($422+) Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Fargo, ND, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $422 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,580 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 477 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,397, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,580 or more.
- Moving containers run $956 - $2,943, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $422 - $1,009.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fargo, ND, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,300 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 Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Fargo to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,300 - $6,236 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 49% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 81% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 477-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 477-mile route from Fargo to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,397 - $4,454, container $956 - $1,678, rental truck $422 - $773, freight trailer $801 - $1,586.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,300 - $6,236, container $1,164 - $2,362, rental truck $433 - $847, freight trailer $971 - $1,852.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,227 - $8,580, container $1,533 - $2,943, rental truck $545 - $1,009, freight trailer $1,303 - $2,497.
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 Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,397 and $8,580. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 477-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $268 - $1,788, 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 Fargo and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Fargo tend to start around $264 plus $99/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 Fargo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,397 - $4,454
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,300 - $6,236
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,227 - $8,580
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 Fargo to Des Moines.
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 Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 33% of Fargo 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 packing67% of local movers | $447 - $4,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready33% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $179 - $1,073/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $268 - $2,146 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $894 - $2,682 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,235 - $8,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $670 - $1,272 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: Wrap & Pack Moving Company (ND) | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type27% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Jobbers Moving & Storage | $581 - $1,788 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $268 - $13,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $268 - $3,129+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fargo 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in Fargo, ND?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Fargo to Des Moines with a local mover averages $2,323 - $6,298. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Fargo, ND often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Midwest Moving Company (4.64/5 stars) is a local mover in Fargo, based on our analysis of feedback from 500 customers, 93.6% of which is positive.
Address: 633 13th St NE, West Fargo, ND, 58078 | Founded: 2018
Moving container costs from Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $956 and $2,943. 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 Fargo typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fargo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,678
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,164 - $2,362
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,533 - $2,943
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 $134 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 $626 in Fargo, ND, 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 Des Moines, IA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Dakota 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 $956. 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 $1,164 - $2,362.
What are the best moving containers Fargo 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 Fargo 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 Fargo:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 24 years in business
- 5 Star Moving (4.3/5), 23 years in business
- His Workmanship - Fargo
Moving truck rental costs from Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 477-mile move from Fargo, North Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $422 and $1,009. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $136 - $155
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Fargo 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 Fargo to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $422 - $773
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $433 - $847
- 4+ bedrooms: $545 - $1,009
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Fargo to Des Moines starts at $422 - $1,009, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($136 - $155), overnight lodging ($134/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $134 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 Fargo, North Dakota, usually costs about $626 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 477-mile drive falls between $136 and $155, 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 $268 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fargo 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 Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Fargo, North Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa. 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 $805 and $1,852.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $801 - $1,586
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $971 - $1,852
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,303 - $2,497
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 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 $67 and $134.
- 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 Fargo, North Dakota, for roughly five hours typically average $626.
What are the best freight companies from Fargo to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Fargo to Des Moines, 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: Fargo, ND vs Des Moines, IA
Day-to-day costs in Des Moines are close to what you're used to in Fargo: cost of living index of 87 versus 91, with average rent of $1,150/mo compared to $1,055/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 56.17/100 in Fargo versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Fargo, ND guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from North Dakota to Iowa, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 21 movers licensed in North Dakota, useful context for sizing up this 477-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 477-mile route from Fargo, ND, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,397 - $8,580 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $956 - $2,943, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $422 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,300, 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 MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Fargo, ND, to Des Moines, IA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($136 - $155), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $134/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Fargo, ND 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Fargo, ND 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.
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 56.17 and 8.0 in Fargo. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Fargo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 27% of movers in Fargo handle piano moves, compared to 40% nationally.