Moving From Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA ($797 - $9,441)

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Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Des Moines, IA, is roughly 957 miles and costs between $797 and $9,441, depending on your move type (DIY vs. full-service), home size, and add-on services like packing. The average move from Lafayette to Des Moines costs $795 - $7,404, based on moveBuddha's in-house pricing data and real quotes from our readers. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,356, while larger 4-5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,441 or more.
  • Renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest option, typically running $797 for a 1-bedroom up to $2,077 for 4+ bedrooms.
  • Moving containers range from $1,319 - $4,653, giving you flexibility without full-service pricing. Truck rentals cost between $797 and $2,077.
  • 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 an average 2-bedroom quote of $4,300 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan
 • 5 min read
checkmarkFact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Full-service moving costs from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

Hiring full-service movers from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $2,356 and $9,441. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 957-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $270 - $1,800, 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.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lafayette to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,356 - $5,473
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,946 - $7,404
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,873 - $9,441

What other costs come with full-service moves?

  • Storage: If your new place in Des Moines, IA isn't ready at move-in, movers can hold your belongings temporarily. Monthly costs start near $180 and can climb to $1,080 based on shipment size. Items stored through a full-service mover sit in a secured facility where drop-in access isn't available. If you want more control over your belongings during storage, consider moving containers instead.
  • Shuttle fees: When a full-size truck can't access your pickup or drop-off location in Lafayette or Des Moines, a smaller transfer vehicle may be needed. Shuttle fees typically range from $270 - $2,160.
  • Full packing: Movers can handle all the boxing and wrapping if you'd prefer a fully hands-off experience. Packing services range from $450 - $4,500 depending on home size.
  • Optional added coverage: Full-value protection covers your belongings more comprehensively than the default liability that comes standard with your move. With full-value protection, the mover is required to repair, replace, or reimburse damaged items at current market value, compared to the standard released-value coverage of just $0.60 per pound per item. Most companies charge 1% - 2% of declared shipment value, which works out to roughly $300 - $600 on a $30,000 shipment.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Louisiana to Iowa. 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.

What are the best full-service movers from Lafayette to Des Moines?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Lafayette, LA. 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 Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

Moving containers from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,319 and $4,653. 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.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lafayette to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,319 - $2,474
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,766 - $3,508
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,404 - $4,653

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 $630 in Lafayette, LA. 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 $68 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $135 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 Des Moines, IA, destination before booking.

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 $1,319. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,766 - $3,508, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Lafayette to Des Moines?

  1. Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units Moving & Portable Storage is the best for locally owned service on this list. Steel containers come in multiple sizes that handle tight driveways, and locally owned branches give you direct access to live support staff.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value on this route. You pay only for the linear footage your shipment occupies, with no deposits or upfront fees on the front end of your move.
  3. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best large moves. MovingYourself drives 53-foot trucks and charges by the linear foot, a model built for 3 to 5+ bedroom moves where standard containers run out of room.

Moving truck rental costs from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

Renting a moving truck for the 957-mile move from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $797 and $2,077, depending on truck size. You're responsible for loading your belongings at pickup, driving the full 957 miles yourself, and unloading at your destination. On top of the base rate, expect to pay for fuel ($274 - $313 for the drive), insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18).

Rental moving trucks typically range from 10 - 26 feet, with 15- to 17-foot trucks being the most commonly used for the average 2-bedroom move. Smaller trucks (10 - 12 feet) work well for studio apartments and 1-bedroom homes, while homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually require a 20- to 26-foot truck. Trucks 20 feet or larger generally need diesel fuel, which can drive up your total fuel costs.

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Lafayette to Des Moines based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $797 - $1,480
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $795 - $1,708
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,007 - $2,077

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $797 - $2,077 does not include fuel ($274 - $313) , lodging ($135/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Lafayette to Des Moines typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $135 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 Lafayette, Louisiana, usually costs about $630 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 957-mile drive falls between $274 and $313, 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 $45 and $270 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Lafayette to Des Moines?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget consistently offers the lowest base rates of the major truck rental companies, plus discounts for AAA members, military, and online bookings.
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option. Their fleet averages under 2 years old, includes unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every rental.
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. With over 23,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the largest network and the most flexibility for last-minute bookings.

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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,342 and $2,750.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lafayette to Des Moines:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,199 - $2,384
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,342 - $2,750
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,000 - $3,869

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?

