($643+) Des Moines, IA to Lafayette, LA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Lafayette, LA, runs anywhere from $643 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,756 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 958 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 $2,016, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,756 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,163 - $3,823, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $643 - $1,707.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Lafayette, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,544 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 Lafayette, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Lafayette: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,544 - $6,204. Containers cost roughly 45% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 74% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 958 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 958-mile route from Des Moines to Lafayette, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,016 for a studio up to $7,756 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,163 - $3,823 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $643 - $1,707, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $985 - $2,876, 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 Lafayette, LA
For the 958-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Lafayette, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $2,016 and $7,756. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $265 - $1,764 (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 Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,016 - $4,778
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,544 - $6,204
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,003 - $7,756
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 Lafayette.
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 Lafayette, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lafayette, 40% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $441 - $4,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $176 - $1,058/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $265 - $2,117 |
| 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 | $882 - $2,646 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,205 - $8,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $661 - $1,255 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $882 - $2,205 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $706 - $3,087 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $265 - $1,323 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $573 - $1,764 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $265 - $13,230+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $265 - $3,087+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Lafayette?
All three below meet the standards set by the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, the group most Louisiana movers are affiliated with.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 Lafayette, LA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Lafayette, Louisiana, cost between $1,163 and $3,823. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Des Moines typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $2,116
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,408 - $2,767
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,898 - $3,823
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $132 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $617 in Des Moines, IA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Lafayette, LA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,163. 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 $1,408 - $2,767.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Lafayette?
- 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 Lafayette, LA
Plan on $643 - $1,707 for a rental moving truck on the 958-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Lafayette, Louisiana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $269 - $307
- Daily insurance: $26/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 Lafayette based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $643 - $1,252
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $667 - $1,375
- 4+ bedrooms: $862 - $1,707
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Lafayette starts at $643 - $1,707, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($269 - $307), overnight lodging ($132/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $132 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 $617 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 958-mile drive falls between $269 and $307, 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 $44 and $265 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Lafayette?
- 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 Lafayette, LA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Lafayette, Louisiana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $794 and $2,190.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $985 - $1,847
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,219 - $2,190
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,550 - $2,876
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $66 - $132 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 $617.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Lafayette?
- 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.
- 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.
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 Lafayette, LA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Des Moines and Lafayette to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 90. Average rent: $1,150/mo vs. $2,825/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 42. Safety index: 57.8 vs. 54.25.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Louisiana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 67 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 958-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Lafayette, 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 $2,016 - $7,756 on the 958-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,163 - $3,823 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $643 - $1,707 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,544 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 LHC Group and King-Patin.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Lafayette, LA
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 Lafayette run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Louisiana?
If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
What are the best neighborhoods in Lafayette?
For families, Youngsville, Erath, and Maurice are worth a look in Lafayette. If you're moving solo or without kids, Saint Streets, Freetown-Port Rico, and Downtown Lafayette tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Lafayette?
Lafayette has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, 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.
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.