($744+) Des Moines, IA to Laredo, TX Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Laredo, TX, runs anywhere from $744 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,652 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,163 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,055, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,652 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,204 - $4,151, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $744 - $2,052.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Laredo, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,628 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 Laredo, TX
Moving options from Des Moines to Laredo 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 $2,628 - $6,066 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 69% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,163 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,163-mile route from Des Moines to Laredo, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,055 - $5,063 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,204 - $2,185), rental truck ($744 - $1,472), or freight trailer ($1,128 - $1,966). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,628 - $6,066 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,652.
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 Laredo, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,163-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Laredo, Texas, with costs ranging from $2,055 - $8,652. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $255 - $1,700. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Des Moines and Laredo. 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 Laredo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,055 - $5,063
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,628 - $6,066
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,288 - $8,652
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 Laredo.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Laredo, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing62% of local movers | $425 - $4,250 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $170 - $1,020/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $255 - $2,040 |
| 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 | $850 - $2,550 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,125 - $8,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $637 - $1,210 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items12% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $850 - $2,125 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $680 - $2,975 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $255 - $1,275 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $553 - $1,700 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $255 - $12,750+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $255 - $2,975+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Laredo?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
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 Laredo, TX
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Laredo, Texas, cost between $1,204 and $4,151. 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 Laredo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,204 - $2,185
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,598 - $3,138
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,034 - $4,151
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Des Moines, IA and Laredo, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $595 in Des Moines, IA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $64 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $128 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,204. 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 $1,598 - $3,138.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines to Laredo?
- 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 Laredo, TX
A rental truck for this 1,163-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Laredo, Texas, costs between $744 and $2,052. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $315 - $359
- 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 Laredo based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $744 - $1,472
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $812 - $1,751
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,010 - $2,052
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $744 - $2,052 does not include fuel ($315 - $359), lodging ($128/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Des Moines to Laredo typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $128 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 $595 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,163-mile drive falls between $315 and $359, 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 $43 and $255 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Laredo?
- 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 Laredo, 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 Laredo, 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 $1,241 and $2,511.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Laredo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,128 - $1,966
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,241 - $2,511
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,765 - $3,488
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?
- 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 $64 - $128 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Des Moines, Iowa, for about five hours typically runs $595.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines to Laredo?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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 Laredo 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 Laredo, TX
Day-to-day costs in Laredo are close to what you're used to in Des Moines: cost of living index of 82 versus 87, with average rent of $1,241/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 37/100 and 63.77/100 in Laredo.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Laredo, TX to Des Moines, IA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 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 1,163-mile move.
Our take
The 1,163-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Laredo, TX, costs between $2,055 and $8,652 with full-service movers, $1,204 - $4,151 with a moving container, and $744 - $2,052 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,628 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Laredo tend to point to delicious Mexican food and culture rich, though limited recreational opportunities and hot summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include United independent school District and Laredo independent school District.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Laredo, TX
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 Laredo run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Des Moines, IA to Laredo, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 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 are the best neighborhoods in Laredo?
For families, E Del Mar Blvd / Fenwick Dr, Bob Bullock Loop / Sinatra Pky, and Saint John Loop / Saint Michael Dr are worth a look in Laredo. If you're moving solo or without kids, Hillside Terrace, Winfield, and Regency Park tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Des Moines, IA to Laredo, 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 $812 - $1,751. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Laredo a safe place to live?
Laredo has a safety index of 63.77 out of 100 and a crime index of 36.23, 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 38% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 12% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.