($506+) Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Plano, TX, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $506 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,743 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 679 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 $1,542, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,743 or more.
- Moving containers run $983 - $3,501, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $506 - $1,417.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Plano, TX, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,280 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 Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Plano to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,280 - $5,775 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 42% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 75% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 679 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 679-mile route from Plano to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,542 - $4,336 | $983 - $1,873 | $506 - $901 | $912 - $1,670 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,280 - $5,775 | $1,327 - $2,698 | $563 - $1,137 | $1,052 - $2,097 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,022 - $7,743 | $1,758 - $3,501 | $642 - $1,417 | $1,350 - $2,695 |
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 Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 679-mile move from Plano, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,542 - $7,743. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $306 - $2,040 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Plano and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Plano movers tend to run around $181 as a base rate plus $92/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Plano to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,542 - $4,336
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,280 - $5,775
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,022 - $7,743
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 Plano to Des Moines.
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 Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Plano movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $510 - $5,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $204 - $1,224/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $306 - $2,448 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $1,020 - $3,060 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,550 - $10,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $764 - $1,451 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: AM Moving Company LLC | $1,020 - $2,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $816 - $3,570 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $306 - $1,530 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $663 - $2,040 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $306 - $15,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $306 - $3,570+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Plano to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Plano, TX. 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 Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Plano, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $983 and $3,501. 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 Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Plano adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Plano to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $983 - $1,873
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,327 - $2,698
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,758 - $3,501
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 Plano, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $714, 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 $77 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $153 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Plano, TX, 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 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 $983. 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 $1,327 - $2,698.
What are the best moving containers Plano 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 Plano 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 Plano:
- AB Moving (4.8/5), 26 years in business
- Fantastic Moves (4.6/5), 31 years in business
- Evolution Moving Company (4.9/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 679-mile move from Plano, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $506 and $1,417, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $220 - $252
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Plano 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 Plano to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $506 - $901
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $563 - $1,137
- 4+ bedrooms: $642 - $1,417
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $506 - $1,417 when pricing out a rental truck from Plano to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $220 - $252, and overnight lodging ($153/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $153 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 Plano, Texas, usually costs about $714 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 679-mile drive falls between $220 and $252, 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 $51 and $306 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Plano 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 Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA
If you're moving a larger household from Plano, 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 $1,052 and $2,097.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Plano to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $912 - $1,670
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,052 - $2,097
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,350 - $2,695
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 $77 and $153.
- 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 Plano, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $714.
What are the best freight companies from Plano 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: If speed matters on your move from Plano to Des Moines, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Plano, TX vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Plano on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Plano, TX | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,100/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $440,202 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $108,649/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 76.98/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Plano, TX guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Texas 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 803 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 679-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Plano, TX, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,542 for a studio to $7,743 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 679-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $983 - $3,501. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $506 - $1,417, 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 $2,280 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 MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Plano, 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.
What is the best time of year to move from Plano, TX 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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($220 - $252), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $153/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 41 and 52 in Plano. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Plano movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Plano handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.