($741+) Des Moines, IA to Jacksonville, FL Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Jacksonville, FL, runs anywhere from $741 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,044 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,245 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 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 $2,046, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,044 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,272 - $4,191, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $741 - $2,051.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Jacksonville, FL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,579 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 Jacksonville, FL
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Jacksonville: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,579 - $6,597. Moving containers run about 35% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 70% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,245-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,245-mile route from Des Moines to Jacksonville, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,046 - $4,890 | $1,272 - $2,431 | $741 - $1,531 | $1,133 - $2,167 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,579 - $6,597 | $1,669 - $3,291 | $785 - $1,786 | $1,310 - $2,503 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,628 - $9,044 | $2,175 - $4,191 | $1,050 - $2,051 | $1,671 - $3,318 |
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 Jacksonville, FL
For the 1,245-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Jacksonville, Florida, full-service movers cost between $2,046 and $9,044. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $272 - $1,812 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Jacksonville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,046 - $4,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,579 - $6,597
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,628 - $9,044
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 Jacksonville.
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 Jacksonville, FL
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Jacksonville, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $453 - $4,530 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $181 - $1,087/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $272 - $2,174 |
| 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 | $906 - $2,718 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,265 - $9,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $679 - $1,289 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $906 - $2,265 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $725 - $3,171 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $272 - $1,359 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $589 - $1,812 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $272 - $13,590+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $272 - $3,171+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Jacksonville?
Movers licensed to operate in Florida are typically members of the Professional Movers Association of Florida, 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 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 Jacksonville, FL
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Jacksonville, Florida, cost between $1,272 and $4,191. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Jacksonville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,272 - $2,431
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,669 - $3,291
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,175 - $4,191
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Des Moines, IA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $634, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $68 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $136 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Jacksonville, FL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Florida 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 $1,272. 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 $1,669 - $3,291.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Jacksonville?
- 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 Jacksonville, FL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,245 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Jacksonville, Florida, running $741 - $2,051. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $359 - $410
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- 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 Jacksonville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $741 - $1,531
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $785 - $1,786
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,050 - $2,051
Pro tip: The base rate of $741 - $2,051 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Jacksonville. Fuel ($359 - $410), lodging at around $136/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $68 and $317.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $136.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $359 and $410 for the 1,245-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 $634 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 Jacksonville?
- 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 Jacksonville, FL
If you're moving a larger household from Des Moines, Iowa, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Jacksonville, Florida.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,310 and $2,503.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Jacksonville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,133 - $2,167
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,310 - $2,503
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,671 - $3,318
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $634.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $68 and $136 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Jacksonville?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville, FL
Day-to-day costs in Jacksonville are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 96 versus 87, with average rent of $1,520/mo compared to $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines versus 26/100 and 43.62/100 in Jacksonville.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Jacksonville, FL to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Florida in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 67 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 1,245-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Jacksonville, FL, 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 $2,046 - $9,044 on the 1,245-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,272 - $4,191 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $741 - $2,051 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,579 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FIS and Southeastern Grocers.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Jacksonville, FL
How walkable is Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has a walkability score of 26 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, 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 Jacksonville a safe place to live?
Jacksonville has a safety index of 43.62 out of 100 and a crime index of 56.38, 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 Jacksonville, FL?
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 Jacksonville, FL?
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. Florida 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.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Jacksonville, FL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.