($610+) Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $610 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,708 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 985 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 $2,133, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,708 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,174 - $3,677, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $610 - $1,795.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albuquerque, NM, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,610 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Albuquerque 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 $2,610 - $6,669 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 74% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 985 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 985-mile route from Albuquerque to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,133 - $5,261 | $1,174 - $2,180 | $610 - $1,156 | $1,066 - $1,830 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,610 - $6,669 | $1,525 - $2,884 | $687 - $1,389 | $1,149 - $2,284 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,340 - $8,708 | $1,917 - $3,677 | $852 - $1,795 | $1,629 - $2,910 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $2,133 and $8,708. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 985-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $270 - $1,800, 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 Albuquerque and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Albuquerque tend to start around $185 plus $80/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 Albuquerque to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,133 - $5,261
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,610 - $6,669
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,340 - $8,708
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 Albuquerque to Des Moines.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Albuquerque movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $450 - $4,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $180 - $1,080/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $270 - $2,160 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $900 - $2,700 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,250 - $9,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $674 - $1,281 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Albuquerque NM Movers | $900 - $2,250 |
| Piano | Any piano type24% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $720 - $3,150 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $270 - $1,350 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: EXCEPTIONAL (NM) | $585 - $1,800 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $270 - $13,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $270 - $3,150+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albuquerque to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Albuquerque, NM. 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 Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,174 and $3,677. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Albuquerque runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albuquerque to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,174 - $2,180
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,525 - $2,884
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,917 - $3,677
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Albuquerque, NM and Des Moines, IA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $630 in Albuquerque, NM, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $68 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $135 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Mexico 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 $1,174. 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 $1,525 - $2,884.
What are the best moving containers Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 9 years in business
- K & J'z Moving Inc (4.2/5), 28 years in business
- Mr. Move It All (5.0/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $610 - $1,795 for a rental moving truck on the 985-mile route from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $282 - $322
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $610 - $1,156
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $687 - $1,389
- 4+ bedrooms: $852 - $1,795
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $610 - $1,795 when pricing out a rental truck from Albuquerque to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $282 - $322, and overnight lodging ($135/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $630.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $282 - $322 for the 985-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 $54 and $293, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $135 per night for hotel stops on the 985-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $270 - $405.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Des Moines, Iowa, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,149 and $2,284.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albuquerque to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,066 - $1,830
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,149 - $2,284
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,629 - $2,910
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 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 $68 and $135.
- 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, for roughly five hours typically average $630.
What are the best freight companies from Albuquerque 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: 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 Des Moines 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: Albuquerque, NM vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Albuquerque. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 92 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 43/100 and 28.28/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Albuquerque, NM guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Mexico 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 39 movers licensed in New Mexico, useful context for sizing up this 985-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Albuquerque, NM, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,133 for a studio to $8,708 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 985-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,174 - $3,677. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $610 - $1,795, 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 $2,610 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 Albuquerque, NM, to Des Moines, IA
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 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 walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 43 and 61 in Albuquerque. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 28.28 and 71.72 in Albuquerque. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Albuquerque, NM 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 Albuquerque movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 24% of movers in Albuquerque handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.