($715+) Albany, NY to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Albany, NY, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $715 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,256 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,134 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 $1,788, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,256 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,191 - $4,016, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $715 - $2,012.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albany, NY, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,318 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 Albany, NY to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Albany to Des Moines 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 $2,318 - $5,480 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 68% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,134 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,134-mile route from Albany to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,788 - $4,489, container $1,191 - $2,271, rental truck $715 - $1,389, freight trailer $1,105 - $2,105.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,318 - $5,480, container $1,472 - $3,163, rental truck $734 - $1,636, freight trailer $1,203 - $2,456.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,811 - $7,256, container $2,117 - $4,016, rental truck $1,010 - $2,012, freight trailer $1,610 - $3,344.
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 Albany, NY to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,134-mile move from Albany, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,788 - $7,256. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $283 - $1,884. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Albany and Des Moines. Local movers in Albany typically start around $295 as a base rate plus $115/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albany to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,788 - $4,489
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,318 - $5,480
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,811 - $7,256
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 Albany to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Albany, NY to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Albany 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 packing56% of local movers | $471 - $4,710 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mabey's Moving & Storage | $188 - $1,130/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $283 - $2,261 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs27% of local movers | $942 - $2,826 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,355 - $9,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $706 - $1,340 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items5% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Arnoff Moving & Storage | $942 - $2,355 |
| Piano | Any piano type18% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Don's Moving & Storage | $754 - $3,297 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $283 - $1,413 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: Pioneer Moving Group | $612 - $1,884 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $283 - $14,130+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $283 - $3,297+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albany to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Albany, NY. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Albany, NY to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Albany, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,191 and $4,016. 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 Albany costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albany to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,191 - $2,271
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,472 - $3,163
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,117 - $4,016
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Albany, NY 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 $659 in Albany, NY, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $71 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $141 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 New York 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 $1,191. 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 $1,472 - $3,163.
What are the best moving containers Albany 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 Albany 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 Albany:
- Ashline Moving Help, 108 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albany, NY to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,134-mile move from Albany, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $715 and $2,012, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $340 - $388
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Albany daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Albany to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $715 - $1,389
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $734 - $1,636
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,010 - $2,012
Pro tip: A rental truck from Albany to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $715 - $2,012. But once you factor in fuel ($340 - $388), overnight lodging ($141/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $71 and $330.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $141.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $340 and $388 for the 1,134-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 $659 for 2 movers in Albany, New York, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albany 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 Albany, NY to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Albany, New York, 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 Des Moines, Iowa.
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 $1,203 and $2,456.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albany to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,105 - $2,105
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,203 - $2,456
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,610 - $3,344
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $71 - $141 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 Albany, New York, typically costs $659.
What are the best freight companies from Albany to Des Moines?
- 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Des Moines fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Albany, NY vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Albany. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 99 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 65/100 and 49.65/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Albany, NY guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from New York to Iowa, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 520 movers in New York, so you have real options to compare for this 1,134-mile move.
Our take
The 1,134-mile move from Albany, NY, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,788 and $7,256 with full-service movers, $1,191 - $4,016 with a moving container, and $715 - $2,012 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 $2,318 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 Albany, NY, to Des Moines, IA
What is the cheapest way to move from Albany, NY 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 $734 - $1,636. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Albany, NY to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $715 to $7,256, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,788 and $7,256, 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 Albany?
Local movers based in Albany typically start around $295 as a base rate, plus $115/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 Albany movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 18% of movers in Albany handle piano moves, and 5% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.