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. 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
- Black Belt Movers, 4.58 out of 5.0
- Adamantine Spine Moving, 4.52 out of 5.0
- All Mighty Movers LLC, 4.52 out of 5.0
- Iowa Moving 1, 4.52 out of 5.0
- Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage, 4.42 out of 5.0
- Blue Line Moving & Storage, 4.38 out of 5.0
- Hemmen Moving and Storage, 4.38 out of 5.0
- Porter Moving Company, 4.38 out of 5.0
- White Glove Movers, 4.34 out of 5.0
- Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage, 4.28 out of 5.0
Black Belt Movers
- BBB Rating: A
- Reviews analyzed: 15
- Years in business: 15
- State License: 3527158
- 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.
Adamantine Spine Moving
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 230
- Years in business: 24
- State License: 1471037
- 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.
All Mighty Movers LLC
- BBB Rating: A
- Reviews analyzed: 481
- Years in business: 9
- 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.
Iowa Moving 1
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 93
- Years in business: 14
- 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.
Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 24
- Years in business: 34
- State License: 087390
- 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.
Blue Line Moving & Storage
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 52
- Years in business: 85
- State License:
- Phone: (319) 266-3591
- Address: 5614 Nordic Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Blue Line Moving & Storage, based in Cedar Falls, IA, has an established reputation in the moving industry since 1938. Unlike most local moving companies, Blue Line offers expansive services, including local, long-distance, and international residential moves, office relocations, and skillful handling of specialty items like pianos. Their comprehensive services extend to packing, unpacking, and fragile only packing if required. Payment options are convenient and diverse, accepting cash and credit cards, with full valuation insurance coverage and no deposit needed. This removes financial stress often associated with moving. Moreover, Blue Line Moving & Storage offers peace of mind with its shipment tracking service. Reviews are mixed; while their Yelp rating is a modest 2.5 based on 5 reviews, their Google My Business rating is an impressive 4.6 from 47 reviews, reflecting largely positive customer experiences. Beyond customer reviews, they maintain an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, suggesting a high standard of professionalism and customer service compared to other companies in the area.
Hemmen Moving and Storage
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 111
- Years in business: 34
- State License: 608245
- Phone: (515) 226-1210
- Address: 1293 West St,, Des Moines, IA 50315
Hemmen Moving and Storage, an established moving company serving the Des Moines, IA area since 1989, offers local and long distance residential moving services, as well as labor only services. Compared to nearby competitors, Hemmen's services are reasonably priced at $140 per hour for a local move, though a deposit is required upfront. Offering peace of mind, Hemmen includes full valuation insurance coverage in their service. Although their Yelp profile only hosts two reviews with a 3.0 average rating, they boast an impressive 4.9 average rating from 109 Google My Business reviews, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. This satisfaction is further supported by the Better Business Bureau, which rates Hemmen Moving and Storage at an A+, placing them among the top moving companies in the area.
Porter Moving Company
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 158
- Years in business: 9
- State License:
- Phone: (319) 560-5050
- Address: 1151 26th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Porter Moving Company, a reputable player in the moving industry since 2014, offers comprehensive moving services to the residents of Cedar Rapids, IA, and surrounding areas. Distinguishing themselves from other local providers, they extend their expertise to long-distance, international residential and office relocations. Their wide range of services, which not many rivals can match, includes packing, unpacking, crating, and special item relocation – such as pianos, pool tables, art pieces, and safes. Unlike many competitors, Porter Moving Company also accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, easing the financial strain on their clients. Despite a mixed response on their Yelp profile, they shine on Google My Business with 148 reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.6. Their business practices have been recognized by the Better Business Bureau, who awarded them an A+ rating, securing their position as a highly reliable and trustworthy moving business.
