,204 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $846 - $2,115 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $677 - $2,961 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $254 - $1,269 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $550 - $1,692 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $254 - $12,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $254 - $2,961+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Lubbock?
Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Des Moines, IA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Lubbock, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Lubbock, Texas, cost between $1,139 and $3,716. 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 Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Lubbock:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,139 - $2,151
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,525 - $3,075
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,071 - $3,716
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 $127 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 $592 in Des Moines, IA, 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 Lubbock, TX, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,139. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,525 - $3,075, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Lubbock?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Lubbock, TX
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Lubbock, Texas, range from $629 - $1,681 for the 888-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $239 - $273
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- 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 Lubbock based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $629 - $1,236
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $658 - $1,397
- 4+ bedrooms: $876 - $1,681
Pro tip: A rental truck from Des Moines to Lubbock looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $629 - $1,681. But once you factor in fuel ($239 - $273) , overnight lodging ($127/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. 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 $592.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $239 - $273 for the 888-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 $51 and $275, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $127 per night for hotel stops on the 888-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $254 - $381.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Lubbock?
- 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 Lubbock, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Lubbock, 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 $761 and $2,460.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Lubbock:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,026 - $1,839
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,160 - $2,460
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,560 - $3,160
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 $592.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $63 - $127 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 Lubbock?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Lubbock. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Lubbock, TX
Good news for your budget: Lubbock isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Des Moines. Cost of living index runs 81 there against 87 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 - 45/100 and 57.8/100 here versus 39/100 and 48.61/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lubbock, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 2 real quotes from Iowa to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 888-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Lubbock, 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 $1,975 - $8,130 on the 888-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,139 - $3,716, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $629 - $1,681. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,620 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 Lubbock tend to point to friendly people and easy transportation, though rough weather and lack of recreational options come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Texas Tech University and Covenant Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Lubbock, TX
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Lubbock, TX?
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 Des Moines, IA to Lubbock, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,975 to $8,130, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,975 and $8,130, 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 Lubbock?
Lubbock has a walkability score of 39 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 43, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($239 - $273), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $127/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.