($630+) Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $630 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,227 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 935 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 $2,049, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,227 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,163 - $3,553, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $630 - $1,654.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,422 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 Montgomery, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Montgomery: 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 $2,422 - $5,868. Containers cost roughly 42% 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 935 miles, expect 2 to 7 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 935-mile route from Des Moines to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,049 for a studio up to $8,227 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,163 - $3,553 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $630 - $1,654, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,027 - $3,023, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 935-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Montgomery, Alabama, with costs ranging from $2,049 - $8,227. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $251 - $1,676. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Montgomery. Local movers in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,049 - $4,913
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,422 - $5,868
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,942 - $8,227
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 Montgomery.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Montgomery, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $419 - $4,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $168 - $1,006/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $251 - $2,011 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $838 - $2,514 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,095 - $8,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $628 - $1,192 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $838 - $2,095 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $670 - $2,933 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $251 - $1,257 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $545 - $1,676 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $251 - $12,570+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $251 - $2,933+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Montgomery?
Look for Alabama Trucking Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Alabama 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.
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 Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,163 and $3,553. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $2,012
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,395 - $2,823
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,840 - $3,553
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Montgomery, AL. 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 $587 in Des Moines, IA, 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 $126 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 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 $1,163. 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 $1,395 - $2,823.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Montgomery?
- 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:
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- The Approved Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 935 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Montgomery, Alabama, running $630 - $1,654. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $249 - $285
- Daily insurance: $25/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 Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $630 - $1,215
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $686 - $1,403
- 4+ bedrooms: $870 - $1,654
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Montgomery starts at $630 - $1,654, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($249 - $285), overnight lodging ($126/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $126 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $54 and $272 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $249 - $285 in fuel for the 935-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $587 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Montgomery?
- 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 Montgomery, AL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Montgomery, Alabama. 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 $754 and $2,373.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,027 - $1,865
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,162 - $2,373
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,611 - $3,023
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 $587.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $63 - $126 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 Montgomery?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Montgomery, 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: Des Moines, IA vs Montgomery, AL
Des Moines and Montgomery land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 79 in Montgomery, and average rent is $1,150/mo vs. $1,200/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 45 vs 26 and safety scores are 57.8 vs 34.75.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montgomery, AL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Alabama, 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. Iowa alone has 67 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 935-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 935-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Montgomery, AL, costs between $2,049 and $8,227 with full-service movers, $1,163 - $3,553 with a moving container, and $630 - $1,654 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 $2,422 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 Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Montgomery, AL
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $630 to $8,227, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,049 and $8,227, 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.
How walkable is Montgomery?
Montgomery has a walkability score of 26 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 33, 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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($249 - $285), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $126/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL?
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. Alabama also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.