White Glove Movers
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 239
- Years in business: 19
- State License:
- Phone: (319) 393-3000
- Address: 4600 Commercial Ave, Marion, IA 52302
Established in 2004, White Glove Movers has cemented its place as a premier moving service provider in and around Marion, IA. Unlike many local moving companies, this outfit extends its services beyond local and long-distance residential moving to also include international moves, office relocations, and even specialized items like pianos, pool tables, and art pieces. Furthermore, they offer a comprehensive range of packing, unpacking, and crating services not commonly provided by other regional competitors. An impressive feature of White Glove Movers' service is their payment flexibility; accepting credit cards and not requiring any deposit upfront. Coupled with full valuation insurance coverage, this goes above and beyond what most moving companies offer. Their reputation for quality and dependable service is evident in their glowing online reviews, averaging at 4.2 on Yelp from 5 reviews and an impressive 4.9 from a whopping 234 reviews on Google My Business. To top it all, they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, further cementing their status as a trusted industry leader compared to other nearby moving companies.
Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage
- BBB Rating: A+
- Reviews analyzed: 209
- Years in business: 27
- State License:
- Phone: (563) 381-9866
- Address: 4726 N Brady St, Davenport, IA 52806
Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage sets a solid benchmark for all moving companies around Davenport, IA. Established back in 1996, their reputable history spans over two decades. Unlike many local competitors, they provide not only local and long-distance residential moving services, but also international and office shifting options. The company differentiates itself by offering comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services – a one-stop shop for your moving needs. Specialist equipment movement, such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, and antiques, is handled with exceptional care, setting them above many contemporaries. With no deposit required, cash and credit card payment options, and full valuation insurance coverage, Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage makes customer experience a priority. The company’s exceptional service is reflected in their impressive 5.0 Yelp score from 7 reviews, a 4.9 Google My Business rating from 202 reviews, and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Trustworthy, comprehensive, and customer-oriented, Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage stands as a leading choice in the moving industry.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Moving Company in Iowa
Licensing and Insurance
In the Hawkeye State, moving companies should have the necessary permits to operate. Check for proper licensing and ensure they have adequate insurance to cover any potential damages or losses during the move.
Reputation and Customer Reviews
Word of mouth and online reviews can tell you a lot. Look for companies that have stellar reputations in Iowa, both in terms of customer service and handling belongings with care.
Pricing and Transparency
You don’t want any unpleasant surprises. Ensure the moving company provides clear estimates without hidden fees. It’s also a good idea to compare prices with a few different Iowa movers to get a sense of the going rate.
Services Offered
Do you need someone to pack, move, and unpack? Or just transport from A to B? Different moves require different services. Make sure the Iowa company you’re considering offers exactly what you need.
Local Knowledge
Navigating through Des Moines rush hour or maneuvering a big truck through the small towns of Iowa requires local know-how. A mover familiar with Iowa’s roads, neighborhoods, and traffic quirks can make the process smoother.
Flexibility
Things change, and sometimes you need to adjust your moving date or require additional services at the last minute. It’s a plus if the local Iowa moving company can be flexible and accommodate changes without hefty fees.
Equipment and Professionalism
The right tools for the job matter. Whether it’s a fleet of modern trucks, specialized equipment for heavy items, or quality packing materials, ensure the company is well-equipped. Also, a professional team that’s trained and courteous can make your move through the Hawkeye State a breeze.
Tips for a Smooth Move in Iowa
Weather Watch
Iowa weather can be unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to experience rain, sunshine, and even a sprinkle of snow all in a week. Check the forecast leading up to your move and be prepared with covers for your belongings and slip-resistant shoes.
Avoid Rush Hour in Big Cities
If your move takes you through or to cities like Des Moines, try to avoid the peak traffic hours, typically between 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM.
Familiarize Yourself with Local Ordinances
Some Iowa towns might have specific rules for moving trucks, like designated routes or parking regulations. A quick call to the local city office or a check on their website can provide valuable information.
Pack with the Season in Mind
If moving in the colder months, ensure your essentials box has warm clothing, blankets, and any necessary equipment like snow shovels. Conversely, if it’s the middle of a summer in Iowa, have easy access to fans, water, and light clothing.
Secure Valuable Items
Iowa is generally a safe place, but it’s always wise to keep valuable items, like jewelry or important documents, with you personally rather than in the moving truck.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
Moving is physically demanding if you’re DIYing any part of it. Ensure you have water on hand, especially during warm Iowa days, and don’t forget to take short breaks when needed.
Engage the Community
Iowa residents are known for their friendly nature. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to neighbors or seek local recommendations for services, restaurants, or attractions in your new area.
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 $193 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.