($793+) Des Moines, IA to Myrtle Beach, SC Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Myrtle Beach, SC, runs anywhere from $785 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,589 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,239 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 $2,215, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,589 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,269 - $4,760, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $785 - $2,265.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Myrtle Beach, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,935 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
Moving options from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,935 - $6,591 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 1,239 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 1,239-mile route from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,215 - $5,080, container $1,269 - $2,503, rental truck $785 - $1,546, freight trailer $1,236 - $2,319.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,935 - $6,591, container $1,719 - $3,386, rental truck $858 - $1,746, freight trailer $1,348 - $2,626.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,661 - $9,589, container $2,260 - $4,760, rental truck $1,102 - $2,265, freight trailer $1,808 - $3,626.
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 Myrtle Beach, SC
For the 1,239-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, full-service movers cost between $2,215 and $9,589. 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 Myrtle Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,215 - $5,080
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,935 - $6,591
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,661 - $9,589
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 Myrtle Beach.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to South Carolina. 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Myrtle Beach, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $441 - $4,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% 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 coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% 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 items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $882 - $2,205 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $706 - $3,087 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $265 - $1,323 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $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 Myrtle Beach?
All three below meet the standards set by the South Carolina Trucking Association, the group most South Carolina 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Myrtle Beach, SC
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, cost between $1,269 and $4,760. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Des Moines typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,269 - $2,503
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,719 - $3,386
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,260 - $4,760
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 Myrtle Beach, SC, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to South Carolina 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 $1,269. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,719 - $3,386, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Myrtle Beach?
- 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
A rental truck for this 1,239-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, costs between $785 and $2,265. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $348 - $397
- 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 Myrtle Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $785 - $1,546
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $858 - $1,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,102 - $2,265
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $785 - $2,265 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach. Fuel alone runs ($348 - $397) , and overnight lodging ($132/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $348 - $397 for the 1,239-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 $617.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,239-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $132 per night, adding $265 - $397 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $44 and $265.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach?
- 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
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 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
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 $1,348 and $2,626.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Myrtle Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,236 - $2,319
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,348 - $2,626
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,808 - $3,626
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $617.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $66 - $132 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 Myrtle Beach?
- 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 one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Myrtle Beach quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Myrtle Beach, SC
Day-to-day costs in Myrtle Beach are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 90 versus 87, with average rent of $1,850/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 43/100 and 41.94/100 in Myrtle Beach.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Myrtle Beach, SC 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 South Carolina, 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 36 movers in Iowa, so you have real options to compare for this 1,239-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Myrtle Beach, SC, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,215 for a studio to $9,589 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,239-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,269 - $4,760. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $785 - $2,265, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,935 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Grand Strand Medical Center and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Myrtle Beach, SC
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 Myrtle Beach run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in South Carolina?
To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers.
What are the best neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach?
For families, Carolina Forest, The Market Common, and Grande Dunes are worth a look in Myrtle Beach. If you're moving solo or without kids, The Market Common, Carolina Forest, and Grande Dunes tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 54, 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.
Is Myrtle Beach a safe place to live?
Myrtle Beach has a safety index of 41.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.06, compared to 57.8 and 5.0 in Des Moines. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
