($764+) Des Moines, IA to Laredo, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Laredo, TX, runs anywhere from $756 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,709 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,163 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 $2,379, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,709 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,326 - $4,260, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $756 - $2,022.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Laredo, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,668 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 Laredo, TX
Moving options from Des Moines to Laredo fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,668 - $6,553 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,163 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 1,163-mile route from Des Moines to Laredo, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,379 - $5,356, container $1,326 - $2,361, rental truck $756 - $1,513, freight trailer $1,100 - $2,060.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,668 - $6,553, container $1,641 - $3,255, rental truck $868 - $1,712, freight trailer $1,260 - $2,658.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,918 - $8,709, container $2,131 - $4,260, rental truck $1,037 - $2,022, freight trailer $1,867 - $3,338.
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 Laredo, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,163-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Laredo, Texas, with prices running from $2,379 - $8,709. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $255 - $1,700 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Laredo are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Laredo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,379 - $5,356
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,668 - $6,553
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,918 - $8,709
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 Laredo.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Texas. 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 Laredo, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Laredo, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $425 - $4,250 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $170 - $1,020/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $255 - $2,040 |
| 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 | $850 - $2,550 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,125 - $8,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $637 - $1,210 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $850 - $2,125 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $680 - $2,975 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $255 - $1,275 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $553 - $1,700 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $255 - $12,750+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $255 - $2,975+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Laredo?
All three below meet the standards set by the Southwest Movers Association, the group most Texas 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 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 Laredo, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Laredo, Texas, cost between $1,326 and $4,260. 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 Laredo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,326 - $2,361
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,641 - $3,255
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,131 - $4,260
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $64 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $128 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 $595 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 Laredo, TX, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Texas 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 $1,326. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,641 - $3,255, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Laredo?
- 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 Laredo, TX
Plan on $756 - $2,022 for a rental moving truck on the 1,163-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Laredo, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $315 - $359
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- 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 Laredo based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $756 - $1,513
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $868 - $1,712
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,037 - $2,022
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $756 - $2,022 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Laredo. Fuel alone runs ($315 - $359) , and overnight lodging ($128/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $315 - $359 for the 1,163-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $595.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,163-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $128 per night, adding $255 - $383 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $43 and $255.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Laredo?
- 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 Laredo, TX
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Laredo, Texas, 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 $1,260 and $2,658.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Laredo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,100 - $2,060
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,260 - $2,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,867 - $3,338
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $64 - $128 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $595.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Laredo?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- 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 operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Laredo quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Laredo, TX
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Des Moines and Laredo to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 82. Average rent: $1,150/mo vs. $1,241/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 37. Safety index: 57.8 vs. 63.77.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Texas, 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 36 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 1,163-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,163-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Laredo, TX, run $2,379 - $8,709 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,326 - $4,260, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $756 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,668, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Laredo tend to point to delicious Mexican food and culture rich, though limited recreational opportunities and hot summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include United independent school District and Laredo independent school District.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Laredo, TX
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($315 - $359), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $128/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Laredo, TX?
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 $868 - $1,712. 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 Laredo, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $2,379 to $8,709, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,379 and $8,709, 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 Laredo 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.
