($466+) Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Memphis, TN, runs anywhere from $495 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,183 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 617 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,547, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,183 or more.
- Moving containers run $987 - $3,317, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $495 - $1,327.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Memphis, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,379 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 Memphis, TN
Moving options from Des Moines to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,379 - $5,866 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 617-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 617-mile route from Des Moines to Memphis, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,547 for a studio up to $8,183 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $987 - $3,317 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $495 - $1,327, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $982 - $2,788, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN
Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $1,547 and $8,183. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 617-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $260 - $1,732, 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 Memphis. 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 Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,547 - $4,415
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,379 - $5,866
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,187 - $8,183
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 Memphis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Tennessee. 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 Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Memphis, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $433 - $4,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $173 - $1,039/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $260 - $2,078 |
| 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 | $866 - $2,598 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,165 - $8,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $649 - $1,232 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $866 - $2,165 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $693 - $3,031 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $260 - $1,299 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $563 - $1,732 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $260 - $12,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $260 - $3,031+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Memphis?
- 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 Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $987 and $3,317. 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 Memphis. 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 Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $987 - $1,892
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,306 - $2,643
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,743 - $3,317
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $606 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $65 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $130 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Memphis, TN, destination before booking.
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 $987. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,306 - $2,643, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Memphis?
- 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 Memphis, TN
Renting a moving truck for the 617-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $495 and $1,327, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $170 - $194
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- 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 Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $495 - $898
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $504 - $1,099
- 4+ bedrooms: $648 - $1,327
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $495 - $1,327 does not include fuel ($170 - $194) , lodging ($130/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Memphis typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $130 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $56 and $281 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $170 - $194 in fuel for the 617-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $606 in Des Moines, Iowa, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Memphis?
- 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 Memphis, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Memphis, 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 $779 and $2,012.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $982 - $1,653
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,055 - $2,012
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,494 - $2,788
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $65 - $130 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $606.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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 Memphis, TN
Des Moines and Memphis land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 86 in Memphis, and rent tracks closely too ($1,150/mo vs. $1,299/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (45 vs 35) and safety scores (57.8 vs 22.51) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis, TN 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 Tennessee, 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 617-mile move.
Our take
A move from Des Moines, IA, to Memphis, 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 $1,547 - $8,183 on the 617-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $987 - $3,317, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $495 - $1,327. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,379 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 FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Memphis, TN
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($170 - $194), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $130/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN 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 is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN?
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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN?
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.
Is Memphis a safe place to live?
Memphis has a safety index of 22.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 77.49, 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.
