($625+) Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Houston, TX, runs anywhere from $625 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,086 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 933 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 $1,994, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,086 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,154 - $3,899, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $625 - $1,691.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,476 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 Houston, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Des Moines to Houston: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,476 - $5,938. Moving containers run about 39% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 72% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 933-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 933-mile route from Des Moines to Houston, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,994 - $4,688 | $1,154 - $1,994 | $625 - $1,218 | $1,070 - $1,776 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,476 - $5,938 | $1,514 - $2,770 | $702 - $1,420 | $1,222 - $2,217 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,237 - $8,086 | $1,921 - $3,899 | $830 - $1,691 | $1,520 - $3,059 |
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 Houston, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 933-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Houston, Texas, with prices running from $1,994 - $8,086. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $273 - $1,820 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Des Moines and Houston 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 Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,994 - $4,688
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,476 - $5,938
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,237 - $8,086
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 Houston.
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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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 Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Houston, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing62% of local movers | $455 - $4,550 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $182 - $1,092/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $273 - $2,184 |
| 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 | $910 - $2,730 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,275 - $9,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $682 - $1,295 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $910 - $2,275 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $728 - $3,185 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $273 - $1,365 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $592 - $1,820 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $273 - $13,650+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $273 - $3,185+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Houston?
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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Des Moines, IA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,154 and $3,899. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Des Moines costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,154 - $1,994
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,514 - $2,770
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,921 - $3,899
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $68 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $137 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Houston, 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 $637 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 $1,154. 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 $1,514 - $2,770.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
Plan on $625 - $1,691 for a rental moving truck on the 933-mile route from Des Moines, Iowa, to Houston, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $270 - $309
- 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 Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $625 - $1,218
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $702 - $1,420
- 4+ bedrooms: $830 - $1,691
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Des Moines to Houston starts at $625 - $1,691, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($270 - $309), overnight lodging ($137/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $637.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $270 - $309 for the 933-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 $55 and $296, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $137 per night for hotel stops on the 933-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $273 - $410.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, to Houston, Texas. 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 $819 and $2,217.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,070 - $1,776
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,222 - $2,217
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,520 - $3,059
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?
- 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 $68 - $137 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $637.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Houston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Houston 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 Houston, TX
Day-to-day costs in Houston are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 97 versus 87, with average rent of $1,549/mo compared to $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines versus 47/100 and 36.5/100 in Houston.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston, 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 58 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 933-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Des Moines, IA, to Houston, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,994 for a studio to $8,086 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 933-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,154 - $3,899. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $625 - $1,691, 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 $2,476 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 Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Houston, TX
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Houston, 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 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 Houston run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Des Moines, IA to Houston, 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 Houston, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $625 to $8,086, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,994 and $8,086, 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 Houston?
Houston has a walkability score of 47 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, 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 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.