($625+) Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Houston, TX, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $625 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,849 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 935 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 $1,916, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,849 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,086 - $3,861, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $625 - $1,709.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Houston, TX, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,575 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 Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from Houston to Des Moines: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,575 - $5,881. Moving containers run about 45% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 73% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 935-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 935-mile route from Houston to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,916 - $4,642 | $1,086 - $2,140 | $625 - $1,183 | $1,070 - $1,925 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,575 - $5,881 | $1,427 - $2,857 | $688 - $1,434 | $1,118 - $2,263 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,277 - $7,849 | $1,921 - $3,861 | $855 - $1,709 | $1,583 - $2,968 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 935-mile move from Houston, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, with prices running from $1,916 - $7,849. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $279 - $1,860 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Houston and Des Moines are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Houston movers tend to run around $175 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Houston to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,916 - $4,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,575 - $5,881
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,277 - $7,849
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 Houston to Des Moines.
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 Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Houston movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $465 - $4,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $186 - $1,116/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $279 - $2,232 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $930 - $2,790 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,325 - $9,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $697 - $1,323 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $930 - $2,325 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $744 - $3,255 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $279 - $1,395 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationally | $605 - $1,860 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $279 - $13,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $279 - $3,255+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Houston 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 Houston, TX. 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 Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Houston, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,086 and $3,861. 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 Houston costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Houston to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,086 - $2,140
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,427 - $2,857
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,921 - $3,861
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Houston, TX 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 $651 in Houston, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $70 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $140 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 Texas 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 $1,086. 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 $1,427 - $2,857.
What are the best moving containers Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- Square Cow (4.9/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 935 miles from Houston, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $625 - $1,709. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $277 - $316
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Houston 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 Houston to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $625 - $1,183
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $688 - $1,434
- 4+ bedrooms: $855 - $1,709
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $625 - $1,709 when pricing out a rental truck from Houston to Des Moines. Fuel alone runs $277 - $316, and overnight lodging ($140/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $277 - $316 for the 935-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Houston, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $651.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 935-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $140 per night, adding $279 - $419 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $279.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Houston 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 Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA
For larger DIY moves from Houston, Texas, 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 $1,118 and $2,263.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Houston to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,070 - $1,925
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,118 - $2,263
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,583 - $2,968
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $70 - $140 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Houston, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $651.
What are the best freight companies from Houston 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 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: Houston, TX vs Des Moines, IA
Good news for your budget: Des Moines isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Houston. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 97 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 47/100 and 36.5/100 here versus 45/100 and 57.8/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas 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 803 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 935-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Houston, TX, to Des Moines, IA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,916 - $7,849 on the 935-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,086 - $3,861 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $625 - $1,709 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,575 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Houston, TX, to Des Moines, IA
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 47 and 49 in Houston. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Des Moines a safe place to live?
Des Moines has a safety index of 57.8 out of 100 and a crime index of 5.0, compared to 36.5 and 63.5 in Houston. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Houston, TX 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 is the best time of year to move from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Houston movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Houston handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.