Des Moines, IA → Jacksonville, FL · about 1,250 miles

Moving from Des Moines to Jacksonville: cost and free quotes

A move from Des Moines, IA to Jacksonville, FL is about 1,250 miles, roughly 24 hours of driving. For a 2-bedroom home, full-service movers typically charge $3,300–$7,800. Tell us about your move and we’ll match you with a licensed moving partner for this route. It’s free.

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Des Moines to Jacksonville moving cost by home size

Estimated full-service prices for a move of about 1,250 miles, interpolated by distance from published prices for the 1,000–1,499 miles band and its neighbours:

Home sizeEstimated cost
Studio$2,450 – $5,650
1 bedroom$2,450 – $6,950
2 bedrooms$3,300 – $7,800
3 bedrooms$5,450 – $9,850
4+ bedrooms$7,500 – $14,100

Estimates based on myGoodMovers 2026 long-distance moving cost data, rounded to the nearest $100. Some home sizes and distances were interpolated from neighbouring figures. These are not MoveLeads quotes; your mover prices your actual move.

The drive from Des Moines to Jacksonville

The route is about 1,250 miles and takes roughly 24 hours of driving, mostly on I-24 and I-75. You move from Central to Eastern time, so you lose 1 hour.

If you drive yourself while the movers take your belongings, plan at least one overnight stop, and agree on a delivery date or window so someone is there to unload.

Distance, drive time and highways from OpenStreetMap road data (OSRM).

What changes the price

  • Weight. Interstate movers price mostly by how much your belongings weigh and how far they go.
  • Season. May to September is peak season and costs the most. October to April is usually cheaper.
  • Timing. Weekdays and mid-month dates cost less than weekends and month-end. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead can save 10 to 20%.
  • Extras. Packing, stairs, long carries from the truck, shuttle trucks and heavy items like pianos or safes add to the bill.

Season and booking figures from the Sirelo long-distance moving cost guide.

Moving to Jacksonville: what to know

Florida has no state income tax. Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the contiguous US, so give your mover your exact address for an accurate estimate. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.

Florida has no state income tax on wages, which is one reason this is a popular route.

Leaving Des Moines

Des Moines has low housing costs and a large insurance and finance job market. Winters are cold, so plan around snow if you move between December and March.

Before you book a mover

  1. Check the mover’s USDOT number on the FMCSA website. Interstate movers must have one.
  2. Ask for an in-home or video survey, not a phone guess. Estimates based on a real look at your home are more accurate.
  3. Ask for a binding or not-to-exceed estimate so the price can’t jump on delivery day.
  4. Interstate movers must give you the FMCSA booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”. If they don’t, walk away.
  5. Never pay a large deposit in cash. A big upfront demand is a common sign of a moving scam.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Jacksonville?

For about 1,250 miles, full-service movers typically charge $2,450–$5,650 for a studio, $3,300–$7,800 for a 2-bedroom home and $7,500–$14,100 for 4 or more bedrooms. These are estimates from 2026 industry data; your quote depends on the weight of your belongings, your move date and extra services.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Jacksonville take?

The drive is about 1,250 miles, roughly 24 hours behind the wheel. Interstate movers give you a delivery window in writing; it is usually a few days on a route this long, and longer if your belongings share a truck with other moves.

What is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Jacksonville?

Peak moving season runs from May to September, when prices are highest. Moving from October to April, on a weekday, and away from the end of the month usually costs less. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead can also lower the price.

Do I need an interstate mover for this route?

Yes. Because this move crosses state lines, the mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a USDOT number. You can check any mover’s number on the FMCSA website before you book.

Related moving routes

Moving company serving Des Moines to Jacksonville?

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