($535+) Des Moines, IA to Amarillo, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Amarillo, TX, runs anywhere from $535 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,592 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,822, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,592 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,045 - $3,667, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $535 - $1,559.
- 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 $2,473 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 Amarillo, TX
Moving options from Des Moines to Amarillo fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,473 - $6,093 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 76% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 802-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
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 | $1,822 - $4,472 | $1,045 - $2,044 | $535 - $1,114 | $969 - $1,840 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,473 - $6,093 | $1,399 - $2,864 | $589 - $1,273 | $1,075 - $2,181 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,809 - $7,592 | $1,822 - $3,667 | $746 - $1,559 | $1,488 - $2,962 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Des Moines, IA to Amarillo, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 802-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Amarillo, Texas, with prices running from $1,822 - $7,592. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $245 - $1,636 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Amarillo 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 Amarillo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,822 - $4,472
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,473 - $6,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,809 - $7,592
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.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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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 60% nationally. In Amarillo, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing62% of local movers | $409 - $4,090 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $164 - $982/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $245 - $1,963 |
| 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 | $818 - $2,454 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,045 - $8,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $613 - $1,164 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $818 - $2,045 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $654 - $2,863 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $245 - $1,227 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $532 - $1,636 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $245 - $12,270+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $245 - $2,863+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Amarillo?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.
- 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 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 Amarillo, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Amarillo, Texas, cost between $1,045 and $3,667. 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 Amarillo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,045 - $2,044
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,399 - $2,864
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,822 - $3,667
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 $573 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 $61 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $123 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 Amarillo, TX, destination before booking.
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 $1,045. 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 $1,399 - $2,864.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Amarillo?
- 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 Amarillo, TX
A rental truck for this 802-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Amarillo, Texas, costs between $535 and $1,559. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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 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 Amarillo based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $535 - $1,114
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $589 - $1,273
- 4+ bedrooms: $746 - $1,559
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $535 - $1,559 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Amarillo. Fuel alone runs $209 - $239, and overnight lodging ($123/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
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 $573.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $209 - $239 for the 802-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 $49 and $266, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $123 per night for hotel stops on the 802-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $245 - $368.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Amarillo?
- 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 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 a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,075 and $2,181.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Amarillo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $969 - $1,840
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,075 - $2,181
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,488 - $2,962
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $61 - $123 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $573.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Amarillo?
- 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.
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 Amarillo 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 Amarillo, TX
Good news for your budget: Amarillo isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Des Moines. Cost of living index runs 74 there against 87 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 here versus 40/100 and 74.69/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Amarillo, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 3 real quotes from Iowa to Texas over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 58 movers in our Iowa network to compare for this 802-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Amarillo, TX, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,822 - $7,592 on the 802-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,045 - $3,667 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $535 - $1,559 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,473 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
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
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Amarillo, TX?
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. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Amarillo, TX 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($209 - $239), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $16) on top. Overnight stops can add another $123/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Amarillo, TX?
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 $589 - $1,273. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Amarillo, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $535 to $7,592, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,822 and $7,592, 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 percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.