($935+) Des Moines, IA to Reno, NV Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Reno, NV, runs anywhere from $935 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,177 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,577 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,175, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,177 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,423 - $4,803, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $935 - $2,559.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Reno, NV. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,081 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 Reno, NV
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Reno: 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 $3,081 - $7,083. Containers cost roughly 41% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 68% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,577 miles, expect 4 to 15 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 1,577-mile route from Des Moines to Reno, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,175 for a studio up to $10,177 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,423 - $4,803 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $935 - $2,559, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,217 - $3,764, 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 Reno, NV
For the 1,577-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Reno, Nevada, full-service movers cost between $2,175 and $10,177. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $299 - $1,996 (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 Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,175 - $5,255
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,081 - $7,083
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,463 - $10,177
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 Reno.
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 Reno, NV
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Reno, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $499 - $4,990 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $200 - $1,198/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $299 - $2,395 |
| 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 | $998 - $2,994 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,495 - $9,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $748 - $1,420 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $998 - $2,495 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $798 - $3,493 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $299 - $1,497 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $649 - $1,996 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $299 - $14,970+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $299 - $3,493+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Reno?
- 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 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 Reno, NV
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Reno, Nevada, cost between $1,423 and $4,803. 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 Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,423 - $2,674
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,819 - $3,847
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,503 - $4,803
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $75 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $150 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 $699 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 Reno, NV, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Nevada 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 $1,423. 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 $1,819 - $3,847.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Reno?
- 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 Reno, NV
Renting a moving truck for the 1,577-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Reno, Nevada, costs between $935 and $2,559, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $501 - $572
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Reno based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $935 - $1,778
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $982 - $2,094
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,276 - $2,559
Pro tip: The base rate of $935 - $2,559 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Reno. Fuel ($501 - $572), lodging at around $150/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $699.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $501 - $572 for the 1,577-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $60 and $324, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $150 per night for hotel stops on the 1,577-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $299 - $449.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Reno?
- 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 Reno, NV
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Reno, Nevada.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,412 and $2,901.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,217 - $2,406
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,412 - $2,901
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,884 - $3,764
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 $699.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $75 - $150 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 Reno?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Reno, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Reno, NV
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Reno, side by side with Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 119 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,700/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $499,932 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $78,448/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 40/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 53.74/100 |
| 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 Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Iowa to Nevada, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 67 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 1,577-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Reno, NV, 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 $2,175 - $10,177 on the 1,577-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,423 - $4,803 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $935 - $2,559 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,081 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 Amerco and Trane.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Reno, NV
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Reno, NV?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Nevada?
Movers that provide relocation services within the Silver State are subject to rules and regulations set forth by the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA). The NTA’s aims include fostering economic growth and promoting efficient, safe, and reliable moving services around the state.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($501 - $572), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $150/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Reno?
Reno has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 52, 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 Reno, NV?
Costs on this route range from around $935 to $10,177, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,175 and $10,177, 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 43% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.