($643+) Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $643 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,837 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 957 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 $1,976, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,837 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,106 - $3,672, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $643 - $1,810.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lafayette, LA, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,495 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 Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Lafayette to Des Moines: 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 $2,495 - $6,026. Containers cost roughly 45% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 73% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 957 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 957-mile route from Lafayette to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,976 - $4,872 | $1,106 - $2,136 | $643 - $1,181 | $965 - $1,922 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,495 - $6,026 | $1,379 - $2,796 | $681 - $1,432 | $1,126 - $2,283 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,166 - $7,837 | $1,976 - $3,672 | $811 - $1,810 | $1,644 - $2,876 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $1,976 and $7,837. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 957-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $266 - $1,776, 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 Lafayette and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Lafayette tend to start around $260 plus $260/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 Lafayette to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,976 - $4,872
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,495 - $6,026
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,166 - $7,837
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 Lafayette to Des Moines.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 40% of Lafayette movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing60% of local movers | $444 - $4,440 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready40% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $178 - $1,066/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,131 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage25% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $888 - $2,664 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,220 - $8,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $665 - $1,264 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Acadiana Movers | $888 - $2,220 |
| Piano | Any piano type20% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Acadiana Movers | $710 - $3,108 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $266 - $1,332 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers (LA) | $577 - $1,776 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,320+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,108+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Lafayette to Des Moines?
Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Lafayette, LA. 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 Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,106 and $3,672. 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 Lafayette costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lafayette to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,106 - $2,136
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,796
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,976 - $3,672
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Lafayette, LA and Des Moines, IA. 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 $622 in Lafayette, LA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $67 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $133 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 Louisiana to Iowa 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 $1,106. 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 $1,379 - $2,796.
What are the best moving containers Lafayette to Des Moines?
- 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette:
- Acadiana Movers (4.4/5), 16 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 15 years in business
- Reliable Movers LLC (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $643 - $1,810 for a rental moving truck on the 957-mile route from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $270 - $309
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Lafayette daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Lafayette to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $643 - $1,181
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $681 - $1,432
- 4+ bedrooms: $811 - $1,810
Pro tip: The base rate of $643 - $1,810 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Lafayette to Des Moines. Fuel ($270 - $309), lodging at around $133/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Lafayette, Louisiana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $622.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $270 - $309 for the 957-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 $53 and $289, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $133 per night for hotel stops on the 957-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $266 - $400.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Lafayette to Des Moines?
- 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 Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,126 and $2,283.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lafayette to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $965 - $1,922
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,126 - $2,283
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,644 - $2,876
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $67 - $133 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Lafayette, Louisiana, typically costs $622.
What are the best freight companies from Lafayette to Des Moines?
- 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: If speed matters on your move from Lafayette to Des Moines, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Lafayette, LA vs Des Moines, IA
Lafayette and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 90 in Lafayette and 87 in Des Moines, and average rent is $2,825/mo vs. $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 42 vs 45 and safety scores are 54.25 vs 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Lafayette, LA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana to Iowa 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 73 movers in our Louisiana network to compare for this 957-mile move.
Our take
A move from Lafayette, LA, to Des Moines, IA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,976 - $7,837 on the 957-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,106 - $3,672, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $643 - $1,810. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,495 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Des Moines, IA
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Iowa?
When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($270 - $309), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $133/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Des Moines?
Des Moines has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 39, compared to 42 and 47 in Lafayette. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Lafayette movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 20% of movers in Lafayette handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.