($552+) Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA

Moving from Plano, TX, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $525 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,526 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,552, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,526 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,073 - $3,598, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $525 - $1,471.
  • 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 $2,412 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,412 - $5,876 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 679-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 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 $1,552 - $4,368 $1,073 - $1,885 $525 - $944 $917 - $1,749
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,412 - $5,876 $1,308 - $2,557 $555 - $1,214 $1,080 - $2,239
4+ bedrooms $3,849 - $8,526 $1,934 - $3,598 $736 - $1,471 $1,488 - $2,767

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA

Full-service movers for the 679-mile relocation from Plano, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,552 and $8,526. 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 $306 - $2,040, 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 Plano typically charge a base rate around $181 plus $92 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Plano to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,552 - $4,368
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,412 - $5,876
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,849 - $8,526

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.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Iowa. 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 Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA

Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Plano 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 packingFull crew packing98% of local movers$510 - $5,100
Storage in transitNew place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving$204 - $1,224/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$306 - $2,448
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage25% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs68% of local movers$1,020 - $3,060
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,550 - $10,200
Car shippingSecond vehicle$764 - $1,451
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items49% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving$1,020 - $2,550
PianoAny piano type65% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving$816 - $3,570
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling35% of local movers$306 - $1,530
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving$663 - $2,040
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$306 - $15,300+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$306 - $3,570+

What are the best full-service movers from Plano to Des Moines?

Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Plano, TX. 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 Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA

Moving containers from Plano, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,073 and $3,598. 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 Plano typically costs about $80/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Plano to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,073 - $1,885
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,308 - $2,557
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,934 - $3,598

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $77 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $153 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 $714 in Plano, TX, 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 Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

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 $1,073. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,308 - $2,557, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Plano to Des Moines?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 16 years in business
  • Wrightway Moving Company (4.8/5), 25 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Plano, TX to Des Moines, IA

Plan on $525 - $1,471 for a rental moving truck on the 679-mile route from Plano, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • 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 sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 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: $525 - $944
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $555 - $1,214
  • 4+ bedrooms: $736 - $1,471

Pro tip: The base rate of $525 - $1,471 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Plano to Des Moines. Fuel ($220 - $252) , lodging at around $153/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $220 - $252 for the 679-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Plano, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $714.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 679-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $153 per night, adding $306 - $459 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $306.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Plano to Des Moines?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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

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 Plano, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa. 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 $1,080 and $2,239.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Plano to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $917 - $1,749
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,080 - $2,239
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,488 - $2,767

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $77 - $153 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Plano, Texas, typically costs $714.

What are the best freight companies from Plano to Des Moines?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Hazel's Expedited Freight (4.62/5 stars): Hazel's Expedited Freight is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Plano to Des Moines. 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: 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 index11287
Average rent$2,100/mo$1,150/mo
Median home value$440,202$183,553
Average income$108,649/yr$63,966/yr
Unemployment rate5.5%5.9%
State income taxNoneUp to 4.4%
Walkability score41/10045/100
Safety index76.98/10057.8/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 289 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 679-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 679-mile route from Plano, TX, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,552 - $8,526 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,073 - $3,598, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $525 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,412, 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 Plano, TX, to Des Moines, IA

What is the cheapest way to move from Plano, TX 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 $555 - $1,214. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?

For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.

How long does a move from Plano, TX 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 do local movers charge in Plano?

Local movers based in Plano typically start around $181 as a base rate, plus $92/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Plano, TX 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 Plano movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 65% of movers in Plano handle piano moves, and 49% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.