Local moving companies in Texas
When you’re moving from Texas to Des Moines, IA, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Lone Star State to the vibrant Hartford of the West.
Out of 221 Texas movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Des Moines, IA.
- Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- AB Moving: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Element Moving and Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Wrightway Moving Company: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 007074263C
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2783472
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 000571862B
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1939700
Alternate Names: Baker Relocation, Inc. , AB Movers , AB Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006519926C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2038052
Alternate Names: Element Moving and Wine Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006034328C
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 1939415
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006800424C
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Ten Plus One, Inc. , Two Men and a Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Texas to Des Moines, IA
This table details typical cost ranges to move from Texas to Des Moines, IA, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,185 – $4,223 | $774 – $1,955 | $608 – $1,050 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,226 – $5,597 | $1,431 – $2,694 | $618 – $1,260 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,966 – $7,640 | $1,795 – $3,385 | $744 – $1,547 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 876-mile move from Texas to Des Moines, IA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from Texas to Des Moines, IA
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Texas to Des Moines, IA, typically costs between $1,185 and $4,223. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,226 and $5,597. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Texas to Des Moines, IA, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,966 up to $7,640.
Cost of moving containers from Texas to Des Moines, IA
When relocating from Texas to Des Moines, IA, you’ll typically spend between $774 and $1,955 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,431 up to $2,694. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,795 and $3,385. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Texas to Des Moines, IA
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from Texas to Des Moines, IA, expect to pay between $608 and $1,050. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $618 to $1,260. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $744 and $1,547.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from Texas to Des Moines, IA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| AB Moving | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Element Moving and Storage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wrightway Moving Company | ✓ | × | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
After evaluating 3,180 movers, here’s how Texas movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| Texas | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 93% | 96% |
| Antiques | 42% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 8% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 7% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Texas to Des Moines, IA
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Des Moines, IA differs from what you’re used to in Texas. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: Texas vs. Des Moines, IA
| Texas | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,251 | $1,150 |
| Average home cost | $300,267 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,035 | $58,492 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 87 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.9% |
| State Income Tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
Des Moines sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Des Moines is about 8% cheaper than in Texas, giving you more flexibility in your budget.
- Buying a home in Des Moines could be more affordable, with prices averaging 36% less than in Texas.
- Expect salaries in Des Moines to be approximately 20% lower than in Texas. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Even though unemployment in Des Moines is 44% higher than in Texas, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Iowa has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
How life is different in Des Moines from Texas
| Des Moines | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 30,503,301 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-41 | Republican 56-44 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 36ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 36″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 2″ |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 27.32 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Des Moines leaned Democratic, while Texas went Republican.
- In summer, highs in Des Moines average 86ºF, compared to 94ºF in Texas. Making the move to a cooler place lets you beat the heat, save on energy bills, and spend more time outdoors.
- Winter in Des Moines brings colder temperatures, often dropping to 13ºF. That’s noticeably chillier than the 36ºF winters back in Texas. Get ready for higher heating bills and a few adjustments to your routine. The upside? Des Moines treats you to fresh air, beautiful winter landscapes, and loads of seasonal activities.
- You can expect 36 inches of annual rainfall in Des Moines, which is just about the same as in Texas with 36 inches. While you probably won’t see a big change in the total amount of precipitation, shifts in when and how that rain falls could still affect your everyday routine.
- Each year, Des Moines gets about 33 inches of snow, while Texas sees only 2 inches. More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
- Heading to Des Moines means you’ll be moving to a safer place, with a crime index of 5.0, lower than Texas’s 27.32. A drop in crime usually means tighter communities, safer neighborhoods, and less daily stress. While safety isn’t everything, the peace of mind can be well worth the move.
Things to do in Des Moines
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Des Moines.
Museums in Des Moines
- Des Moines Art Center
- State Historical Museum
- Science Center of Iowa
- Salisbury House
- World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Parks in Des Moines
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
- Clive Greenbelt Trail
Sports teams in Des Moines
- Drake Bulldogs
Universities in Des Moines
- AIB College of Business
- Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Drake University
- Grand View University
- Vatterott College Des Moines
Other considerations when moving to Des Moines, IA
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: 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. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Iowa, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to Iowa on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Texas to Des Moines take?
The time it takes to move from Texas to Des Moines, IA depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Texas, the longer the drive time to Des Moines will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from Texas to Des Moines can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Texas to Des Moines?
If you’re planning a 876-mile move from Texas to Des Moines, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Des Moines, IA?
Summer temperatures in Des Moines can soar to 86°F, while winters can get as chilly as 13°F. That’s why most people making the move from Texas to Des Moines prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
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