($819+) Des Moines, IA to Orlando, FL Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Des Moines, IA to Orlando, FL

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Orlando, FL, runs anywhere from $897 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,080 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,338 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 $2,284, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,080 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,393 - $4,723, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $897 - $2,511.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Orlando, FL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,851 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 Orlando, FL

Moving options from Des Moines to Orlando fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,851 - $6,730 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 1,338-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 1,338-mile route from Des Moines to Orlando, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,284 - $5,127 $1,393 - $2,623 $897 - $1,566 $1,279 - $2,246
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,851 - $6,730 $1,815 - $3,730 $951 - $2,019 $1,466 - $2,985
4+ bedrooms $4,990 - $9,080 $2,295 - $4,723 $1,208 - $2,511 $1,931 - $3,628

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 Orlando, FL

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,338-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Orlando, Florida, with prices running from $2,284 - $9,080. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $284 - $1,892 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Orlando 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 Orlando:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,284 - $5,127
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,851 - $6,730
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,990 - $9,080

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 Orlando.

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

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 Orlando, FL

Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Orlando, 93% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing92% of local movers$473 - $4,730
Storage in transitNew place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$189 - $1,135/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$284 - $2,270
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$946 - $2,838
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,365 - $9,460
Car shippingSecond vehicle$709 - $1,346
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving$946 - $2,365
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$757 - $3,311
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers$284 - $1,419
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC$615 - $1,892
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$284 - $14,190+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$284 - $3,311+

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

All three below meet the standards set by the Professional Movers Association of Florida, the group most Florida movers are affiliated with.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

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 Orlando, FL

Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Orlando, Florida, cost between $1,393 and $4,723. 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 Orlando:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,393 - $2,623
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,815 - $3,730
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,295 - $4,723

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 $662, 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 $71 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $142 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Orlando, 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 $1,393. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,815 - $3,730, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Orlando?

  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 Orlando, FL

Plan on $897 - $2,511 for a rental moving truck on the 1,338-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Orlando, Florida. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $403 - $460
  • Daily insurance: $28/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 Orlando based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $897 - $1,566
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $951 - $2,019
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,511

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $897 - $2,511 does not include fuel ($403 - $460) , lodging ($142/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Orlando typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $142 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Des Moines, Iowa, usually costs about $662 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 1,338-mile drive falls between $403 and $460, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $47 and $284 to your total.

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

  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 Orlando, FL

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Orlando, Florida, 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 $1,466 and $2,985.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,279 - $2,246
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,466 - $2,985
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,931 - $3,628

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 $71 - $142 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 $662.

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

  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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Orlando 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 Orlando, FL

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

Measure Des Moines, IA Orlando, FL
Cost of living index87106
Average rent$1,150/mo$1,943/mo
Median home value$183,553$354,444
Average income$63,966/yr$69,268/yr
Unemployment rate5.9%5.8%
State income taxUp to 4.4%None
Walkability score45/10041/100
Safety index57.8/10050.43/100
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 Orlando, FL 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 Florida, 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 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,338-mile move like this one.

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Our take

For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Orlando, FL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,284 for a studio to $9,080 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,338-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,393 - $4,723. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $897 - $2,511, 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 $2,851 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Darden Restaurants and Red Lobster.

FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Orlando, FL

How do I know a mover is licensed in Florida?

Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services.

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 Orlando run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Orlando, FL?

Costs on this route range from around $2,284 to $9,080, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,284 and $9,080, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Orlando, FL?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $951 - $2,019. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

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.