Moving in Iowa can be a mixed bag of excitement and “oh no, what now?” moments. A lot rides on picking the right crew to help out. While many Iowa movers might seem the same at first glance, there are definitely some standouts.
We’ve done the homework for you, sifting through the good, the bad, and the meh movers in the Hawkeye State. In this guide, you’ll find the best moving companies in Iowa, picked based on things like services, ease-of-use, and real feedback from folks who’ve been in your shoes.
Top 10 Local Iowa Movers
Here are our ratings of the 10 best moving companies in Iowa
- Two Men and a Truck, 4.9 out of 5.0
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, 4.66 out of 5.0
- Iowa Moving 1, 4.66 out of 5.0
- All Mighty Movers LLC, 4.58 out of 5.0
- Adamantine Spine Moving, 4.52 out of 5.0
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc., 4.52 out of 5.0
- Black Belt Movers, 4.52 out of 5.0
- Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage, 4.48 out of 5.0
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, 4.48 out of 5.0
- Powell Express Moving, 4.42 out of 5.0
Two Men and a Truck
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 16
- Years in business: 1998
- State License:
- Phone: (515) 216-3654
- Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322
Two Men and a Truck, servicing Urbandale, IA since 1997, stands out among local moving companies with their comprehensive range of services, including local and long-distance residential moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Their exceptional ability to handle special items such as pianos and grandfather clocks truly sets them apart. Unlike other moving companies, no deposit is needed to enlist their services, making the moving process easier and more accessible for their clients. Boasting an impressive Yelp rating of 4.5 from 16 reviews, a stellar Google My Business rating of 4.6 from 433 reviews they’re a crowd favorite in the online community. Their A+ Better Business Bureau rating further corroborates their reputation for trustworthiness and high-quality service.
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 0
- Years in business: 1955
- State License:
- Phone: (712) 252-1335
- Address: 5600 Harbor Dr, Sioux City, IA, 51111
Iowa Moving 1
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 15
- Years in business: 2010
- State License:
- Phone: (515) 975-2840
- Address: 2958 99th St., Ste. 5, Des Moines, IA, 50322
Iowa Moving 1 has firmly established itself as a trusted, local moving company in Des Moines, IA since its inception in 2009. It offers a broad range of services including residential moving, office relocation, packing services, and labor only services. Setting it apart from several competitors, Iowa Moving 1 requires no upfront deposit, offering customers ease of transaction and peace of mind. Its reputation for quality service is backed up by an impressive 4.5 average rating from 15 reviews on Yelp, and an even higher 4.8 average from 78 Google My Business reviews. In comparison to many other moving companies in the area, Iowa Moving 1 stands out with its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customers looking for a hassle-free, reliable, and professional moving service need look no further than Iowa Moving 1.
All Mighty Movers LLC
- BBB Rating: A
- Reviews analyzed: 25
- Years in business: 2015
- State License: 2468266
- Phone: (515) 313-1395
- Address: 59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
All Mighty Movers LLC is a commendable and versatile moving company providing a range of services including local residential, long distance, and office moves in and around Des Moines, IA. With a strong presence in the industry since 2014, they have differentiated themselves from other local moving services by also offering ‘labor only’ services and specialized moving capabilities for bulky items such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables and safes. Their pricing is competitive at $130 per hour for a local move, and to cater to the convenience of their clientele, they accept credit cards and do not require any deposits. This customer-centric approach to business is further reflected in their online reputation, boasting an average 4.8 rating from an impressive 455 reviews on Google My Business and a 4.0 from 26 reviews on Yelp. Their commitment to providing quality services has earned them an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, placing them among the top choices for moving services in the area.
Adamantine Spine Moving
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 33
- Years in business: 2000
- State License:
- Phone: (319) 519-0154
- Address: 4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
Adamantine Spine Moving, established in 1999, has become a paramount figure in Des Moines moving scene, providing a plethora of services that include local, long-distance, and international moving, as well as office relocations. They are notably versatile, capable of handling delicate items such as pianos, art pieces, antiques, and grandfathers clocks, standing out among other local moving companies. Alongside moving, they provide comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring your valuables are kept secure from start to finish. With a competitive rate of $100 per hour for local moves, their pricing aligns with common payment methods, including cash, credit card, and money orders. Deposit and comprehensive insurance coverage are additional reassurances of their professional commitment. Highly commended in the online community, Adamantine Spine Moving boasts impressive 4.5 and 5.0 average ratings on Yelp and Google My Business respectively, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This assures potential customers of their outstanding service, making them a trusted choice in comparison to other nearby movers.
