($585+) Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Buffalo, NY, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $627 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,611 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 849 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 $1,643, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,611 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,163 - $3,890, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $627 - $1,639.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Buffalo, NY, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,091 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 Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Buffalo to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,091 - $5,562 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 849-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 849-mile route from Buffalo to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,643 - $4,142 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,163 - $2,062), rental truck ($627 - $1,194), or freight trailer ($1,077 - $1,949). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,091 - $5,562 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,611.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA
For the 849-mile move from Buffalo, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa, full-service movers cost between $1,643 and $7,611. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $270 - $1,800 (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 Buffalo generally start around $341 plus $200 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Buffalo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,643 - $4,142
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,091 - $5,562
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,837 - $7,611
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 Buffalo to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New York to Iowa. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Buffalo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $450 - $4,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready80% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Wayfinder Moving Services | $180 - $1,080/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $270 - $2,160 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $900 - $2,700 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,250 - $9,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $674 - $1,281 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items46% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $900 - $2,250 |
| Piano | Any piano type80% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Wayfinder Moving Services | $720 - $3,150 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $270 - $1,350 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $585 - $1,800 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $270 - $13,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $270 - $3,150+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Buffalo to Des Moines?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Iowa Motor Truck Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Buffalo, NY, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Buffalo, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,163 and $3,890. 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 Buffalo runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Buffalo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $2,062
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,480 - $2,891
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,870 - $3,890
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $68 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $135 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Des Moines, IA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $630 in Buffalo, NY. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,163. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,480 - $2,891, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo:
- Wayfinder Moving Services (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 24 years in business
- Best Buffalo Movers , 30 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA
Plan on $627 - $1,639 for a rental moving truck on the 849-mile route from Buffalo, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $243 - $278
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Buffalo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Buffalo to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $627 - $1,194
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $664 - $1,297
- 4+ bedrooms: $856 - $1,639
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $627 - $1,639 when pricing out a rental truck from Buffalo to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs ($243 - $278) , and overnight lodging ($135/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
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 Buffalo, New York, usually costs about $630 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 849-mile drive falls between $243 and $278, 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo, NY 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 Buffalo, New York, 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,137 and $2,197.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Buffalo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,077 - $1,949
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,137 - $2,197
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,512 - $3,112
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $68 - $135 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Buffalo, New York, for about five hours typically runs $630.
What are the best freight companies from Buffalo 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.
- Mayer Bros (4.5/5 stars): Mayer Bros is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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.
Cost of living: Buffalo, NY vs Des Moines, IA
Day-to-day costs in Des Moines are close to what you're used to in Buffalo: cost of living index of 87 versus 92, with average rent of $1,150/mo compared to $1,200/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 67/100 and 53.55/100 in Buffalo versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 in Des Moines.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, 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 147 movers in New York, so you have real options to compare for this 849-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 849-mile route from Buffalo, NY, to Des Moines, IA, run $1,643 - $7,611 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,163 - $3,890, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $627 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,091, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Buffalo, NY, to Des Moines, IA
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,643 to $7,611, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,643 and $7,611, 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 Buffalo, NY 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 do local movers charge in Buffalo?
Local movers based in Buffalo typically start around $341 as a base rate, plus $200/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 long does a move from Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Des Moines?
For families, Linden Heights, Waterbury, and Waveland Park are worth a look in Des Moines. If you're moving solo or without kids, Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Buffalo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 80% of movers in Buffalo handle piano moves, compared to 71% nationally.
