Best Moving Companies in Iowa (2026 Guide)
We checked out 37 licensed moving companies in Iowa to track down our top choices for all kinds of moves—local, long-distance, office relocations, piano transport, and more. Some movers stand out in multiple categories because they truly know how to handle a range of moving challenges.
Best moving companies in Iowa
These are the top-rated moving companies in Iowa based on licensing data, verified reviews, and our editorial evaluation.
1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
FEATURED REVIEW: Two men and a truck exceeded my expectations. They were efficient, communicative, pleasant, and didn’t break anything. Very happy with the experience and the cost was worth every penny. —RedBeard, Google
2. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage
FEATURED REVIEW: Kyle and his team did an excellent job. They were on time very organized and kept great communication the whole time. Made stressful move easy. Would recommend the Horizon Movers
3. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc
FEATURED REVIEW: Hands down THE ABSOLUTE BEST moving experience EVER! They are serious pros…super friendly and super professional…ridiculously fast. Didn’t damage one single thing. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
4. White Glove Movers
FEATURED REVIEW: The crew who helped me move were awesome — super friendly, professional, and fast. They handled everything with care and made a stressful day easy. Highly recommend if you want efficient, reliable movers. —Devaughn Ayers, Google
5. Key City Moving & Storage
FEATURED REVIEW: Mike and his crew did a great job. Professional and on time. Used a huge semi. Nothing broke or scratched. Fairly priced to move us from Iowa to Wisconsin. I’d trust these guys again.
6. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
FEATURED REVIEW: The move was coordinated, seamless and was even faster than originally quoted. Deante and Grady were fantastic, they were thorough and handled all items with care. I highly recommend! —Sarah Bell, Google
7. Black Belt Movers
8. Action Moving & Storage, Inc.
FEATURED REVIEW: Austin, Mikey, and Raul just cleared our basement out. They were efficient, professional, and covered everything so nothing got scratched or scrapped. And everything was clean when they left. I highly recommend them. —Donald Parsons, Google
9. Powell Express Moving
FEATURED REVIEW: Roger and his crew did a great job on our residential move! Very careful and efficient. Estimate was accurate and pricing reasonable.
10. Adamantine Spine Moving
FEATURED REVIEW: From quote to completed move communication was fantastic, even got text updates. Our moving team were exceptional!! Drew, Aiden & Rider were professional, prompt, and worked SOOO hard. They communicated effectively and we will definitely use them again!
11. All Mighty Movers LLC
FEATURED REVIEW: These guys were quick, careful, and professional! Packed our entire place and got us moved in under six hours. Great rates and good attitudes too. Highly recommend! —Yelp
12. Porter Moving Company
FEATURED REVIEW: Moved heavy furniture up a tight stairway with no marks or damage. Quick, efficient, friendly, and respectful—by far the best moving experience we’ve had. Would definitely use again!
13. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage
FEATURED REVIEW: Amazing service. The move went so well. Our driver Tim was so great and the crews on both end were super efficient, kind, and above all treated all of our belongings with care. We did not have anything damaged or chipped.
14. Hemmen Moving Inc
FEATURED REVIEW: On time, charges were explained upfront, simple to deal with- very pleased with experience
15. PODS Moving & Storage
FEATURED REVIEW: Dustin did a great job, was very kind and friendly. —Conor McBride, Google
Best movers when moving from Iowa to another state
These interstate moving companies specialize in long-distance and interstate relocations originating in Iowa.
- Our Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
- Best For: Sustainability
- Availability: 48 states (not in AK or HI)
1. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned moving company that focuses on long-distance relocations. Known for its flat-rate pricing and commitment to quality, Safeway keeps the process straightforward from start to finish. Packing, storage, and transportation are all included in most plans, and moves are backed by a quality assurance program for added peace of mind.
The company can handle long-distance relocations in all 50 U.S. states, as well as international moves.
2. American Van Lines (AVL)
American Van Lines has been in the moving business since 1995 and is known for providing full-service long-distance moves with trained, background-checked crews. The company uses flat-rate pricing and specializes in handling antiques, fine art, and other high-value items. Their coast-to-coast coverage makes them a dependable choice for interstate relocations.
3. International Van Lines (IVL)
If you want a hassle-free move — whether it’s local, cross-country, or overseas— International Van Lines delivers. With more than 20 years in the industry, IVL handles tricky relocations with ease. You get customizable services ranging from packing and storage to car shipping, so you can pick what works for your move. They’re headquartered in Florida but operate nationwide and serve over 140 countries. That global expertise and flexibility are why IVL lands on our list of top moving companies.