  • 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 $68 - $135 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 $630.

What are the best freight companies from Lafayette to Des Moines?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Dupre Logistics, LLC (4.54/5 stars): Dupre Logistics, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Specialty moving services from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

Moving needs between Lafayette, Louisiana, and Des Moines, Iowa, aren't one-size-fits-all. Some shipments are too small for traditional movers to accept, while others involve fragile, oversized, or commercial items that require extra care and coordination. Whether it's a studio apartment, a storefront, or a valuable collection, specialty movers are often the right call.

Small moves from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

Expect to pay $900 - $2,700 for a studio or small 1-bedroom move from Lafayette to Des Moines. Most full-service carriers won't accept shipments under 2,000 - 3,000 pounds, leaving small-move specialists like MiniMoves as the only option.

Commercial movers from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

A business relocation from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, involves a lot more than desks and chairs. Computers, servers, filing systems, and specialized equipment all need careful handling. Professional office movers can relocate a 15-person business in 1 - 2 business days using inventory management systems, IT equipment crating, and scheduling around operational hours. Smaller offices with 1 - 15 employees often cost between $2,250 and $9,000. Offices or storefronts with 50 - 100 employees cost between $4,500 - $22,500.

Pro tip: Go room by room before the move and log every piece of furniture and equipment. Having a clear picture of what's moving limits confusion on moving day and gets your business back online faster.

Top commercial movers from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Best overall value
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
  3. A & L Movers

Car shipping from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

Most people shipping a car from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, pay between $674 and $1,281, with delivery in 2 - 7 days, depending on carrier availability on the route. Based on our data, open transport accounts for 90% of all car shipments because open carriers load 7 - 10 vehicles on a single truck, per-vehicle costs run 30% - 40% lower than enclosed transport. For vehicles valued above $50,000, enclosed transport is the standard. It adds $270 - $540 to the base rate on the 957-mile route and provides full coverage from weather and road debris.

Our guide to open vs. enclosed auto transport can help you decide which option is the right fit for your vehicle.

Pro tip: Don't rely on your household mover to arrange to move your vehicle without comparing car shipping quotes from at least 3 auto transport companies first.

Top car shippers from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

  1. Nexus Auto Transport (4.7/5 stars): Best overall value
  2. Sherpa Auto Transport (4.5/5 stars): Most accurate pricing
  3. Navi Auto Transport (4.4/5 stars): Best for budget-conscious shippers

Explore more highly rated car shippers serving Lafayette, Louisiana

Antiques & fine art movers from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

High-value pieces often call for white-glove service. Experienced antique movers can build custom crates and use museum-grade wrapping materials to protect delicate surfaces during transport. Specialty handling typically adds between $900 and $2,250 to your overall moving cost. Fine art handling costs around $45 - $450 per piece, with custom crating ranging from $135 - $180 per item.

Ask what specific training or certifications the crew has for handling antiques and fine art. General movers and specialty movers aren't the same thing, and the difference shows up in how fragile pieces are packed, crated, and loaded.

Did you know? Fine art and antiques need more than careful handling. Standard newsprint ink can permanently stain delicate surfaces, which is why specialty movers use acid-free tissue paper. Many items also require climate-controlled transport, and experienced movers know that disassembling antique furniture can compromise its structural integrity and value.

Top antiques & fine art movers from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

  1. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): Most experienced mover
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
  3. A & L Movers

Piano movers from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

If your piano is the only item being shipped, you'll need a specialist, not a standard mover. Hiring specialty movers to ship a piano from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, generally costs between $720 and $3,150. Uprights are more straightforward, while grand pianos require specific boards, heavy padding, and additional crew.

We recommend working with Modern Piano Moving.

Take a look at more highly rated piano movers

Pro tip: Folding your piano into a full household move through professional movers is usually more economical than hiring a dedicated piano-only carrier separately.

Cost ranges by instrument type:

  • Upright piano: $720 - $1,350
  • Baby grand piano: $1,080 - $2,250
  • Grand piano: $1,620 - $3,150

Pool table movers from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

Moving a pool table from Lafayette, LA, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $270 and $1,350 for long-distance moves. Table size, slate configuration, and home access all affect final pricing. Three-piece slate tables are typically simpler to transport. Stairs, tight turns, or elevators may add to total costs. If you're relocating a pool table from Lafayette, LA, to Des Moines, IA, our top pick is SOLO®.

