($540+) Des Moines, IA to Knoxville, TN Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Knoxville, TN, runs anywhere from $540 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,057 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 830 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 $1,881, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,057 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,076 - $3,455, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $540 - $1,593.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Knoxville, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,280 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 Knoxville, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Knoxville: 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 $2,280 - $5,831. Containers cost roughly 42% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 72% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 830 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 830-mile route from Des Moines to Knoxville, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,881 - $4,471 | $1,076 - $1,906 | $540 - $1,115 | $968 - $1,803 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,280 - $5,831 | $1,313 - $2,727 | $633 - $1,300 | $1,128 - $2,094 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,062 - $8,057 | $1,875 - $3,455 | $730 - $1,593 | $1,486 - $2,821 |
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 Knoxville, TN
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Knoxville, Tennessee, costs between $1,881 and $8,057. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 830-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $267 - $1,780, 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 Knoxville. 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 Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,881 - $4,471
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,280 - $5,831
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,062 - $8,057
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 Knoxville.
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 Knoxville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Knoxville, 76% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $445 - $4,450 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $178 - $1,068/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $267 - $2,136 |
| 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 | $890 - $2,670 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,225 - $8,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $667 - $1,266 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Lint Van Lines | $890 - $2,225 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $712 - $3,115 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $267 - $1,335 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $579 - $1,780 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $267 - $13,350+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $267 - $3,115+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Knoxville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 Knoxville, TN
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Knoxville, Tennessee, cost between $1,076 and $3,455. 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 Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,076 - $1,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,727
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,875 - $3,455
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $67 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $134 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 $623 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 Knoxville, TN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Tennessee 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 $1,076. 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 $1,313 - $2,727.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Knoxville?
- 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 Knoxville, TN
Renting a moving truck for the 830-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Knoxville, Tennessee, costs between $540 and $1,593, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $235 - $269
- Daily insurance: $27/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 Knoxville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $540 - $1,115
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $633 - $1,300
- 4+ bedrooms: $730 - $1,593
Pro tip: The base rate of $540 - $1,593 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Des Moines to Knoxville. Fuel ($235 - $269), lodging at around $134/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 $623.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $235 - $269 for the 830-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 $53 and $289, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $134 per night for hotel stops on the 830-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $267 - $401.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Knoxville?
- 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 Knoxville, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Knoxville, Tennessee. 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 $801 and $2,094.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Knoxville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $968 - $1,803
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,128 - $2,094
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,486 - $2,821
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $623.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $67 - $134 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 Knoxville?
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Des Moines to Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Des Moines and Knoxville to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 92. Average rent: $1,150/mo vs. $1,795/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 31. Safety index: 57.8 vs. 57.46.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Tennessee, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Iowa alone has 67 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 830-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Knoxville, TN, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,881 - $8,057 on the 830-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,076 - $3,455, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $540 - $1,593. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,280 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Regal Cinemas Corp and Regal.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Knoxville, TN
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.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Knoxville, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $540 to $8,057, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,881 and $8,057, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Knoxville, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $633 - $1,300. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($235 - $269), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $134/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Knoxville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 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.