($646+) Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $694 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,964 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,355, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,964 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,244 - $4,021, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $694 - $1,884.
- 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 $2,965 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 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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,965 - $6,935 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 985-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
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 | $2,355 - $5,633 | $1,244 - $2,244 | $694 - $1,290 | $1,141 - $1,920 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,965 - $6,935 | $1,477 - $2,934 | $721 - $1,611 | $1,306 - $2,471 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,741 - $8,964 | $2,074 - $4,021 | $968 - $1,884 | $1,626 - $3,216 |
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 Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA
For the 985-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $2,355 and $8,964. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $270 - $1,800 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Albuquerque generally start around $185 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albuquerque to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,355 - $5,633
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,965 - $6,935
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,741 - $8,964
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Mexico to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Albuquerque 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 packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $450 - $4,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% 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 coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% 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 items30% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $900 - $2,250 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $720 - $3,150 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $270 - $1,350 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $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?
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Albuquerque, NM. 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 Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,244 and $4,021. 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: $1,244 - $2,244
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,477 - $2,934
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,074 - $4,021
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 Albuquerque, NM, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $630, 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 $68 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $135 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Albuquerque, NM, 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 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 $1,244. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,477 - $2,934, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- Johnson Storage & Moving (4.3/5), 126 years in business
- K & J'z Moving Inc (4.2/5), 28 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 985-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $694 and $1,884. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $694 - $1,290
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $721 - $1,611
- 4+ bedrooms: $968 - $1,884
Pro tip: The base rate of $694 - $1,884 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Albuquerque to Des Moines. Fuel ($282 - $322) , lodging at around $135/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $135 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $59 and $293 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $282 - $322 in fuel for the 985-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $630 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,306 and $2,471.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albuquerque to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,141 - $1,920
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,306 - $2,471
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,626 - $3,216
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $68 - $135 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, typically costs $630.
What are the best freight companies from Albuquerque to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- THE Tire Welder, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): THE Tire Welder, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Albuquerque, NM vs Des Moines, IA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Albuquerque and Des Moines to plan around. Cost of living index: 92 vs. 87. Average rent: $1,250/mo vs. $1,150/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 43 vs. 45. Safety index: 28.28 vs. 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Albuquerque, NM guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from New Mexico 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 19 movers in New Mexico, so you have real options to compare for this 985-mile move.
Our take
A move from Albuquerque, NM, to Des Moines, IA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,355 - $8,964 on the 985-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,244 - $4,021, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $694 - $1,884. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,965 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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
What do local movers charge in Albuquerque?
Local movers based in Albuquerque typically start around $185 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 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Albuquerque, NM to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,355 to $8,964, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,355 and $8,964, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Albuquerque, NM 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 $721 - $1,611. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($282 - $322), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $135/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Albuquerque movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Albuquerque handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
