($642+) Des Moines, IA to Atlanta, GA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Des Moines, IA to Atlanta, GA

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Atlanta, GA, runs anywhere from $604 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,633 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 892 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,995, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,633 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,104 - $4,065, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $604 - $1,749.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Atlanta, GA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,594 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 Atlanta, GA

Moving options from Des Moines to Atlanta fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,594 - $6,016 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 892-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 892-mile route from Des Moines to Atlanta, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,995 - $4,657 $1,104 - $2,172 $604 - $1,164 $1,058 - $1,954
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,594 - $6,016 $1,465 - $3,105 $658 - $1,440 $1,232 - $2,294
4+ bedrooms $4,393 - $8,633 $1,991 - $4,065 $817 - $1,749 $1,641 - $3,005

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 Atlanta, GA

Full-service movers for the 892-mile relocation from Des Moines, Iowa, to Atlanta, Georgia, cost between $1,995 and $8,633. 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 Atlanta:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,995 - $4,657
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,594 - $6,016
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,393 - $8,633

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 Atlanta.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Georgia. 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 Atlanta, GA

Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Atlanta, 88% 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 Atlanta?

Georgia Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Georgia, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Des Moines, IA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.

Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Atlanta, GA

Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Atlanta, Georgia, cost between $1,104 and $4,065. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Atlanta:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,104 - $2,172
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,465 - $3,105
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,991 - $4,065

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 $682, 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 $73 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $146 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Des Moines, IA, and Atlanta, GA, 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 Georgia 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 $1,104. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,465 - $3,105, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Atlanta?

  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 Atlanta, GA

A rental truck for this 892-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Atlanta, Georgia, costs between $604 and $1,749. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $276 - $316
  • 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 Atlanta based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $604 - $1,164
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $658 - $1,440
  • 4+ bedrooms: $817 - $1,749

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Atlanta starts at $604 - $1,749, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($276 - $316) , overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $146 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 $682 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 892-mile drive falls between $276 and $316, 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 $49 and $292 to your total.

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

  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 Atlanta, GA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Atlanta, Georgia, 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 $1,232 and $2,294.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,058 - $1,954
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,232 - $2,294
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,641 - $3,005

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

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 Atlanta?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  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 and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Atlanta. 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 Atlanta, GA

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

Measure Des Moines, IA Atlanta, GA
Cost of living index87113
Average rent$1,150/mo$1,900/mo
Median home value$183,553$419,637
Average income$63,966/yr$81,938/yr
Unemployment rate5.9%6.0%
State income taxUp to 4.4%Up to 5.49%
Walkability score45/10048/100
Safety index57.8/10035.77/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 Atlanta, GA to Des Moines, IA guide.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 892-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Atlanta, GA, run $1,995 - $8,633 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,104 - $4,065, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $604 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,594, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Atlanta tend to point to ample economic opportunity and mild winters, though terrible traffic and urban sprawl come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Delta Air Lines and Emory University / Emory Healthcare.

FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Atlanta, GA

What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Atlanta, GA?

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. Georgia 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 do I know a mover is licensed in Georgia?

Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($276 - $316), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Atlanta?

Atlanta has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 42, 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.

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Atlanta, GA?

Costs on this route range from around $1,995 to $8,633, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,995 and $8,633, 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 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.