($525+) McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from McKinney, TX, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $536 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,933 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 665 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,610, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,933 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,123 - $3,534, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $536 - $1,456.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McKinney, TX, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,476 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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In the past 3 months, we've processed over 811 real quotes from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early.
Compare moving options from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA
There are 3 main ways to move from McKinney 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 $2,476 - $6,486. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 665-mile route from McKinney to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,610 - $4,610 | $1,123 - $2,031 | $536 - $1,066 | $1,000 - $1,828 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,476 - $6,486 | $1,543 - $3,013 | $585 - $1,204 | $1,235 - $2,365 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,438 - $8,933 | $1,966 - $3,534 | $708 - $1,456 | $1,542 - $2,976 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 665-mile move from McKinney, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, with costs ranging from $1,610 - $8,933. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $306 - $2,040. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between McKinney and Des Moines.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McKinney to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,610 - $4,610
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,476 - $6,486
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,438 - $8,933
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 McKinney to Des Moines.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas 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.
Add-ons and specialty services from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from McKinney to Des Moines. Prices are localized to McKinney costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (McKinney to Des Moines) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $510 - $5,100 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $204 - $1,224/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $306 - $2,448 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,020 - $3,060 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,550 - $10,200 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $764 - $1,451 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,020 - $2,550 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $816 - $3,570 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $306 - $1,530 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $663 - $2,040 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $306 - $15,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $306 - $3,570+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McKinney to Des Moines?
- 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in McKinney, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from McKinney, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,123 and $3,534. 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.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McKinney to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,123 - $2,031
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,543 - $3,013
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,966 - $3,534
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $77 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $153 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 $714 in McKinney, TX. 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 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 $1,123. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,543 - $3,013, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers McKinney to Des Moines?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 McKinney 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 McKinney:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 16 years in business
- AB Moving (4.8/5), 26 years in business
- Firehouse Movers Inc. (4.9/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA
Using a rental truck to move from McKinney, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, generally costs between $536 and $1,456. Renting a truck is the cheapest option on this route, but it's also the most physically demanding. You handle all the heavy lifting yourself when you load the truck, you drive the full 665 miles to Des Moines, and you unload everything once you arrive. The base rate doesn't include fuel ($216 - $247), insurance ($31/day), or equipment rentals ($7 - $20) (these are billed separately).
Rental moving truck sizes generally range from 10 - 26 feet. Most 2-bedroom moves fit comfortably in a 15- to 17-foot truck, which is the most commonly rented size. Studio apartments and 1-bedroom homes can typically get by with a 10- to 12-foot truck. For 3+ bedroom homes, a 20- to 26-foot truck is usually the right call, though trucks at that size typically require diesel fuel, which can greatly increase your total cost.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from McKinney to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $536 - $1,066
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $585 - $1,204
- 4+ bedrooms: $708 - $1,456
Pro tip: A rental truck from McKinney to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $536 - $1,456. But once you factor in fuel ($216 - $247) , overnight lodging ($153/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in McKinney, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $714.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $216 - $247 for the 665-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $61 and $332, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $153 per night for hotel stops on the 665-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $306 - $459.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McKinney to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Their base rates are typically the lowest among national truck rental companies, and Budget regularly offers discounts for online bookings, AAA members, and military.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable on this list. Penske maintains a newer fleet (averaging under 2 years old) and includes unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance on every one-way move.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability option. With more than 23,000 locations and 7 truck sizes ranging from 8 to 26 feet, U-Haul covers nearly every U.S. zip code and accommodates same-day pickups in most markets.
Freight trailer costs from McKinney, TX 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 McKinney, Texas, 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 $1,235 and $2,365.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McKinney to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,000 - $1,828
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,235 - $2,365
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,542 - $2,976
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $77 and $153.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in McKinney, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $714.
What are the best freight companies from McKinney 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.
- Hazel's Expedited Freight (4.66/5 stars): Hazel's Expedited Freight 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: 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: McKinney, TX vs Des Moines, IA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Des Moines, side by side with McKinney on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McKinney, TX | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median home value | $438,120 | $183,553 |
| Average income | $120,273/yr | $63,966/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.4% |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to McKinney, TX guide.
Our take
The 665-mile move from McKinney, TX, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $1,610 and $8,933 with full-service movers, $1,123 - $3,534 with a moving container, and $536 - $1,456 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 $2,476 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
How to plan your move from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA
- Compare your moving service options: Use the cost breakdown above to weigh full-service movers, containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers for your McKinney to Des Moines move against your budget and how much work you want to handle.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Run your specific move through the moving cost calculator so your estimate reflects your home size and date, not just the route averages.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Check moveBuddha's recommended full-service, container, truck, and freight companies for the McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA route and compare their ratings and standout features.
- Request free quotes: Gather free quotes from two or three companies for the McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA route; comparing offers is how most moveBuddha users save.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Verify that your chosen mover is properly licensed and insured for interstate moves by checking their record on the FMCSA site.
- Book early and time your move: Reserve your move as far ahead as possible and aim for a midweek, mid-month date outside the summer rush to save on your McKinney to Des Moines move.
FAQ
How long does a move from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA take?
For full-service and container moves, plan on 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery on this route. Carriers run consolidated loads, meaning your shipment shares a truck with others heading the same way, which keeps things moving efficiently.
If getting your belongings to Des Moines as fast as possible is the priority, freight trailers offer the tightest and most predictable delivery windows of any option short of driving yourself. The main thing to know is that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment soon after it arrives.
If your new place isn't ready or you need short-term storage, a container or full-service mover is the better call. A rental truck from McKinney, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, gives you full control over the schedule.
What are some tips for planning a move from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment (about one bedroom's worth of items) saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
Once you know what's coming with you, put together a moving checklist and work through it systematically. Long-distance moves have a lot of moving parts, and staying ahead of your timeline makes the whole process significantly less stressful.
What's the cheapest way to move from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA?
For most movers, a rental truck is the most affordable way to relocate from McKinney to Des Moines. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route runs $585 - $1,204, with you handling all the loading and driving. Compare options through our cheapest truck rental recommendations to find the best base rate for your move.
See the truck rental section above for what those add-ons typically run. Booking a few weeks out and avoiding weekends or month-end dates also helps keep the base rate itself lower, on top of whatever you save by shopping the add-on costs separately.
When is the cheapest time to move from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA?
October through March is the sweet spot for lower moving prices. Demand falls off after summer, so movers have more availability and tend to offer more competitive rates on routes like McKinney, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa.
If you're stuck moving during peak season, try to pick a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday date in the middle of the month. Those dates consistently come in cheaper than weekends or end-of-month moves, when demand is at its highest.
How much will it cost to move from McKinney, TX to Des Moines, IA?
Costs for an interstate move from McKinney to Des Moines can range from $1,610 at the low end to $8,933 at the high end. Your home size and choice of service are the two biggest factors in where you land within that range.
Full-service movers on this route typically run between $1,610 and $8,933, while DIY options start lower but come with added costs for fuel, equipment, and travel from McKinney, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa. Getting quotes from multiple providers before booking is the best way to find the right price for your specific move.
