($853+) Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Boise, ID, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $853 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,291 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,361 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 $2,674, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,291 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,341 - $4,508, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $853 - $2,296.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Boise, ID, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,296 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 Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Boise 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 $3,296 - $7,676. Containers cost roughly 48% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 72% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,361 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 1,361-mile route from Boise to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,674 - $6,127 | $1,341 - $2,477 | $853 - $1,582 | $1,207 - $2,186 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,296 - $7,676 | $1,713 - $3,595 | $921 - $1,805 | $1,411 - $2,711 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,554 - $10,291 | $2,348 - $4,508 | $1,171 - $2,296 | $1,861 - $3,716 |
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 Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA
For the 1,361-mile move from Boise, Idaho, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $2,674 and $10,291. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $319 - $2,124 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Boise generally start around $229 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Boise to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,674 - $6,127
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,296 - $7,676
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,554 - $10,291
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 Boise to Des Moines.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 46% of Boise 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 packing59% of local movers | $531 - $5,310 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready46% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 208 Moving Company | $212 - $1,274/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $319 - $2,549 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs41% of local movers | $1,062 - $3,186 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,655 - $10,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $795 - $1,511 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items5% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Boise Moving & Storage | $1,062 - $2,655 |
| Piano | Any piano type22% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $850 - $3,717 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling5% of local movers | $319 - $1,593 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers (ID) | $690 - $2,124 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $319 - $15,930+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $319 - $3,717+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Boise 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Boise, ID. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Boise, Idaho, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,341 and $4,508. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Boise costs roughly $85/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Boise to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,341 - $2,477
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,713 - $3,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,348 - $4,508
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 $743 in Boise, ID. 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 $80 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $159 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 Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Idaho 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 $1,341. 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 $1,713 - $3,595.
What are the best moving containers Boise 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 Boise 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 Boise:
- 208 Moving Company (4.9/5), 13 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 27 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,361 miles from Boise, Idaho, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $853 - $2,296. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $460 - $526
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Boise daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.99
| 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 Boise to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $853 - $1,582
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $921 - $1,805
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,171 - $2,296
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Boise to Des Moines starts at $853 - $2,296, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($460 - $526), overnight lodging ($159/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $80 and $372.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $159.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $460 and $526 for the 1,361-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 $743 for 2 movers in Boise, Idaho, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Boise 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 Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA
If you're moving a larger household from Boise, Idaho, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Des Moines, Iowa.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,411 and $2,711.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Boise to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,207 - $2,186
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,411 - $2,711
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,861 - $3,716
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $80 - $159 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Boise, Idaho, for about five hours typically runs $743.
What are the best freight companies from Boise 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Des Moines fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Boise, ID vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Boise on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 119 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,495/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $455,253 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $81,308/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.8% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 88/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 65.01/100 | 57.8/100 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA to Boise, ID guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Idaho to Iowa 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 59 movers in our Idaho network to compare for this 1,361-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,361-mile route from Boise, ID, to Des Moines, IA, run $2,674 - $10,291 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,341 - $4,508, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $853 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,296, 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 Boise, ID, to Des Moines, IA
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 long does a move from Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 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 do local movers charge in Boise?
Local movers based in Boise typically start around $229 as a base rate, plus $100/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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Boise, ID 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.
How much does it cost to move from Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $853 to $10,291, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,674 and $10,291, 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 percentage of Boise movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 22% of movers in Boise handle piano moves, and 5% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.