4. Mayzlin Relocation
Based in North Carolina, Mayzlin Relocation shines when it comes to hassle-free long-distance and interstate moves anywhere in the U.S. As a family-owned company, they put a premium on friendly, honest service, with no hidden fees. You can tailor your experience with options like professional packing, secure storage, and even car transport—offerings that rival the biggest names in the business. Their hands-on approach and real commitment to making your move stress-free make them an easy pick for our list of the best moving companies.
5. JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services earns a spot on our list for their personalized approach and impressive versatility. Not only can they handle your packing and storage needs, but they also excel at moving fragile and high-value items—pianos, fine art, antiques, and sensitive electronics are all in good hands. You’ll get your own moving coordinator, so your move is tailored to fit exactly what you need. Real-time GPS tracking lets you check in on your belongings every step of the way. Plus, their expertise in cross-country relocations means you can relax while they handle the logistics.
Top Movers by City in Iowa
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Moving Company in Iowa
- Licensing and insurance: Verify that the company has the necessary permits to operate in the Hawkeye State and carries adequate insurance for damage or loss coverage. We only recommend movers that meet these requirements but you can confirm a company’s operating status through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.
- Reputation and customer reviews: One of the best ways to find out about a company’s customer service quality is to go directly to the source. Online reviews and recommendations from friends or family can be incredibly enlightening and help you narrow your search.
- Pricing and transparency: Go for companies that offer clear, upfront estimates with no hidden fees. Comparing quotes from at least three companies can give you a good idea of fair pricing.
- Services: Think about what you need — full-service moving with packing and unpacking or just help with heavy lifting? Make sure the company provides the services that match your needs.
- Local knowledge: A mover familiar with Iowa roads and neighborhoods can help make the process smoother, especially in areas prone to traffic or tricky routes.
- Flexibility: Choose a company that’s willing to adapt to last-minute changes without hitting you with hefty fees. Whether it’s rescheduling or adding extra services, flexibility goes a long way.
- Equipment and professionalism: Reliable companies use modern equipment and have professional crews. A courteous and well-prepared team can make all the difference on moving day.
Tips for a Smooth Move in Iowa
- Stay fueled with water and short breaks. A few pauses throughout the day can keep your energy steady.
- Know what to expect. In Iowa, peak moving season runs through summer weather—expect conditions from 60°F on the cool side to 84°F at the hottest.
- Avoid major traffic windows. Try to avoid moving through Des Moines between 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. when roads are congested.
- Check city rules before moving day. In some Iowa locations, moving trucks may be restricted to specific streets or time windows.
- Pack an essentials bag that matches the weather. Think about what you’ll need most on day one based on the season.
- Carry your most valuable belongings yourself. Keep sensitive or high-value items with you instead of placing them in the moving truck.
- Say hello and explore your new community. A short walk or friendly wave can go a long way in making your new neighborhood feel familiar.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire professional movers in Iowa?
In Iowa, hiring professional movers typically runs about $198.92 per hour. Your final bill depends on the amount you’re moving and the distance to your new place. Get a more personalized estimate with our moving cost calculator.
What should I know about Iowa’s peak moving season?
In Iowa, moving season heats up in the summer when the weather’s nice and school’s out, so movers get booked fast and prices can climb. If you can, try scheduling your move in the quieter months—you’ll likely find better deals and more availability.
Are there any items moving companies in Iowa won’t transport?
Nearly all moving companies in Iowa have a list of items they can’t transport for safety or legal reasons—think hazardous materials, perishables, and sometimes even plants. To skip any last-minute surprises, check in with your mover ahead of time and find out what’s off-limits.
How We Chose the Top IA Moving Companies
To ensure we provide accurate and reliable recommendations, we use a thorough evaluation process to rate and review local and long-distance movers across the U.S. in these key categories:
- Pricing and payment options: Transparent pricing is a major factor. We assess whether companies offer flat-rate pricing and binding estimates to help customers avoid unexpected fees and stay within budget. We also look for multiple payment options (credit card, cash, and check).
- Services: We examine a company’s packages to see which services come standard and which ones come at an added cost, helping customers find the most comprehensive services at the most affordable rate.
- Customer feedback: We analyze online reviews from consumer review sites like the BBB, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google and look for common praises and complaints.
- Reputation: A company’s reputation is crucial. We look at industry ratings, compliance with regulations, and whether they carry sufficient insurance to protect customers’ belongings.
- Add-on options: We evaluate optional services that carry an extra fee — like fragile-only packing, custom crates, and specialized handling of electronics — can make a move easier, especially if they’re not commonly offered by other companies.
- State availability: The number of states a company serves is key. Companies with a national reach are ranked higher than those within just the contiguous U.S. or with more limited availability.
- Ease of scheduling: We give higher ratings to companies that offer straightforward and accessible scheduling options to get things moving quickly.