($837+) Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Gilbert, AZ, runs anywhere from $837 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,257 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,386 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 $2,120, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,257 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,284 - $4,362, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $837 - $2,281.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Gilbert, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,846 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 Gilbert, AZ
Moving options from Des Moines to Gilbert fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,846 - $6,740 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 69% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,386-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 1,386-mile route from Des Moines to Gilbert, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,120 for a studio up to $9,257 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,284 - $4,362 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $837 - $2,281, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,203 - $3,781, 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 Gilbert, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Gilbert, Arizona, costs between $2,120 and $9,257. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,386-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $292 - $1,948, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Des Moines and Gilbert. For a rough baseline, movers based in Des Moines tend to start around $737 plus $142/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Gilbert:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,120 - $4,959
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,846 - $6,740
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,863 - $9,257
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 Gilbert.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Gilbert, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $487 - $4,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $195 - $1,169/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,338 |
| 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 | $974 - $2,922 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,435 - $9,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $730 - $1,386 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $974 - $2,435 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $779 - $3,409 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $292 - $1,461 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $633 - $1,948 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,610+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,409+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Gilbert?
Movers licensed to operate in Arizona are typically members of the Arizona Moving Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Gilbert, Arizona, cost between $1,284 and $4,362. 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 Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Gilbert:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,284 - $2,519
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,741 - $3,516
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,341 - $4,362
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $682 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Gilbert, AZ, destination before booking.
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 $1,284. 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 $1,741 - $3,516.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Gilbert?
- 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 Gilbert, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 1,386-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Gilbert, Arizona, costs between $837 and $2,281, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $430 - $491
- 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 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 Gilbert based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $837 - $1,571
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $869 - $1,926
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,140 - $2,281
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Gilbert starts at $837 - $2,281, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($430 - $491), overnight lodging ($146/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $682.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $430 - $491 for the 1,386-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $317, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 1,386-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $292 - $438.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Gilbert?
- 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 Gilbert, AZ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Gilbert, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,338 and $2,868.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Gilbert:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $2,267
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,338 - $2,868
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,836 - $3,781
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $73 - $146 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $682.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Gilbert?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Gilbert quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Gilbert, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Gilbert, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Gilbert, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $2,250/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $518,558 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $121,351/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 29/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 85.23/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Gilbert, 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 67 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 1,386-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Gilbert, AZ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,120 for a studio to $9,257 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,386-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,284 - $4,362. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $837 - $2,281, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,846 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Gilbert tend to point to quality education and fantastic weather, though high cost of living and hot summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Gilbert Public Schools and Banner Health 2,268.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Gilbert, AZ
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Gilbert, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $837 to $9,257, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,120 and $9,257, 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 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 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 Gilbert run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.
What are the best neighborhoods in Gilbert?
For families, Seville, Power Ranch, and Val Vista Lakes are worth a look in Gilbert. If you're moving solo or without kids, Agritopia, The Islands, and Spectrum at Val Vista tend to be popular picks instead.
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.