($907+) Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Reno, NV, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $907 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,498 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,581 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,355, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,498 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,325 - $4,656, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $907 - $2,533.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Reno, NV, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,081 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 Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Reno 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 $3,081 - $6,674. Containers cost roughly 40% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 68% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,581 miles, expect 4 to 15 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 1,581-mile route from Reno to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,355 for a studio up to $9,498 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,325 - $4,656 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $907 - $2,533, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,293 - $3,882, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA
For the 1,581-mile move from Reno, Nevada, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $2,355 and $9,498. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $319 - $2,124 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Reno generally start around $404 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Reno to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,355 - $5,255
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,081 - $6,674
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,139 - $9,498
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 Reno 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 Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Reno 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 packing89% of local movers | $531 - $5,310 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Move 4 Less, LLC | $212 - $1,274/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $319 - $2,549 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,062 - $3,186 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,655 - $10,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $795 - $1,511 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Move 4 Less, LLC | $1,062 - $2,655 |
| Piano | Any piano type37% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: O'Briens Moving and Storage Inc. | $850 - $3,717 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $319 - $1,593 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect24% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: O'Briens Moving and Storage Inc. | $690 - $2,124 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $319 - $15,930+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $319 - $3,717+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Reno to Des Moines?
All three below meet the standards set by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the group most Iowa movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Reno, NV. 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 Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Reno, Nevada, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,325 and $4,656. 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 Reno costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Reno to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,325 - $2,726
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,837 - $3,480
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,381 - $4,656
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 $743 in Reno, NV. 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 $80 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $159 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 Nevada 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 $1,325. 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 $1,837 - $3,480.
What are the best moving containers Reno 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 Reno 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 Reno:
- O'Briens Moving and Storage Inc. (4.2/5), 87 years in business
- Carneys Full Service Movers (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,581 miles from Reno, Nevada, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $907 - $2,533. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $534 - $611
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Reno daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| 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 Reno to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $907 - $1,724
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $972 - $2,115
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,301 - $2,533
Pro tip: The base rate of $907 - $2,533 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Reno to Des Moines. Fuel ($534 - $611), lodging at around $159/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 Reno, Nevada, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $743.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $534 - $611 for the 1,581-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 $64 and $345, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $159 per night for hotel stops on the 1,581-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $319 - $478.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Reno 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 Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA
If you're moving a larger household from Reno, Nevada, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Des Moines, Iowa.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,455 and $2,784.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Reno to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,293 - $2,477
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,455 - $2,784
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,002 - $3,882
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Reno, Nevada, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $743.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $159 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 Reno 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: If speed matters on your move from Reno 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: Reno, NV 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 Reno on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Reno, NV | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 119 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,700/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $499,932 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $78,448/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.4% |
| Walkability score | 40/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 53.74/100 | 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 Reno, NV guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Nevada 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 89 movers licensed in Nevada, useful context for sizing up this 1,581-mile move.
Our take
The 1,581-mile move from Reno, NV, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $2,355 and $9,498 with full-service movers, $1,325 - $4,656 with a moving container, and $907 - $2,533 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 $3,081 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Reno, NV, to Des Moines, IA
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 ($534 - $611), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $159/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 40 and 52 in Reno. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $907 to $9,498, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,355 and $9,498, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA?
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.
What percentage of Reno movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 37% of movers in Reno handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.