($725+) Myrtle Beach, SC to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Myrtle Beach, SC, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $725 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,108 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,239 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 $2,067, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,108 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,209 - $4,404, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $725 - $2,157.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Myrtle Beach, SC, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,479 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 Myrtle Beach, SC to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Myrtle Beach 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 $2,479 - $6,090 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 33% 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 1,239 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,239-mile route from Myrtle Beach to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,067 for a studio up to $8,108 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,209 - $4,404 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $725 - $2,157, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,166 - $3,523, 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 Myrtle Beach, SC to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,239-mile move from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $2,067 - $8,108. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $266 - $1,776 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Myrtle Beach and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Myrtle Beach movers tend to run around $225 as a base rate plus $56/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Myrtle Beach to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,067 - $4,512
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,479 - $6,090
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,442 - $8,108
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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach, SC to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 77% of Myrtle Beach 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 packing86% of local movers | $444 - $4,440 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready77% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $178 - $1,066/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,131 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs90% of local movers | $888 - $2,664 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,220 - $8,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $665 - $1,264 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items40% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Miracle Movers | $888 - $2,220 |
| Piano | Any piano type55% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $710 - $3,108 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $266 - $1,332 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Fairway Moving Services | $577 - $1,776 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,320+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,108+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Myrtle Beach to Des Moines?
Movers licensed to operate in Iowa are typically members of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Myrtle Beach, SC. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Myrtle Beach, SC to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,209 and $4,404. 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 Myrtle Beach adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Myrtle Beach to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,209 - $2,361
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,669 - $3,097
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,088 - $4,404
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 $622 in Myrtle Beach, SC. 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 $67 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $133 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 South Carolina 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 $1,209. 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 $1,669 - $3,097.
What are the best moving containers Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5), 0 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 28 years in business
- Fairway Moving Services (4.5/5), 30 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Myrtle Beach, SC to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck for this 1,239-mile move from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $725 and $2,157. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $350 - $400
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Myrtle Beach daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.69
| 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 Myrtle Beach to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $725 - $1,517
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $793 - $1,734
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,039 - $2,157
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $725 - $2,157 when pricing out a rental truck from Myrtle Beach to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $350 - $400, and overnight lodging ($133/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging 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 $133 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 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, usually costs about $622 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,239-mile drive falls between $350 and $400, 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 $44 and $266 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach, SC to Des Moines, IA
If you're moving a larger household from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 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 $1,284 and $2,503.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Myrtle Beach to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,166 - $2,146
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,284 - $2,503
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,653 - $3,523
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $622.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $67 and $133 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Myrtle Beach to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
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: Myrtle Beach, SC vs Des Moines, IA
Myrtle Beach and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 90 in Myrtle Beach and 87 in Des Moines, and average rent is $1,850/mo vs. $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 43 vs 45 and safety scores are 41.94 vs 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Myrtle Beach, SC guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from South Carolina 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 155 movers in South Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 1,239-mile move.
Our take
The 1,239-mile move from Myrtle Beach, SC, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $2,067 and $8,108 with full-service movers, $1,209 - $4,404 with a moving container, and $725 - $2,157 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 $2,479 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 Myrtle Beach, SC, to Des Moines, IA
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 Myrtle Beach?
Local movers based in Myrtle Beach typically start around $225 as a base rate, plus $56/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 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.
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 43 and 54 in Myrtle Beach. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Myrtle Beach movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 55% of movers in Myrtle Beach handle piano moves, and 40% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.