Action Moving & Storage, Inc.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 0
- Years in business: 1983
- State License:
- Phone: (712) 252-1938
- Address: 514 Clark St, Sioux City, IA, 51101
Black Belt Movers
- BBB Rating: A
- Reviews analyzed: 15
- Years in business: 2009
- State License:
- Phone: (515) 393-4253
- Address: 1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA, 50023
Black Belt Movers, established in 2008 and based in Ankeny, IA, is a versatile and dependable moving company that has set a high standard in the industry. Compared to other regional moving companies, their broad range of services – from office shifting to residential relocations – make them a standout option. They offer comprehensive assistance, including packing, unpacking, and crating services, along with special provisions for fragile items. Their experienced team can also efficiently handle labor-intensive tasks such as moving pianos, pool tables, art pieces, antiques, and safes. At $150 per hour for a local move, their pricing is competitive. Beyond the convenience of accepting credit cards and not requiring deposits, they provide customers with peace of mind through their full valuation insurance coverage. With an impressive 4.0 average rating from 16 reviews on Yelp, and a stellar A rating from the Better Business Bureau, it’s clear that Black Belt Movers delivers services that consistently meet customer expectations.
Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 4
- Years in business: 1990
- State License:
- Phone: (319) 229-2418
- Address: 370 50th Ave Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404
Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage, established in 1989, has long been a standby among Cedar Rapids movers, offering an exceptional range of services. From basic local moves to complex international relocations, Maher Bros. stands out for its comprehensive offerings. Besides residential tasks, they also adeptly tackle office relocations, a service not universally offered among competitors. Additionally, valued services such as packing, unpacking, and crating are provided, with specialized care given to move art and antiques safely. Unlike many other movers, Maher Bros. doesn’t require a deposit up-front which adds convenience for their customers. They also offer shipment tracking, a feature that not all local moving companies provide. Despite mixed reviews on Yelp, they have solidified their reputation with an impressive average rating of 4.8 on Google My Business, 20 reviews strong. Also noteworthy is their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, adding to their credibility and reliability among moving companies in the area.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
- BBB Rating: F
- Reviews analyzed: 14
- Years in business: 2018
- State License:
- Phone: (515) 207-2003
- Address: 10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA, 50325
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, established in 2017, is a versatile moving company serving the Clive, IA area. This business stands out amongst local competitors with its array of services, including both local and long-distance residential moving, office relocation, along with comprehensive packing and unpacking services. Moreover, they provide labor-only services for those customers who need manpower alone. A unique feature of this company is their commitment to convenience, accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit to begin their services. The company’s reputation is notably varied, with an impressive count of 1318 Google reviews giving them an average rating of 4.8. However, their Yelp profile presents a more modest picture, with 14 reviews at an average of 3.5. It’s worth noting that the company’s Better Business Bureau rating is currently at an F, hence potential clients are urged to research thoroughly and consider all reviews before making their choice.
Powell Express Moving
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 66
- Years in business: 2003
- State License:
- Phone: (563) 663-7016
- Address: 10732 Diesel Dr, Dubuque, IA, 52001
Top 10 Options if Moving Out of Iowa
If moving out of Iowa, we recommend using an interstate moving company. Here are the top options:
- International Van Lines: International Van Lines (IVL) is our top choice for a full-service
mover. International Van Lines services include every step of the moving process. A skilled team of moving labor
will pack and unpack your belongings, load and unload the truck, and transport your belongings anywhere in the
country, keeping your most important items safe. - American Van Lines: American Van Lines is the final full-service mover on our list, and it
specializes in moving difficult items. All professional movers on American Van Lines’ team train in a special sample
home to practice protecting important belongings, making it a safe choice to protect your belongings. - JK Moving: JK Moving is also a full-service mover. JK Moving believes that every
long-distance move is different, so it matches move coordinators with every move to create a custom plan of attack.
Its trained fleet of moving labor is prepared to handle your most fragile items, including pianos and antiques.
Every mile of your move will be planned and GPS tracked, giving you maximum peace of mind while your possessions are
in transit. - Allied Van Lines: Allied Van Lines offers a range of moving options, from full-service
packages to DIY support, and it also provides short- and long-term storage, moving kits, and helpful online
resources. Allied is the oldest moving company in the U.S., with more than 90 years of experience in the industry.
