($796+) Des Moines, IA to Albany, NY Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Albany, NY, runs anywhere from $736 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,805 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,134 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 $2,328, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,805 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,340 - $4,431, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $736 - $2,007.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Albany, NY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,868 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 Albany, NY
Moving options from Des Moines to Albany fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,868 - $6,518 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 1,134 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 1,134-mile route from Des Moines to Albany, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,328 - $5,291 | $1,340 - $2,337 | $736 - $1,372 | $1,183 - $2,019 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,868 - $6,518 | $1,627 - $3,353 | $803 - $1,683 | $1,367 - $2,709 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,577 - $8,805 | $2,133 - $4,431 | $978 - $2,007 | $1,831 - $3,302 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 11, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Albany, NY
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,134-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Albany, New York, with prices running from $2,328 - $8,805. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $275 - $1,836 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Albany are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Des Moines movers tend to run around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Albany:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,328 - $5,291
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,868 - $6,518
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,577 - $8,805
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 Albany.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to New York. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Add-ons and specialty services from Des Moines, IA to Albany, NY
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Des Moines to Albany) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $459 - $4,590 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $184 - $1,102/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $275 - $2,203 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $918 - $2,754 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,295 - $9,180 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $688 - $1,306 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $918 - $2,295 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $734 - $3,213 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $275 - $1,377 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $597 - $1,836 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $275 - $13,770+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $275 - $3,213+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Albany | $203/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Albany | $73/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Albany | $58/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Albany?
All three below meet the standards set by the New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most New York 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 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 Albany, NY
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Albany, New York, cost between $1,340 and $4,431. 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 Albany. 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 Albany:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,340 - $2,337
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,627 - $3,353
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,133 - $4,431
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Albany, NY. 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 $643 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 $69 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $138 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 New York 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 $1,340. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,627 - $3,353, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Albany?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Albany, NY
Plan on $736 - $2,007 for a rental moving truck on the 1,134-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Albany, New York. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $331 - $379
- Daily insurance: $28/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 Albany based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $736 - $1,372
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $803 - $1,683
- 4+ bedrooms: $978 - $2,007
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $736 - $2,007 does not include fuel ($331 - $379) , lodging ($138/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Albany typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $331 - $379 for the 1,134-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 $643.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,134-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $138 per night, adding $275 - $413 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $46 and $275.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Albany?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Lower advertised base rates than U-Haul or Penske, combined with AAA, military, and online booking discounts, make Budget the most affordable major rental option.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable rental on this list. Penske runs one of the youngest fleets in the industry (averaging under 2 years old) and includes 24/7 roadside support and unlimited mileage on long-distance moves.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability pick. U-Haul's 23,000+ locations and 7 truck sizes make it the easiest rental to book on short notice, especially for one-way and same-day moves.
Freight trailer costs from Des Moines, IA to Albany, NY
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Albany, New York. 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 $826 and $2,709.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Albany:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,183 - $2,019
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,367 - $2,709
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,831 - $3,302
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 $643.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $69 - $138 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 Albany?
- 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Albany fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Albany, NY
Day-to-day costs in Albany are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 99 versus 87, with average rent of $1,450/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 65/100 and 49.65/100 in Albany.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Albany, NY to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed over 365 real quotes from Des Moines, IA to Albany, NY, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 36 movers licensed in Iowa, useful context for sizing up this 1,134-mile move.
Our take
The 1,134-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Albany, NY, costs between $2,328 and $8,805 with full-service movers, $1,340 - $4,431 with a moving container, and $736 - $2,007 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,868 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Research Foundation for SUNY and Equinox.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Albany, NY
How walkable is Albany?
Albany has a walkability score of 65 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 55, 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 Albany, NY?
Costs on this route range from around $2,328 to $8,805, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,328 and $8,805, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Albany, NY?
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.
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 Albany run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Albany, NY 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.
