($505+) Fort Worth, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Fort Worth, TX, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $505 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,222 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 741 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 $1,584, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,222 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,076 - $3,458, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $505 - $1,350.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fort Worth, TX, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,171 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 Fort Worth, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Fort Worth 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 $2,171 - $5,800 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 40% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 73% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 741 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 741-mile route from Fort Worth to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,584 - $4,401 | $1,076 - $1,842 | $505 - $948 | $913 - $1,709 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,171 - $5,800 | $1,302 - $2,633 | $596 - $1,231 | $1,106 - $2,127 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,026 - $8,222 | $1,852 - $3,458 | $696 - $1,350 | $1,453 - $2,602 |
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 Fort Worth, TX to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 741-mile move from Fort Worth, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,584 - $8,222. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $288 - $1,920 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Fort Worth and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Fort Worth movers tend to run around $216 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Worth to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,584 - $4,401
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,171 - $5,800
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,026 - $8,222
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 Fort Worth to Des Moines.
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 Fort Worth, TX to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Fort Worth 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 packing74% of local movers | $480 - $4,800 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $192 - $1,152/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $288 - $2,304 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $960 - $2,880 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,400 - $9,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $719 - $1,366 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $960 - $2,400 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $768 - $3,360 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $288 - $1,440 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationally | $624 - $1,920 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $288 - $14,400+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $288 - $3,360+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Fort Worth, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,076 and $3,458. 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 Fort Worth typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Worth to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,076 - $1,842
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,302 - $2,633
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,852 - $3,458
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 $672 in Fort Worth, TX. 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 $72 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $144 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 Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
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 $1,076. 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 $1,302 - $2,633.
What are the best moving containers Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth:
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 24 years in business
- Olde World Movers (4.9/5), 38 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fort Worth, TX to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 741-mile move from Fort Worth, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $505 and $1,350, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $226 - $259
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $505 - $948
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $596 - $1,231
- 4+ bedrooms: $696 - $1,350
Pro tip: The base rate of $505 - $1,350 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Fort Worth to Des Moines. Fuel ($226 - $259), lodging at around $144/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $226 - $259 for the 741-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 Fort Worth, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $672.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 741-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $144 per night, adding $288 - $432 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $48 and $288.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth, TX to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Fort Worth, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa. 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 $864 and $2,127.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Worth to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $913 - $1,709
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,106 - $2,127
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,453 - $2,602
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 $72 - $144 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 Fort Worth, Texas, typically costs $672.
What are the best freight companies from Fort Worth to Des Moines?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Fort Worth 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: Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fort Worth, TX | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,773/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $270,851 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $76,602/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 56.81/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Fort Worth, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Texas to Iowa, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 803 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 741-mile move.
Our take
The 741-mile move from Fort Worth, TX, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,584 and $8,222 with full-service movers, $1,076 - $3,458 with a moving container, and $505 - $1,350 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 $2,171 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 MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Fort Worth, TX, to Des Moines, IA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($226 - $259), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $144/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Fort Worth, 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 $596 - $1,231. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Fort Worth, TX to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $505 to $8,222, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,584 and $8,222, 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.
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 do local movers charge in Fort Worth?
Local movers based in Fort Worth typically start around $216 as a base rate, plus $80/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 percentage of Fort Worth movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Fort Worth handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.