($769+) Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to McAllen, TX, runs anywhere from $842 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,589 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,241 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 $2,283, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,589 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,322 - $4,352, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $842 - $2,354.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to McAllen, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,993 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 McAllen, TX
Moving options from Des Moines to McAllen fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,993 - $6,658 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 1,241 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 1,241-mile route from Des Moines to McAllen, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,283 - $5,132 | $1,322 - $2,528 | $842 - $1,469 | $1,177 - $2,120 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,993 - $6,658 | $1,634 - $3,592 | $911 - $1,857 | $1,429 - $2,763 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,054 - $9,589 | $2,283 - $4,352 | $1,102 - $2,354 | $1,790 - $3,735 |
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 McAllen, TX
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to McAllen, Texas, costs between $2,283 and $9,589. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,241-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $248 - $1,652, 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 Des Moines and McAllen. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/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 Des Moines to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,283 - $5,132
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,993 - $6,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,054 - $9,589
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 McAllen.
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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In McAllen, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $413 - $4,130 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $165 - $991/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $248 - $1,982 |
| 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 | $826 - $2,478 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,065 - $8,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $619 - $1,175 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $826 - $2,065 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $661 - $2,891 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $248 - $1,239 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $537 - $1,652 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $248 - $12,390+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $248 - $2,891+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to McAllen?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,322 and $4,352. 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 McAllen. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,322 - $2,528
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,634 - $3,592
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,283 - $4,352
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $62 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $124 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 $578 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 McAllen, TX, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Texas 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 $1,322. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,634 - $3,592, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to McAllen?
- 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 McAllen, TX
A rental truck for this 1,241-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to McAllen, Texas, costs between $842 and $2,354. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $326 - $373
- 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 McAllen based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $842 - $1,469
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $911 - $1,857
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,102 - $2,354
Pro tip: A rental truck from Des Moines to McAllen looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $842 - $2,354. But once you factor in fuel ($326 - $373) , overnight lodging ($124/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $124 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Des Moines, Iowa, usually costs about $578 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,241-mile drive falls between $326 and $373, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $41 and $248 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to McAllen?
- 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 McAllen, TX
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Des Moines, Iowa, to McAllen, Texas. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,429 and $2,763.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,177 - $2,120
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,429 - $2,763
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,790 - $3,735
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?
- 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 $62 and $124.
- 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 Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $578.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to McAllen?
- 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to McAllen 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 McAllen, TX
Des Moines and McAllen land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 76 in McAllen, and rent tracks closely too ($1,150/mo vs. $1,350/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (45 vs 41) and safety scores (57.8 vs 63.74) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our McAllen, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 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 1,241-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to McAllen, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,283 for a studio to $9,589 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,241-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,322 - $4,352. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $842 - $2,354, 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 $2,993 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 The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to McAllen, TX
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to McAllen, 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 McAllen, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $2,283 to $9,589, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,283 and $9,589, 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 McAllen?
McAllen has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, 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 ($326 - $373), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $124/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.
