($389+) Tulsa, OK to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Tulsa, OK, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $389 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,753 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 461 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,112, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,753 or more.
- Moving containers run $962 - $2,748, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $389 - $974.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tulsa, OK, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,899 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 Tulsa, OK to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Tulsa 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 $1,899 - $4,892 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 78% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 461 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 461-mile route from Tulsa to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,112 - $3,605 | $962 - $1,587 | $389 - $739 | $866 - $1,517 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,899 - $4,892 | $1,196 - $2,279 | $422 - $877 | $938 - $1,823 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,486 - $7,753 | $1,573 - $2,748 | $532 - $974 | $1,197 - $2,407 |
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 Tulsa, OK to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 461-mile move from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,112 - $7,753. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $257 - $1,716. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tulsa and Des Moines. Local movers in Tulsa typically start around $225 as a base rate plus $90/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tulsa to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,112 - $3,605
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,899 - $4,892
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,486 - $7,753
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 Tulsa to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Oklahoma 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 Tulsa, OK to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 43% of Tulsa 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 packing73% of local movers | $429 - $4,290 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready43% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $172 - $1,030/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $257 - $2,059 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $858 - $2,574 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,145 - $8,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $643 - $1,221 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving (OK) | $858 - $2,145 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: You Move Me | $686 - $3,003 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $257 - $1,287 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (OK) | $558 - $1,716 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $257 - $12,870+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $257 - $3,003+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tulsa 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.
How much do local movers cost in Tulsa, OK?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Tulsa to Des Moines with a local mover averages $1,881 - $4,844. A local mover in Tulsa, OK is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
You Move Me (4.64/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Tulsa, ranked #1 in Oklahoma, based on our analysis of feedback from 4,538 customers, 97.0% of which is positive.
Address: 4236 S 76th E Ave, Tulsa, OK, 74105 | Founded: 2014
Moving container costs from Tulsa, OK to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $962 and $2,748. 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 Tulsa adds around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tulsa to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $962 - $1,587
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,196 - $2,279
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,573 - $2,748
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 $601 in Tulsa, OK. 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 $64 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $129 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 Oklahoma 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 $962. 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 $1,196 - $2,279.
What are the best moving containers Tulsa 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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.3/5), 32 years in business
- 2 Fellas & A Big Vehicle Moving Company (4.3/5), 30 years in business
- Bigger Better Movers (4.8/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tulsa, OK to Des Moines, IA
Truck rentals from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Des Moines, Iowa, range from $389 - $974 for the 461-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $126 - $144
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Tulsa daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Tulsa to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $389 - $739
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $422 - $877
- 4+ bedrooms: $532 - $974
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $389 - $974 when pricing out a rental truck from Tulsa to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $126 - $144, and overnight lodging ($129/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
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 $64 and $300.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $129.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $126 and $144 for the 461-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 $601 for 2 movers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tulsa 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 Tulsa, OK to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Tulsa, Oklahoma, 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 $938 and $1,823.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tulsa to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $866 - $1,517
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $938 - $1,823
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,197 - $2,407
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?
- 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 $64 - $129 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 Tulsa, Oklahoma, typically costs $601.
What are the best freight companies from Tulsa to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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: Tulsa, OK vs Des Moines, IA
Day-to-day costs in Des Moines are close to what you're used to in Tulsa: cost of living index of 87 versus 85, with average rent of $1,150/mo compared to $1,199/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 39/100 and 48.06/100 in Tulsa 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 Tulsa, OK guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Oklahoma to Iowa in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 79 movers based in Oklahoma, handy for sizing up options on this 461-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Tulsa, OK, to Des Moines, IA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,112 for a studio to $7,753 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 461-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $962 - $2,748. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $389 - $974, 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 $1,899 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 Tulsa, OK, to Des Moines, IA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tulsa, OK 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.
How much does it cost to move from Tulsa, OK to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $389 to $7,753, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,112 and $7,753, 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.
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 39 and 47 in Tulsa. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($126 - $144), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $129/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 Tulsa movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Tulsa handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.