($575+) Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Huntsville, AL, runs anywhere from $575 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,451 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,740, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,451 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,074 - $3,707, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $575 - $1,573.
- 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 $2,466 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Huntsville: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,466 - $6,238. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 770 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,740 - $4,668, container $1,074 - $2,053, rental truck $575 - $1,060, freight trailer $1,006 - $1,794.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,466 - $6,238, container $1,379 - $2,791, rental truck $608 - $1,272, freight trailer $1,160 - $2,121.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,074 - $8,451, container $1,962 - $3,707, rental truck $739 - $1,573, freight trailer $1,448 - $2,791.
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 Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Huntsville, Alabama, costs between $1,740 and $8,451. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 770-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $269 - $1,796, 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 Des Moines and Huntsville. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/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 Des Moines to Huntsville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,740 - $4,668
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,466 - $6,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,074 - $8,451
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 — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Huntsville, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $449 - $4,490 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% 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 coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% 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 items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $898 - $2,245 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $718 - $3,143 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $269 - $1,347 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $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?
Look for Alabama Trucking Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Alabama beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Des Moines, IA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Huntsville, Alabama, cost between $1,074 and $3,707. 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 Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Huntsville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,074 - $2,053
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,791
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,962 - $3,707
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $67 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $135 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 $629 in Des Moines, IA, 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 Huntsville, AL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,074. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,379 - $2,791, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL
Plan on $575 - $1,573 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: $575 - $1,060
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $608 - $1,272
- 4+ bedrooms: $739 - $1,573
Pro tip: The base rate of $575 - $1,573 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 an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $135 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Des Moines, Iowa, usually costs about $629 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 770-mile drive falls between $220 and $251, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $45 and $269 to your total.
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 solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Huntsville, Alabama. 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 $808 and $2,121.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Huntsville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,006 - $1,794
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,160 - $2,121
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,448 - $2,791
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $629.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $67 and $135 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Huntsville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Huntsville, 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: Des Moines, IA vs Huntsville, AL
Day-to-day costs in Huntsville are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 94 versus 87, with average rent of $1,409/mo compared to $1,150/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines versus 24/100 and 57.45/100 in Huntsville.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Huntsville, AL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Alabama in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 36 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 770-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 770-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Huntsville, AL, run $1,740 - $8,451 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,074 - $3,707, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $575 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,466, 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 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 $1,740 to $8,451, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,740 and $8,451, 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 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
