($688+) El Paso, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from El Paso, TX, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $688 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,656 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,133 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 $2,115, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,656 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,242 - $3,981, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $688 - $1,936.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from El Paso, TX, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,527 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 El Paso, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from El Paso to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,527 - $6,099 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 39% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 68% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,133 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,133-mile route from El Paso to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,115 - $4,953, container $1,242 - $2,231, rental truck $688 - $1,323, freight trailer $1,041 - $1,968.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,527 - $6,099, container $1,537 - $2,981, rental truck $798 - $1,655, freight trailer $1,192 - $2,561.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,415 - $8,656, container $2,185 - $3,981, rental truck $943 - $1,936, freight trailer $1,748 - $3,418.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from El Paso, TX to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,133-mile move from El Paso, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $2,115 - $8,656. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $252 - $1,680. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between El Paso and Des Moines. Local movers in El Paso typically start around $244 as a base rate plus $95/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from El Paso to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,115 - $4,953
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,527 - $6,099
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,415 - $8,656
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 El Paso to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from El Paso, TX to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of El Paso movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $420 - $4,200 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $168 - $1,008/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $252 - $2,016 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage22% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $840 - $2,520 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,100 - $8,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $629 - $1,195 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items33% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $840 - $2,100 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $672 - $2,940 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $252 - $1,260 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $546 - $1,680 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $252 - $12,600+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $252 - $2,940+ |
What are the best full-service movers from El Paso to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, 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 El Paso, TX, 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 El Paso, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from El Paso, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,242 and $3,981. 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 El Paso runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from El Paso to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,242 - $2,231
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,537 - $2,981
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,185 - $3,981
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 El Paso, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $588, 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 $63 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $126 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both El Paso, TX, 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 Texas 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 $1,242. 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 $1,537 - $2,981.
What are the best moving containers El Paso 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 El Paso 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 El Paso:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
- TIS Worldwide
Moving truck rental costs from El Paso, TX to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,133-mile move from El Paso, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $688 and $1,936. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $303 - $346
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- El Paso 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 El Paso to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $688 - $1,323
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $798 - $1,655
- 4+ bedrooms: $943 - $1,936
Pro tip: A rental truck from El Paso to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $688 - $1,936. But once you factor in fuel ($303 - $346), overnight lodging ($126/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $63 and $294.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $126.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $303 and $346 for the 1,133-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $588 for 2 movers in El Paso, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from El Paso 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 El Paso, TX to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from El Paso, Texas, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,192 and $2,561.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from El Paso to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,041 - $1,968
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,192 - $2,561
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,748 - $3,418
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $63 and $126.
- 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 El Paso, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $588.
What are the best freight companies from El Paso to Des Moines?
- 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.
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: El Paso, TX vs Des Moines, IA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between El Paso and Des Moines to plan around. Cost of living index: 82 vs. 87. Average rent: $1,510/mo vs. $1,150/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 40 vs. 45. Safety index: 67.49 vs. 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to El Paso, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 5 quotes from Texas 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 803 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,133-mile move.
Our take
For a move from El Paso, TX, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,115 for a studio to $8,656 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,133-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,242 - $3,981. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $688 - $1,936, 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 $2,527 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 El Paso, TX, to Des Moines, IA
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 4 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 El Paso?
Local movers based in El Paso typically start around $244 as a base rate, plus $95/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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.
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 40 and 42 in El Paso. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of El Paso movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in El Paso handle piano moves, and 33% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.