($714+) Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Mobile, AL, runs anywhere from $673 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,058 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 978 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 $2,184, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,058 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,160 - $4,021, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $673 - $1,922.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Mobile, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,644 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 Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL
Moving options from Des Moines to Mobile fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,644 - $6,048 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 978 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 978-mile route from Des Moines to Mobile, 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 $2,184 - $5,021 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,160 - $2,311), rental truck ($673 - $1,238), or freight trailer ($1,087 - $1,900). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,644 - $6,048 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,058.
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 Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 978-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Mobile, Alabama, with prices running from $2,184 - $8,058. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $257 - $1,716 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Mobile are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Mobile:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,184 - $5,021
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,644 - $6,048
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,440 - $8,058
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 Des Moines to Mobile.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Mobile, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $429 - $4,290 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $172 - $1,030/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $257 - $2,059 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $858 - $2,574 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,145 - $8,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $643 - $1,221 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $858 - $2,145 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $686 - $3,003 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $257 - $1,287 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $558 - $1,716 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $257 - $12,870+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $257 - $3,003+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Mobile?
Alabama Trucking Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Alabama, 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Mobile, Alabama, cost between $1,160 and $4,021. 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 Mobile. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Mobile:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,160 - $2,311
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,477 - $3,027
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,011 - $4,021
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $64 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $129 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 $601 in Des Moines, IA, 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 Mobile, AL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Alabama 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 $1,160. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,477 - $3,027, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Mobile?
- 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL
Renting a moving truck for the 978-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Mobile, Alabama, costs between $673 and $1,922, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $267 - $305
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Mobile based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $673 - $1,238
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $743 - $1,472
- 4+ bedrooms: $885 - $1,922
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $673 - $1,922 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Mobile. Fuel alone runs ($267 - $305) , and overnight lodging ($129/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
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 $64 and $300.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $129.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $267 and $305 for the 978-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 $601 for 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Mobile?
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Des Moines, Iowa, to Mobile, Alabama. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,243 and $2,545.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Mobile:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,087 - $1,900
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,243 - $2,545
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,626 - $3,248
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $601.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $64 - $129 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Mobile?
- 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Mobile, AL
Des Moines and Mobile land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 84 in Mobile, and rent tracks closely too ($1,150/mo vs. $1,300/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (45 vs 32) and safety scores (57.8 vs 35.05) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Alabama, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 36 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 978-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Mobile, AL, 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 $2,184 - $8,058 on the 978-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,160 - $4,021, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $673 - $1,922. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,644 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 Infirmary Health and Austal.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Mobile, AL
What do local movers charge in Des Moines?
Local movers based in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate, plus $142/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 Mobile run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Alabama?
To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience.
What are the best neighborhoods in Mobile?
For families, Point Clear, Saraland, and Loxley are worth a look in Mobile. If you're moving solo or without kids, Spanish Fort, Point Clear, and Tillmans Corner tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Mobile?
Mobile has a walkability score of 32 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 34, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Mobile a safe place to live?
Mobile has a safety index of 35.05 out of 100 and a crime index of 64.95, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
