($511+) Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Huntsville, AL, runs anywhere from $511 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,128 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 770 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 $1,674, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,128 or more.
- Moving containers run $992 - $3,325, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $511 - $1,397.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Huntsville, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,234 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 Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL
Moving options from Des Moines to Huntsville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,234 - $5,657 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 74% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 770-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 770-mile route from Des Moines to Huntsville, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,674 for a studio up to $8,128 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $992 - $3,325 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $511 - $1,397, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $968 - $2,660, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL
Full-service movers for the 770-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Huntsville, Alabama, cost between $1,674 and $8,128. 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 $269 - $1,796, 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 Des Moines typically charge a base rate around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Huntsville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,674 - $4,489
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,234 - $5,657
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,117 - $8,128
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 Des Moines to Huntsville.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Alabama. 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 Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Huntsville, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $449 - $4,490 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $180 - $1,078/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $269 - $2,155 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $898 - $2,694 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,245 - $8,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $673 - $1,278 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $898 - $2,245 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $718 - $3,143 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $269 - $1,347 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $584 - $1,796 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $269 - $13,470+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $269 - $3,143+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Huntsville?
Alabama Trucking Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Alabama, 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Huntsville, Alabama, cost between $992 and $3,325. 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 Huntsville. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Huntsville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $992 - $1,841
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,340 - $2,527
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,707 - $3,325
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $67 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $135 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Huntsville, AL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $629 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Alabama 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 $992. 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 $1,340 - $2,527.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Huntsville?
- 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL
Plan on $511 - $1,397 for a rental moving truck on the 770-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Huntsville, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $220 - $251
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Huntsville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $511 - $1,000
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $579 - $1,200
- 4+ bedrooms: $726 - $1,397
Pro tip: The base rate of $511 - $1,397 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Huntsville. Fuel ($220 - $251), lodging at around $135/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?
- 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 $58 and $292 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $220 - $251 in fuel for the 770-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $629 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Huntsville?
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL
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 Des Moines, Iowa, to Huntsville, Alabama. 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,126 and $2,021.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Huntsville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $968 - $1,641
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,126 - $2,021
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,438 - $2,660
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $629.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $67 - $135 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Huntsville?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Huntsville. 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: Des Moines, IA vs Huntsville, AL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Des Moines and Huntsville to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 94. Average rent: $1,150/mo vs. $1,409/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 24. Safety index: 57.8 vs. 57.45.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Huntsville, AL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Alabama over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 67 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 770-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Huntsville, AL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,674 - $8,128 on the 770-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $992 - $3,325 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $511 - $1,397 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,234 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Qualitest Pharmaceuticals and Huntsville Hospital.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Huntsville, AL
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $511 to $8,128, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,674 and $8,128, 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.
How walkable is Huntsville?
Huntsville has a walkability score of 24 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 40, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($220 - $251), 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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Alabama?
To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL?
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. Alabama also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.