Pro tip: Pool tables are precision equipment. Professional leveling during reassembly ensures proper play and prevents structural stress.

Prices vary, but here are some average costs for pool table moving:

  • 6 - 7 ft. table: $135 - $360
  • 8 - 9 ft. table: $360 - $630
  • 10 - 12 ft. table: $360 - $900

Hot tub movers from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

Full-service movers may not include hot tubs in a household shipment because they are incredibly heavy (500 - 900 pounds) and require crane or dolly equipment, licensed electrical disconnection, and reinforced transport. Specialty spa companies typically offer better equipment and a more experienced crew. Expect to pay roughly between $585 and $1,800 to move a hot tub long-distance. For specialized hot tub transport from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, we recommend Platinum Hot Tub Movers.

Pro tip: Drain your hot tub completely 24 - 48 hours before the move and remove the cover separately. Residual water in the plumbing lines can freeze during transit in cold weather or slosh unpredictably, putting stress on internal components.

Wine collection movers from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

Moving a wine collection from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, requires vibration-resistant packaging and consistent temperature control. Pricing generally falls between $270 and $13,500+. We recommend The Wine Mover for this type of move.

Pro tip: Make sure the mover tracks temperature inside the cargo area, not just the cab. Consistent monitoring throughout the drive is what actually protects your collection.

Typical cost ranges:

  • 10 cases: $270 - $540
  • 100 cases: $1,350 - $2,700
  • 1,000+ cases: $7,200 - $13,500+

Pet relocation services from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA

Professional pet relocation services from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, offer ground, air, and concierge-style options. Pet shipping costs generally fall between $270 and $3,150+.

Our go-to recommendation for this route is Airpets International. Browse other trusted pet transport services

Pro tip: Match the transport method to your pet's temperament. Anxious animals often do better with private or in-cabin options that minimize exposure to unfamiliar environments.

How much pet moving services typically cost:

  • Standard long-distance: $270 - $630
  • Private/VIP long-distance: $1,800 - $3,600
  • Domestic air: $450 - $1,800
  • Flight nanny: $450 - $1,350

Our take

Full-service movers on the 957-mile route from Lafayette, LA, to Des Moines, IA, run $2,356 - $9,441 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,319 - $4,653, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $797 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with an average 2-bedroom quote of $4,300, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

FAQ

What is the best time to move from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA?

For the best combination of price and availability, plan your move between October and March. Moving demand slows down considerably in the off-season, which typically means lower rates and more scheduling flexibility across all service types on this route.

Peak season (mid-May through mid-September) brings higher prices and tighter availability. If that's when you need to move from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, booking early and choosing a midweek date away from the end of the month can help you avoid the worst of the price spikes.

What is the cheapest way to move from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA?

For a 957-mile move from Lafayette to Des Moines, rental trucks are the most affordable option. Moving a small apartment with a rental truck is about half the cost of using full-service movers for the same move size.

Before committing, add up the full picture including gas, tolls, mileage fees, equipment, and potential hotel stays on the drive from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa. The total can climb faster than expected, so it's worth comparing against container and full-service quotes before you decide.

How much does it typically cost to move from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA?

Moving costs on this route run anywhere from $2,356 - $9,441, depending on your home size and what kind of help you hire. A small apartment using a rental truck lands near the lower end, while a large home with full-service movers falls closer to the top.

Full-service movers for a move from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, generally range from $2,356 - $9,441. DIY options like containers and trucks cost less upfront but come with additional expenses that can close the gap.

How long does a move from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA take?

Most full-service and container moves on this route are completed within 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery. That window reflects how carriers typically consolidate multiple shipments heading the same direction, which is what keeps costs reasonable.

If speed and a predictable delivery window are priorities, freight trailers are the fastest option on this route outside of driving a rental truck yourself. The tradeoff is that freight carriers expect you to be ready to receive your shipment quickly, so it's not the best fit if you need storage or your new place won't be ready right away.

If you're driving a rental truck from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Des Moines, Iowa, the timeline is entirely up to you. Just plan for drive time and any overnight stops along the way.

What should I know before moving from Lafayette, LA to Des Moines, IA?

If you can trim 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, you can save approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.

It also pays to get organized early. A thorough moving checklist keeps you on track with booking deadlines, packing timelines, and everything else that needs to happen before the truck pulls up.