($758+) Missoula, MT to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $758 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,520 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,281 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,421, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,520 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,331 - $4,191, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $758 - $2,098.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,085 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 Missoula, MT to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Missoula to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,085 - $7,692 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 46% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 72% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,281 miles, this route usually takes 3 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,281-mile route from Missoula to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,421 - $5,492 | $1,331 - $2,311 | $758 - $1,521 | $1,118 - $2,037 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,085 - $7,692 | $1,651 - $3,420 | $870 - $1,846 | $1,281 - $2,605 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,743 - $10,520 | $2,193 - $4,191 | $1,083 - $2,098 | $1,790 - $3,528 |
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 Missoula, MT to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,281-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $2,421 - $10,520. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $308 - $2,052 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Missoula and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Missoula movers tend to run around $342 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,421 - $5,492
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,085 - $7,692
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,743 - $10,520
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 Missoula to Des Moines.
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 Missoula, MT to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula 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 packing75% of local movers | $513 - $5,130 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $205 - $1,231/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $308 - $2,462 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,026 - $3,078 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,565 - $10,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $768 - $1,460 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,026 - $2,565 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $821 - $3,591 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $308 - $1,539 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $667 - $2,052 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $308 - $15,390+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $308 - $3,591+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Des Moines?
Iowa Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Iowa, on top of the picks below.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Missoula, MT. 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 Missoula, MT to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,331 and $4,191. 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 Missoula runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,331 - $2,311
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,651 - $3,420
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,193 - $4,191
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Missoula, MT 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 $718 in Missoula, MT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $77 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $154 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.
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 $1,331. 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 $1,651 - $3,420.
What are the best moving containers Missoula 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 Missoula 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 Missoula:
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,281-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $758 and $2,098, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $418 - $478
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Missoula daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $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 Missoula to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $758 - $1,521
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $870 - $1,846
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,083 - $2,098
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $758 - $2,098 when pricing out a rental truck from Missoula to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $418 - $478, and overnight lodging ($154/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $77 and $359.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $154.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $418 and $478 for the 1,281-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $718 for 2 movers in Missoula, Montana, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula 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 Missoula, MT to Des Moines, IA
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 Missoula, Montana, to Des Moines, Iowa. 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,281 and $2,605.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,118 - $2,037
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,281 - $2,605
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,790 - $3,528
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Missoula, Montana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $718.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $154 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Des Moines?
- 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.
- 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.
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 Des Moines 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: Missoula, MT vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 57.8/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Missoula, MT guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 1 real quote from Montana to Iowa, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 25 movers licensed in Montana, useful context for sizing up this 1,281-mile move.
Our take
A move from Missoula, MT, 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 $2,421 - $10,520 on the 1,281-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,331 - $4,191, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $758 - $2,098. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,085 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 Missoula, MT, to Des Moines, IA
What is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Des Moines, IA?
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 $870 - $1,846. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $758 to $10,520, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,421 and $10,520, 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.
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 do local movers charge in Missoula?
Local movers based in Missoula typically start around $342 as a base rate, plus $150/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 Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 25% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.