($693+) Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $659 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,648 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,010 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 $2,187, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,648 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,255 - $4,231, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $659 - $1,922.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,696 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Des Moines to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,696 - $6,343 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,010 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,010-mile route from Des Moines to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,187 - $5,382 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,255 - $2,223), rental truck ($659 - $1,277), or freight trailer ($1,152 - $1,980). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,696 - $6,343 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,648.
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 New Orleans, LA
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $2,187 and $8,648. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,010-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $279 - $1,860, 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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,187 - $5,382
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,696 - $6,343
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,462 - $8,648
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 New Orleans.
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: 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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New Orleans, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $465 - $4,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $186 - $1,116/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $279 - $2,232 |
| 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 | $930 - $2,790 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,325 - $9,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $697 - $1,323 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $930 - $2,325 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $744 - $3,255 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $279 - $1,395 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $605 - $1,860 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $279 - $13,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $279 - $3,255+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to New Orleans?
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 New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,255 and $4,231. 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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,255 - $2,223
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,600 - $3,029
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,011 - $4,231
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $70 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $140 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 $651 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 New Orleans, 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 $1,255. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,600 - $3,029, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to New Orleans?
- 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 New Orleans, LA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,010 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to New Orleans, Louisiana, running $659 - $1,922. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $299 - $342
- 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 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 New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $659 - $1,277
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $771 - $1,642
- 4+ bedrooms: $988 - $1,922
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $659 - $1,922 does not include fuel ($299 - $342) , lodging ($140/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to New Orleans typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $299 - $342 for the 1,010-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 $651.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,010-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $140 per night, adding $279 - $419 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $279.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to New Orleans?
- 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 New Orleans, LA
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 New Orleans, Louisiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,267 and $2,497.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,152 - $1,980
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,267 - $2,497
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,761 - $3,220
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Des Moines, Iowa, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $651.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $70 - $140 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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 New Orleans, LA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in New Orleans, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 102 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,755/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $300,283 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $55,339/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 11.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 58/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 32.69/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Louisiana 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 36 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 1,010-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,010-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to New Orleans, LA, run $2,187 - $8,648 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,255 - $4,231, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $659 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,696, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to New Orleans, LA
What are the best neighborhoods in New Orleans?
For families, Algiers Point, Bayou St. John, and East Carrollton are worth a look in New Orleans. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Business District, Freret, and Gentilly Terrace tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,187 to $8,648, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,187 and $8,648, 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.
