($715+) Des Moines, IA to Tallahassee, FL Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tallahassee, FL, runs anywhere from $715 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,138 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,136 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 $2,217, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,138 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,179 - $4,180, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $715 - $2,071.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Tallahassee, FL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,731 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 Tallahassee, FL
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Tallahassee: 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 $2,731 - $5,962. Moving containers run about 40% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 73% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,136-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 1,136-mile route from Des Moines to Tallahassee, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,217 for a studio up to $8,138 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,179 - $4,180 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $715 - $2,071, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,072 - $3,115, 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 Tallahassee, FL
For the 1,136-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tallahassee, Florida, full-service movers cost between $2,217 and $8,138. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $266 - $1,772 (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 Tallahassee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,217 - $5,137
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,731 - $5,962
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,582 - $8,138
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 Tallahassee.
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 Tallahassee, FL
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tallahassee, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| 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 | $886 - $2,658 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,215 - $8,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $664 - $1,261 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $576 - $1,772 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,101+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Tallahassee?
Look for Professional Movers Association of Florida membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Florida 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 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 Tallahassee, FL
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tallahassee, Florida, cost between $1,179 and $4,180. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Tallahassee. If you go over that window, storage in Des Moines adds around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Tallahassee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,179 - $2,138
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,627 - $3,008
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,033 - $4,180
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 $620, 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 $66 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $133 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Tallahassee, 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 $1,179. 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 $1,627 - $3,008.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Tallahassee?
- 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 Tallahassee, FL
Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tallahassee, Florida, range from $715 - $2,071 for the 1,136-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $320 - $366
- 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 Tallahassee based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $715 - $1,348
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $734 - $1,555
- 4+ bedrooms: $991 - $2,071
Pro tip: The base rate of $715 - $2,071 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Tallahassee. Fuel ($320 - $366), lodging at around $133/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $133 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 $58 and $288 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $320 - $366 in fuel for the 1,136-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $620 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 Tallahassee?
- 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 Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee, 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 $1,252 and $2,406.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Tallahassee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,072 - $1,924
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,252 - $2,406
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,643 - $3,115
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?
- 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 $66 - $133 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $620.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Tallahassee?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee, FL
Good news for your budget: Tallahassee isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Des Moines. Cost of living index runs 91 there against 87 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 here versus 30/100 and 41.65/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tallahassee, 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 1,136-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Tallahassee, FL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,217 for a studio to $8,138 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,136-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,179 - $4,180. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $715 - $2,071, 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 $2,731 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 Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Tallahassee, FL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Tallahassee, 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 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 Tallahassee run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Tallahassee, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Tallahassee?
For families, Killearn Estates, Southwood, and Betton Hills are worth a look in Tallahassee. If you're moving solo or without kids, Midtown, College Town, and Railroad Square Art District tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Tallahassee, 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 $734 - $1,555. 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 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.