($607+) Des Moines, IA to Amarillo, TX Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Des Moines, IA to Amarillo, TX

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Amarillo, TX, runs anywhere from $595 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,038 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 802 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 $1,834, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,038 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,129 - $3,580, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $595 - $1,586.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Amarillo, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,541 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Amarillo, TX

There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Amarillo: 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 $2,541 - $5,775. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 802 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 802-mile route from Des Moines to Amarillo, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,834 - $4,638 $1,129 - $2,039 $595 - $1,123 $985 - $1,761
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,541 - $5,775 $1,451 - $2,972 $662 - $1,268 $1,196 - $2,263
4+ bedrooms $4,158 - $8,038 $1,928 - $3,580 $829 - $1,586 $1,481 - $2,834

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Amarillo, TX

Hiring full-service movers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Amarillo, Texas, costs between $1,834 and $8,038. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 802-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $245 - $1,636, 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 Amarillo. 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 Amarillo:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,834 - $4,638
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,541 - $5,775
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,158 - $8,038

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 Amarillo.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Amarillo, TX

Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Amarillo, 83% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing92% of local movers$409 - $4,090
Storage in transitNew place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$164 - $982/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$245 - $1,963
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers$818 - $2,454
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,045 - $8,180
Car shippingSecond vehicle$613 - $1,164
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving$818 - $2,045
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$654 - $2,863
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers$245 - $1,227
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC$532 - $1,636
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$245 - $12,270+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$245 - $2,863+

What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Amarillo?

Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining 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 Amarillo, TX

Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Amarillo, Texas, cost between $1,129 and $3,580. 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 Amarillo:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,129 - $2,039
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,451 - $2,972
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,928 - $3,580

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $61 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $123 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Amarillo, TX, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $573 in Des Moines, IA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Iowa to Texas 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 $1,129. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,451 - $2,972, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Amarillo?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Amarillo, TX

Truck rentals from Des Moines, Iowa, to Amarillo, Texas, range from $595 - $1,586 for the 802-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $209 - $239
  • Daily insurance: $25/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $16
  • Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Des Moines to Amarillo based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $595 - $1,123
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $662 - $1,268
  • 4+ bedrooms: $829 - $1,586

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $595 - $1,586 does not include fuel ($209 - $239) , lodging ($123/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Amarillo 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 $123 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 $53 and $266 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $209 - $239 in fuel for the 802-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $573 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 Amarillo?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Amarillo, TX

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 Amarillo, Texas.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,196 and $2,263.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Amarillo:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $985 - $1,761
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,196 - $2,263
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,481 - $2,834

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?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $573.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $61 and $123 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Amarillo?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Amarillo 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 Amarillo, TX

Des Moines and Amarillo land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Des Moines and 74 in Amarillo, and rent tracks closely too ($1,150/mo vs. $1,200/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (45 vs 40) and safety scores (57.8 vs 74.69) come out about the same too.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Amarillo, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 3 real quotes from Iowa to Texas, 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 802-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 802-mile route from Des Moines, IA, to Amarillo, TX, run $1,834 - $8,038 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,129 - $3,580, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $595 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,541, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include BSA Health System and Northwest Texas Healthcare System.

FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Amarillo, TX

How walkable is Amarillo?

Amarillo has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 42, 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.

What are the best neighborhoods in Amarillo?

For families, Sleepy Hollow, Puckett, and Wolflin are worth a look in Amarillo. If you're moving solo or without kids, San Jacinto Heights, Downtown Amarillo, and Wolflin tend to be popular picks instead.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?

In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.

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 Amarillo run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

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.