($923+) Des Moines, IA to Chandler, AZ Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Des Moines, IA to Chandler, AZ

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Chandler, AZ, runs anywhere from $915 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,526 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,399 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 $2,364, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,526 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,348 - $4,673, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $915 - $2,591.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Chandler, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,168 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Chandler, AZ

Moving options from Des Moines to Chandler fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,168 - $6,729 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,399-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,399-mile route from Des Moines to Chandler, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,364 - $5,151 $1,348 - $2,463 $915 - $1,784 $1,238 - $2,310
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,168 - $6,729 $1,828 - $3,764 $931 - $2,042 $1,476 - $2,809
4+ bedrooms $5,262 - $9,526 $2,555 - $4,673 $1,270 - $2,591 $1,966 - $3,700

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Chandler, AZ

Full-service movers for the 1,399-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chandler, Arizona, cost between $2,364 and $9,526. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $292 - $1,948, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Des Moines typically charge a base rate around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Chandler:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,364 - $5,151
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,168 - $6,729
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,262 - $9,526

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 Chandler.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Des Moines, IA to Chandler, AZ

Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chandler, 85% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing92% of local movers$487 - $4,870
Storage in transitNew place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$195 - $1,169/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$292 - $2,338
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers$974 - $2,922
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,435 - $9,740
Car shippingSecond vehicle$730 - $1,386
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving$974 - $2,435
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$779 - $3,409
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers$292 - $1,461
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC$633 - $1,948
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$292 - $14,610+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$292 - $3,409+

What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Chandler?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Arizona Moving Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Des Moines, IA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Chandler, AZ

Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chandler, Arizona, cost between $1,348 and $4,673. 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 Chandler:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,348 - $2,463
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,828 - $3,764
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,555 - $4,673

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $73 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $146 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chandler, AZ, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $682 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Arizona 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 $1,348. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,828 - $3,764, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Chandler?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Chandler, AZ

Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chandler, Arizona, range from $915 - $2,591 for the 1,399-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $434 - $496
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to Chandler based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $915 - $1,784
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $931 - $2,042
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,270 - $2,591

Pro tip: The base rate of $915 - $2,591 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Chandler. Fuel ($434 - $496) , lodging at around $146/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $434 - $496 for the 1,399-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 Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $682.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,399-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $292 - $438 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $292.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Chandler?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Chandler, AZ

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Chandler, Arizona, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,476 and $2,809.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Chandler:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,238 - $2,310
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,476 - $2,809
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,966 - $3,700

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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $73 - $146 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $682.

What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Chandler?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Chandler. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Chandler, AZ

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chandler, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Des Moines, IA Chandler, AZ
Cost of living index87113
Average rent$1,150/mo$2,250/mo
Median home value$183,553$469,102
Average income$63,966/yr$103,691/yr
Unemployment rate5.9%5.3%
State income taxUp to 4.4%Up to 2.5%
Walkability score45/10035/100
Safety index57.8/10076.61/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Chandler, AZ to Des Moines, IA guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Arizona 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 36 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 1,399-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Chandler, AZ, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,364 - $9,526 on the 1,399-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,348 - $4,673 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $915 - $2,591 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,168 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chandler tend to point to quality education and safe, though overcrowding and long commutes come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Intel and Wells Fargo.

FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Chandler, AZ

How walkable is Chandler?

Chandler has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 55, 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 Chandler a safe place to live?

Chandler has a safety index of 76.61 out of 100 and a crime index of 23.39, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Chandler, AZ?

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.

What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Chandler, AZ?

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.

How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Chandler, AZ 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 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.