Allied can ship a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans, as well as motorcycles, boats, and
snowmobiles. The company maintains its own fleet of open and enclosed car carriers. Open carriers are the trucks
you’ve likely seen on the highway carrying stacks of new cars from auto manufacturers to dealerships. Enclosed
carriers are essentially semi-truck trailers that protect vehicles from the elements or roadway hazards. For
high-value vehicles, including classic cars, the enclosed carrier option offers added protection during transport. - North American Van Lines: North American Van Lines is a full-service moving company that can
accommodate local, long-distance, and international moves of all sizes. North American is available in all 50 states
and more than 130 countries through its extensive network of more than 500 local movers. The company has simplified
the claims process through quick online access of necessary forms and information. There are separate sections on
the landing page of North American’s website for international and domestic claims. Customers can also file claims
over the phone through the company’s claim support division, which is separate from general customer support. - Safeway Moving Inc.: Safeway Moving Inc. is a Florida-based broker and carrier that provides
long-distance moving service to all 50 states. As a carrier and broker, Safeway uses its own crews and third-party
agents vetted by the company to perform moving services. Safeway works primarily as a long-distance mover but also
advertises international relocation assistance. We took note of the forward-facing values on Safeway’s website,
highlighting the company’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and communication. Safeway advocates for senior
citizens, training move coordinators to provide extra help as necessary for senior moves. - Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG): Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is
an interstate broker that serves as an intermediary agent connecting customers with movers in its network. This
mover’s business model can save you major hassle by allowing IMRG to negotiate with providers to find the price and
service offerings that match your needs. With its movers driving routes across the country, IMRG often has the
flexibility to schedule moving dates on shorter notice than many competitors. It has an expedited quote process
that, in our experience, leads to same- or next-day binding estimates. - U-Pack: U-Pack’s DIY-centric service model makes it ideal for small or less-complicated
moves. The company provides driveway-to-driveway delivery of portable moving and storage containers at reasonable
prices without hidden fees or the need for in-home estimates. U-Pack’s ReloCubes are 6 feet long by 8 feet
wide—large enough to store the contents of a normal-sized living room. While you will likely need multiple ReloCubes
for your items, U-Pack will not charge you for any containers that you don’t end up using. For larger moves,
U-Pack’s cargo trailers may be a more cost-effective solution. Trailers can hold the furniture and belongings of a
typical three- or four-bedroom home. - Mayflower Moving: Mayflower Moving received high marks for its full range of local and
interstate moving services and its tiered insurance and protection options for all household goods. - United Van Lines: United Van Lines is one of the oldest full-service moving companies in the
industry. United provides typical full-service solutions such as packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking but
specializes in handling electronics. The company will disassemble and reassemble your home theater and PC network, a
service not offered by any other provider on our list. In addition, United Van Lines has its own fleet of carriers for
vehicle shipping and provides short- and long-term storage. United offers Snapmoves, a program geared specifically
toward those moving an apartment, dorm room, or storage unit. Snapmoves gives customers a full-service
experience—complete with a personal moving coordinator, full value protection of your belongings, and loading and
unloading—at a lower rate.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Moving Company in Iowa
- Licensing and Insurance: Verify that the company has the necessary permits to operate in Hawkeye State and carries adequate insurance for damage or loss coverage.
- Reputation and Customer Reviews: Choose companies with stellar reputations in Iowa for customer service and care. Online reviews and word of mouth are invaluable.
- Pricing and Transparency: Look for clear estimates without hidden fees. Comparing prices can help you get a sense of the standard rates among Iowa movers.
- Services Offered: Whether you need comprehensive services (packing, moving, unpacking) or just transportation, make sure the company caters to your specific needs.
- Local Knowledge: Opt for movers familiar with the roads, neighborhoods, and traffic in Iowa to ensure a smooth move.
- Flexibility: A Iowa moving company that can accommodate last-minute changes without hefty fees is a plus. Check for flexibility in scheduling and services.
- Equipment and Professionalism: Ensure the company uses modern equipment and maintains a professional demeanor. The right tools and a courteous team can make a big difference.
Tips for a Smooth Move in Iowa
- Weather Watch: Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.. So, keep an eye on the forecast and prepare for Iowa’s unpredictable weather with necessary precautions.
- Avoid Rush Hour in Big Cities: If moving through or to Des Moines, plan to avoid traffic during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM).
- Familiarize Yourself with Local Ordinances: Some towns in Iowa may have specific rules for moving trucks. Checking in advance can save hassle.
- Pack with the Season in Mind: Depending on your moving season, pack essentials that match Iowa’s weather, be it warm clothing or summer essentials.
- Secure Valuable Items: It’s safer to keep valuable personal items with you, instead of in the moving truck.
- Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: Especially important on warm Iowa days, keep water handy and rest when needed during your move.
- Engage the Community: Introducing yourself to neighbors and seeking local advice can help you settle in faster in Hawkeye State.
FAQs About Iowa Moving Companies
How much does it cost to hire professional movers in Iowa?
The average cost to hire professional movers in Iowa is $198.92 per hour. The total cost
will be determined by how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving.
What should I know about Iowa’s peak moving season?
Like most places, Iowa sees a surge in moves during the summer months when the weather is favorable
and school is out. This means moving companies might be busier and rates could be higher. If possible, consider moving
during the off-peak season for potentially better rates.
Are there any items moving companies in Iowa won’t transport
Most Iowa moving companies have a list of prohibited items they won’t move due to safety or regulatory
reasons.
Common items include hazardous materials, perishables, and in some cases, plants. It’s best to check with your chosen
moving company in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.