($405+) Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Fargo, ND, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $409 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,367 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,420, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,367 or more.
- Moving containers run $992 - $3,052, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $409 - $1,113.
- 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 $2,385 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Fargo to Des Moines: 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 $2,385 - $6,084. 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 477 miles, expect 1 to 4 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 477-mile route from Fargo to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,420 - $4,806 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($992 - $1,741), rental truck ($409 - $787), or freight trailer ($866 - $1,566). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,385 - $6,084 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,367.
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 Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 477-mile move from Fargo, North Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,420 - $9,367. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $268 - $1,788. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Fargo and Des Moines. Local movers in Fargo typically start around $264 as a base rate plus $99/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fargo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,420 - $4,806
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,385 - $6,084
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,165 - $9,367
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Dakota to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 50% of Fargo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing83% of local movers | $447 - $4,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers85% 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 coverage50% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% 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 items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling33% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company | $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?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $2,266 - $5,780. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Fargo, ND can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Midwest Moving Company (4.7/5 stars) is a local mover in Fargo, based on our analysis of feedback from 430 customers, 93.7% 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 $992 and $3,052. 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 Fargo runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fargo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $992 - $1,741
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,320 - $2,523
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,706 - $3,052
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Fargo, ND and Des Moines, IA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $626 in Fargo, ND, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $67 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $134 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $992. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,320 - $2,523, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- Midwest Moving Company (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- 5 Star Moving (4.3/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fargo, ND to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 477-mile move from Fargo, North Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $409 and $1,113, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $409 - $787
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $454 - $915
- 4+ bedrooms: $554 - $1,113
Pro tip: The base rate of $409 - $1,113 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Fargo to Des Moines. Fuel ($136 - $155) , lodging at around $134/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 Fargo, North Dakota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $626.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $136 - $155 for the 477-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 $54 and $291, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $134 per night for hotel stops on the 477-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $268 - $402.
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 $2,037.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $866 - $1,566
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,007 - $2,037
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,352 - $2,566
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $67 - $134 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 Fargo, North Dakota, typically costs $626.
What are the best freight companies from Fargo 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.
- Magnum Ltd (4.96/5 stars): Magnum Ltd is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Fargo and Des Moines to plan around. Cost of living index: 91 vs. 87. Average rent: $1,055/mo vs. $1,150/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 45. Safety index: 56.17 vs. 57.8.
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 10 movers licensed in North Dakota, useful context for sizing up this 477-mile move.
Our take
A move from Fargo, ND, to Des Moines, IA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,420 - $9,367 on the 477-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $992 - $3,052, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $409 - $1,113. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,385 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
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 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.
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 45 and 49 in Fargo. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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.
What percentage of Fargo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Fargo handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
