($505+) Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Little Rock, AR, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $510 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,178 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 616 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,562, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,178 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,060 - $3,250, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $510 - $1,301.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Little Rock, AR, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,380 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 Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Little Rock 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 $2,380 - $5,923 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 616 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 616-mile route from Little Rock to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,562 - $4,244 with full-service movers, $1,060 - $1,799 with a container, $510 - $889 with a rental truck, or $973 - $1,721 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,380 - $5,923 full-service, $1,306 - $2,721 by container, $530 - $1,023 by rental truck, or $1,076 - $2,033 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,025 - $8,178 full-service, $1,814 - $3,250 by container, $622 - $1,301 by rental truck, or $1,480 - $2,761 by freight.
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 Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 616-mile move from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,562 - $8,178. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $250 - $1,668 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Little Rock and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Little Rock movers tend to run around $100 as a base rate plus $94/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Little Rock to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,562 - $4,244
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,380 - $5,923
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,025 - $8,178
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 Little Rock to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arkansas to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Little Rock 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 packing100% of local movers | $417 - $4,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $167 - $1,001/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $250 - $2,002 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $834 - $2,502 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,085 - $8,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $625 - $1,187 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items44% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Elite Movers Inc | $834 - $2,085 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Elite Movers Inc | $667 - $2,919 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $250 - $1,251 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $542 - $1,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $250 - $12,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $250 - $2,919+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Little Rock 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 Little Rock, AR, 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 Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,060 and $3,250. 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 Little Rock runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Little Rock to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,060 - $1,799
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,306 - $2,721
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,814 - $3,250
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Little Rock, AR 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 $584 in Little Rock, AR, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $63 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $125 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 Arkansas 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 $1,060. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,306 - $2,721, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Little Rock 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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 16 years in business
- Elite Movers Inc (4.9/5), 20 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $510 - $1,301 for a rental moving truck on the 616-mile route from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $163 - $187
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Little Rock daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Little Rock to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $510 - $889
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $530 - $1,023
- 4+ bedrooms: $622 - $1,301
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $510 - $1,301 does not include fuel ($163 - $187) , lodging ($125/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Little Rock to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $125 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 Little Rock, Arkansas, usually costs about $584 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 616-mile drive falls between $163 and $187, 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 $42 and $250 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Little Rock 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 Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Little Rock, Arkansas, 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 $751 and $2,033.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Little Rock to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $973 - $1,721
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,076 - $2,033
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,480 - $2,761
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 $63 and $125.
- 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 Little Rock, Arkansas, for roughly five hours typically average $584.
What are the best freight companies from Little Rock 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.
- Maverick Transportation, LLC (4.8/5 stars): Maverick Transportation, LLC 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: 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: Little Rock, AR vs Des Moines, IA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Little Rock and Des Moines to plan around. Cost of living index: 81 vs. 87. Average rent: $1,100/mo vs. $1,150/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 33 vs. 45. Safety index: 39.94 vs. 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Little Rock, AR guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arkansas to Iowa, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Arkansas alone has 23 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 616-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 616-mile move from Little Rock, AR, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,562 and $8,178 with full-service movers, $1,060 - $3,250 with a moving container, and $510 - $1,301 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 $2,380 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 Little Rock, AR, to Des Moines, IA
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.
How much does it cost to move from Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,562 to $8,178, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,562 and $8,178, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA?
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 $530 - $1,023. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($163 - $187), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $125/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Little Rock, AR to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 percentage of Little Rock movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Little Rock handle piano moves, and 44% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
