($552+) Des Moines, IA to Garland, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Garland, TX, runs anywhere from $499 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,777 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 688 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 $1,631, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,777 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,019 - $3,423, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $499 - $1,386.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Garland, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,366 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Des Moines, IA to Garland, TX
Moving options from Des Moines to Garland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,366 - $6,109 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 688 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 688-mile route from Des Moines to Garland, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,631 for a studio up to $8,777 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,019 - $3,423 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $499 - $1,386, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $936 - $2,935, 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 Garland, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 688-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Garland, Texas, with costs ranging from $1,631 - $8,777. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $277 - $1,844. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Garland. Local movers in Des Moines typically start around $737 as a base rate plus $142/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,631 - $4,366
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,366 - $6,109
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,173 - $8,777
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 Garland.
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: 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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Garland, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Garland, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $461 - $4,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $184 - $1,106/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $277 - $2,213 |
| 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 | $922 - $2,766 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,305 - $9,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $691 - $1,312 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $922 - $2,305 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $738 - $3,227 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $277 - $1,383 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $599 - $1,844 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $277 - $13,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $277 - $3,227+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Garland?
Look for Southwest Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Texas beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Garland, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Garland, Texas, cost between $1,019 and $3,423. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,019 - $1,865
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,321 - $2,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,805 - $3,423
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $69 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $138 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Garland, 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 $645 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 $1,019. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,321 - $2,746, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Garland?
- 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 Garland, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 688 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Garland, Texas, running $499 - $1,386. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $202 - $231
- Daily insurance: $28/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 Garland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $499 - $934
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $538 - $1,179
- 4+ bedrooms: $693 - $1,386
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $499 - $1,386 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Garland. Fuel alone runs ($202 - $231) , and overnight lodging ($138/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $138 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Des Moines, Iowa, usually costs about $645 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 688-mile drive falls between $202 and $231, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $46 and $277 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Garland?
- 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 Garland, TX
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Des Moines, Iowa, to Garland, Texas. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,124 and $2,110.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $936 - $1,749
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,124 - $2,110
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,488 - $2,935
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $69 and $138.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for roughly five hours typically average $645.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Garland?
- 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.
- 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Garland. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Garland, TX
Day-to-day costs in Garland are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 100 versus 87, with average rent of $1,624/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 40/100 and 62.87/100 in Garland.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Garland, TX 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 Texas, 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 36 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 688-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Garland, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,631 for a studio to $8,777 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 688-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,019 - $3,423. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $499 - $1,386, 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 $2,366 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Garland tend to point to quality education and diversity, though severe storms and extreme heat come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Garland Independent School District and City of Garland.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Garland, TX
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Garland, TX?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Garland, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,631 to $8,777, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,631 and $8,777, 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.
How walkable is Garland?
Garland has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($202 - $231), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $138/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 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.
