($563+) Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Buffalo, NY, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $563 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,626 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,613, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,626 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,119 - $3,527, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $563 - $1,562.
- 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 $2,075 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,075 - $4,792 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% 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 849 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
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:
- Full-service movers: $1,613 for a studio up to $6,626 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,119 - $3,527 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $563 - $1,562, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $987 - $2,707, 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 Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 849-mile move from Buffalo, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,613 - $6,626. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $270 - $1,800 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Buffalo and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Buffalo movers tend to run around $341 as a base rate plus $200/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Buffalo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,613 - $3,829
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,075 - $4,792
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,514 - $6,626
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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Buffalo 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 packing74% of local movers | $450 - $4,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% 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 coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% 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 items15% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Wayfinder Moving Services | $900 - $2,250 |
| Piano | Any piano type63% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Wayfinder Moving Services | $720 - $3,150 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers | $270 - $1,350 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect19% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Best Buffalo Movers | $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?
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 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 $1,119 and $3,527. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Des Moines. If you go over that window, storage in Buffalo adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Buffalo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,119 - $2,043
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,451 - $2,727
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,875 - $3,527
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Buffalo, NY, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $630, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $68 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $135 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Buffalo, NY, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,119. 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 $1,451 - $2,727.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 24 years in business
- Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.0/5), 23 years in business
- Interior Moving Services Inc (4.8/5), 33 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 849-mile move from Buffalo, New York, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $563 and $1,562. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $563 - $1,051
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $583 - $1,325
- 4+ bedrooms: $746 - $1,562
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $563 - $1,562 does not include fuel ($243 - $278), lodging ($135/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Buffalo to Des Moines typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,128 and $2,247.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Buffalo to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $987 - $1,768
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,128 - $2,247
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,441 - $2,707
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Buffalo, New York, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $630.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $68 and $135 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Buffalo 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: Buffalo, NY vs Des Moines, IA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Buffalo and Des Moines to plan around. Cost of living index: 92 vs. 87. Average rent: $1,200/mo vs. $1,150/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 67 vs. 45. Safety index: 53.55 vs. 57.8.
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 520 movers in New York, so you have real options to compare for this 849-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Buffalo, NY, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,613 for a studio to $6,626 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 849-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,119 - $3,527. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $563 - $1,562, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,075 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
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
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.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $563 to $6,626, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,613 and $6,626, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Buffalo, 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 $583 - $1,325. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($243 - $278), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $135/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Buffalo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 63% of movers in Buffalo handle piano moves, and 15% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.