($574+) Birmingham, AL to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $574 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,048 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 846 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,863, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,048 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,065 - $3,455, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $574 - $1,562.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,323 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 Birmingham, AL to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Birmingham 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 $2,323 - $6,001 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 38% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 74% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 846 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 846-mile route from Birmingham to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,863 - $4,831 | $1,065 - $1,866 | $574 - $1,105 | $919 - $1,733 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,323 - $6,001 | $1,437 - $2,672 | $608 - $1,338 | $1,095 - $2,268 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,262 - $8,048 | $1,912 - $3,455 | $761 - $1,562 | $1,486 - $2,764 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Birmingham, AL to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 846-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,863 - $8,048. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $261 - $1,740. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Birmingham and Des Moines. Local movers in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,863 - $4,831
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,323 - $6,001
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,262 - $8,048
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 Birmingham to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $435 - $4,350 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $174 - $1,044/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $261 - $2,088 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $870 - $2,610 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,175 - $8,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $652 - $1,238 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $870 - $2,175 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $696 - $3,045 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $261 - $1,305 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Secure Moving, Inc | $566 - $1,740 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $261 - $13,050+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $261 - $3,045+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa 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 Birmingham, AL, 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 Birmingham, AL to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,065 and $3,455. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Birmingham adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,065 - $1,866
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,437 - $2,672
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,912 - $3,455
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $65 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $131 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 $609 in Birmingham, AL, 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 Alabama 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 $1,065. 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 $1,437 - $2,672.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:
- New Latitude Movers (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 846-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $574 and $1,562, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $234 - $268
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $574 - $1,105
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $608 - $1,338
- 4+ bedrooms: $761 - $1,562
Pro tip: The base rate of $574 - $1,562 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Birmingham to Des Moines. Fuel ($234 - $268), lodging at around $131/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $234 - $268 for the 846-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 Birmingham, Alabama, for about 5 hours typically costs around $609.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 846-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $131 per night, adding $261 - $392 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $44 and $261.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham 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 Birmingham, AL to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Birmingham, Alabama, 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 $783 and $2,268.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,733
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,095 - $2,268
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,486 - $2,764
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $609.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $65 and $131 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Des Moines?
- 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.
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: Birmingham, AL vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Birmingham. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 87 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 33/100 and 38.36/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama 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 142 movers licensed in Alabama, useful context for sizing up this 846-mile move.
Our take
The 846-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,863 and $8,048 with full-service movers, $1,065 - $3,455 with a moving container, and $574 - $1,562 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,323 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Des Moines, IA
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 33 and 31 in Birmingham. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($234 - $268), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $131/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Birmingham, AL 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 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 percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.