($897+) Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Gilbert, AZ, runs anywhere from $852 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,103 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,386 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,225, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,103 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,431 - $5,059, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $852 - $2,492.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Gilbert, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,048 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 Gilbert, AZ
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Gilbert: 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 $3,048 - $6,938. 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 1,386 miles, expect 3 to 8 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 1,386-mile route from Des Moines to Gilbert, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,225 for a studio up to $10,103 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,431 - $5,059 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $852 - $2,492, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,250 - $3,854, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,386-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Gilbert, Arizona, with costs ranging from $2,225 - $10,103. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $292 - $1,948. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Gilbert. Local movers in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Gilbert:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,225 - $5,257
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,048 - $6,938
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,525 - $10,103
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 Gilbert.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Arizona. 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 Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Gilbert, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $487 - $4,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $195 - $1,169/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,338 |
| 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 | $974 - $2,922 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,435 - $9,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $730 - $1,386 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $974 - $2,435 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $779 - $3,409 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $292 - $1,461 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $633 - $1,948 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,610+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,409+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Gilbert?
All three below meet the standards set by the Arizona Moving Association, the group most Arizona 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 Des Moines, IA. 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 Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Gilbert, Arizona, cost between $1,431 and $5,059. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Gilbert:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,431 - $2,618
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,756 - $3,475
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,482 - $5,059
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 $682 in Des Moines, IA. 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 $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 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 Gilbert, AZ, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Arizona 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 $1,431. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,756 - $3,475, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Gilbert?
- 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 Gilbert, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 1,386-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Gilbert, Arizona, costs between $852 and $2,492, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $430 - $491
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Gilbert based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $852 - $1,784
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,008 - $2,021
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,270 - $2,492
Pro tip: The base rate of $852 - $2,492 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Gilbert. Fuel ($430 - $491) , lodging at around $146/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $682.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $430 - $491 for the 1,386-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 $58 and $317, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 1,386-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $292 - $438.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Gilbert?
- 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 Gilbert, AZ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Gilbert, Arizona, 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 $1,476 and $3,041.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Gilbert:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,250 - $2,450
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,476 - $3,041
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,888 - $3,854
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $682.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 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 Gilbert?
- 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems 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: Des Moines, IA vs Gilbert, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Gilbert, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Gilbert, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,250/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $518,558 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $121,351/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 29/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 85.23/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Gilbert, AZ to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Arizona 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 36 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 1,386-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Gilbert, AZ, 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 $2,225 - $10,103 on the 1,386-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,431 - $5,059 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $852 - $2,492 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,048 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Gilbert tend to point to quality education and fantastic weather, though high cost of living and hot summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Gilbert Public Schools and Banner Health 2,268.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Gilbert, AZ
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($430 - $491), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ?
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 $1,008 - $2,021. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $2,225 to $10,103, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,225 and $10,103, 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 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.
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/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 Gilbert run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
