($701+) Des Moines, IA to Baton Rouge, LA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Baton Rouge, LA, runs anywhere from $681 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,139 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 956 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 $2,223, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,139 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,233 - $4,214, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $681 - $1,809.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Baton Rouge, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,697 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 Baton Rouge, LA
Moving options from Des Moines to Baton Rouge fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,697 - $6,072 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 956 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 956-mile route from Des Moines to Baton Rouge, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,223 - $4,866 | $1,233 - $2,177 | $681 - $1,277 | $1,045 - $1,978 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,697 - $6,072 | $1,539 - $3,209 | $736 - $1,533 | $1,280 - $2,445 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,287 - $8,139 | $2,033 - $4,214 | $859 - $1,809 | $1,660 - $3,050 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Baton Rouge, LA
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, costs between $2,223 and $8,139. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 956-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $268 - $1,788, 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 Baton Rouge. 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 Baton Rouge:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,223 - $4,866
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,697 - $6,072
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,287 - $8,139
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 Baton Rouge.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Baton Rouge, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Baton Rouge, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $447 - $4,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $179 - $1,073/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $268 - $2,146 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $894 - $2,682 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,235 - $8,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $670 - $1,272 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $894 - $2,235 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $715 - $3,129 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $268 - $1,341 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $581 - $1,788 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $268 - $13,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $268 - $3,129+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Baton Rouge?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Louisiana Motor Transport Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Des Moines, IA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Baton Rouge, LA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, cost between $1,233 and $4,214. 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 Baton Rouge:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,233 - $2,177
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,539 - $3,209
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,033 - $4,214
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Baton Rouge, LA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $626 in Des Moines, IA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $67 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $134 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Louisiana 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 $1,233. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,539 - $3,209, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Baton Rouge?
- 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:
- 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 Baton Rouge, LA
A rental truck for this 956-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, costs between $681 and $1,809. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $272 - $311
- 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 Baton Rouge based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $681 - $1,277
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $736 - $1,533
- 4+ bedrooms: $859 - $1,809
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $681 - $1,809 does not include fuel ($272 - $311) , lodging ($134/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Baton Rouge typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $272 - $311 for the 956-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about 5 hours typically costs around $626.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 956-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $134 per night, adding $268 - $402 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $45 and $268.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Baton Rouge?
- 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 Baton Rouge, LA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 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 $1,280 and $2,445.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Baton Rouge:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,045 - $1,978
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,280 - $2,445
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,660 - $3,050
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $67 and $134.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $626.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Baton Rouge?
- 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.
- 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 operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Baton Rouge, LA
Day-to-day costs in Baton Rouge are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 93 versus 87, with average rent of $1,250/mo compared to $1,150/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines versus 39/100 and 30.74/100 in Baton Rouge.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Baton Rouge, LA 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 Louisiana, 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 956-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Baton Rouge, LA, 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 $2,223 - $8,139 on the 956-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,233 - $4,214 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $681 - $1,809 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,697 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 Amedisys and LA State University Continuing.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Baton Rouge, LA
What are the best neighborhoods in Baton Rouge?
For families, Prairieville, Zachary, and Shenandoah are worth a look in Baton Rouge. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Highlands/Perkins, and South Baton Rouge tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Baton Rouge, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 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 Baton Rouge run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Baton Rouge, LA?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Baton Rouge, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,223 to $8,139, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,223 and $8,139, 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.
