($687+) New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA

Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $687 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,528 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,010 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,147, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,528 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,115 - $4,029, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $687 - $1,723.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,394 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA

Moving options from New Orleans to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,394 - $5,925 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 71% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,010 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,010-mile route from New Orleans to Des Moines, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,147 - $4,788 $1,115 - $2,139 $687 - $1,192 $1,076 - $1,982
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,394 - $5,925 $1,495 - $3,033 $692 - $1,475 $1,207 - $2,379
4+ bedrooms $3,881 - $7,528 $1,916 - $4,029 $905 - $1,723 $1,629 - $3,223

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA

Full-service movers for the 1,010-mile relocation from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $2,147 and $7,528. 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 $288 - $1,920, 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 New Orleans typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,147 - $4,788
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,394 - $5,925
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,881 - $7,528

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 New Orleans to Des Moines.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA

Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of New Orleans 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 packingFull crew packing79% of local movers$480 - $4,800
Storage in transitNew place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers$192 - $1,152/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$288 - $2,304
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers$960 - $2,880
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,400 - $9,600
Car shippingSecond vehicle$719 - $1,366
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers$960 - $2,400
PianoAny piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers$768 - $3,360
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers$288 - $1,440
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers$624 - $1,920
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$288 - $14,400+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$288 - $3,360+

What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Des Moines?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in New Orleans, LA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA

Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,115 and $4,029. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in New Orleans typically runs around $80/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,115 - $2,139
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $3,033
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,916 - $4,029

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 New Orleans, LA. 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 Louisiana 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 $1,115. 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 $1,495 - $3,033.

What are the best moving containers New Orleans to Des Moines?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans:

  • AD Movers (4.7/5), 12 years in business
  • Moving Nola (5.0/5)
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 38 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA

Renting a moving truck for the 1,010-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $687 and $1,723, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $309 - $353
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • New Orleans daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from New Orleans to Des Moines based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $687 - $1,192
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $692 - $1,475
  • 4+ bedrooms: $905 - $1,723

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from New Orleans to Des Moines starts at $687 - $1,723, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($309 - $353), overnight lodging ($144/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $144 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 $62 and $312 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $309 - $353 in fuel for the 1,010-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $672 in New Orleans, Louisiana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans to Des Moines?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA

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 New Orleans, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa. 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 $1,207 and $2,379.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,076 - $1,982
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,207 - $2,379
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,629 - $3,223

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?

  • 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 $72 and $144.
  • 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 New Orleans, Louisiana, for roughly five hours typically average $672.

What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Des Moines?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from New Orleans to Des Moines. 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: New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure New Orleans, LA Des Moines, IA
Cost of living index10287
Average rent$1,755/mo$1,150/mo
Median home value$300,283$183,553
Average income$55,339/yr$63,966/yr
Unemployment rate11.0%5.9%
State income taxUp to 4.25%Up to 4.4%
Walkability score58/10045/100
Safety index32.69/10057.8/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 New Orleans, LA guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Louisiana 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 73 movers in Louisiana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,010-mile move.

30%+
Save 30%+
Comparing movers helps moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average compared to booking blind.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
Booking a moveBuddha Certified mover unlocks dedicated support throughout your move.
✓
Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, we help resolve it with Certified movers.

Our take

For a move from New Orleans, LA, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,147 for a studio to $7,528 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,010-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,115 - $4,029. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $687 - $1,723, 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 $2,394 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 New Orleans, LA, to Des Moines, IA

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 58 and 66 in New Orleans. 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 32.69 and 67.31 in New Orleans. 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 New Orleans, LA 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 is the best time of year to move from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA?

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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What percentage of New Orleans movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 41% of movers in New Orleans handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.