The Best Long-Distance Movers in Ames, IA
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The best long-distance mover in Ames is Black Belt Movers (4.48/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Iowa, per moveBuddha's analysis of 37 Iowa movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Ames?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Ames residents moving out of Iowa are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Ames for in-state moves?
Black Belt Movers (4.48/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Ames-based mover for long-distance moves within Iowa, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.36/5). Of the 13 intrastate-capable movers serving Ames, 13 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Ames are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Ames but stay within Iowa:
- Black Belt Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Hemmen Moving Inc: 4.08 out of 5 stars
- Lint Van Lines: 4.28 out of 5 stars
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Black Belt Movers has been in business for 18 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Black Belt Movers has an average Yelp rating of 4.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Black Belt Movers.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Black Belt Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Helpful movers
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 29 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 251 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.4.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"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."
"James, Sam & Roquim were kind, professional, and handled our furniture with care. We’d highly recommend this team for any moving job!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 260 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"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!"
"Caleb, Isaiah, and Manny had great communication skills, were very well mannered to each other and us, and were fast and worked hard all day while making sure to take care of all our furniture."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 3.8
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Hemmen Moving Inc has been in business for 36 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Hemmen Moving Inc has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 138 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.0.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Hemmen Moving Inc, and Hemmen Moving Inc makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Hemmen Moving Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"On time, charges were explained upfront, simple to deal with- very pleased with experience"
"Timely, respectful, efficient, hard working crew. I would highly recommend!"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Lint Van Lines has been in business for 66 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Lint Van Lines has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 226 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.4.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Lint Van Lines.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Lint Van Lines emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Great crew! They arrived on time, worked hard & efficiently, and they were careful & friendly. I was very pleased with the outcome.
Our coordinator, Mary L, was fantastic and was able to walk us through the process. They were on time with pickup and delivery. The move went smoothly and we could not have done it without Lint. The movers were courteous and diligent at getting the work done. Overall great experience!
What add-on services do Ames movers offer?
Not every mover in Ames offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 14 Ames movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 50.0% of Ames movers, compared to 45.95% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 21.43% of Ames movers, compared to 27.03% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 28.57% of Ames movers, compared to 21.62% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 64.29% of Ames movers, compared to 78.38% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 14.29% of Ames movers, compared to 8.11% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 71.43% of Ames movers, compared to 64.86% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Ames's cost of living.
Does Ames have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 7 of 14 Ames movers (50.0%), compared to 45.95% statewide and 45.83% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.48/5) and Lint Van Lines (4.28/5) rate highest for art handling in Ames. Per-piece handling runs $44 to $440, with custom crates adding $132 to $176 per item.
| Art handling in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 7 of 14 (50.0%) |
| Iowa statewide | 17 of 37 (45.95%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Ames art movers | Black Belt Movers, Lint Van Lines |
| Per-piece handling fee | $44 to $440 |
| Custom crating per item | $132 to $176 |
Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline for art moving, not an upgrade. Standard blankets protect against surface scratches but offer no defense against UV exposure or humidity shifts that cause paint to crack, canvas to warp, or sculpture finishes to degrade. Before booking, confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium and ask whether crates are built in-house or outsourced to a third party.
Does Ames have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 3 of 14 Ames movers (21.43%), compared to 27.03% statewide and 36.39% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.36/5) rate highest for junk removal in Ames. Standalone junk removal typically runs $132 to $440 per load.
| Junk removal in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 3 of 14 (21.43%) |
| Iowa statewide | 10 of 37 (27.03%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Ames junk removal movers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
| Typical cost per load | $132 to $440 |
| Single large item | $66 to $132 |
Removing items before a weight-based long-distance quote is finalized directly reduces the shipment total and the move cost. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear unwanted furniture and appliances on load day, eliminating a separate scheduling step. Verify the service covers the item types you need removed, since some movers exclude electronics, hazardous materials, and large appliances from standard junk removal pricing.
Does Ames have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 4 of 14 Ames movers (28.57%), compared to 21.62% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.48/5) and A-1 Movers (4.2/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Ames. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 4 of 14 (28.57%) |
| Iowa statewide | 8 of 37 (21.62%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Ames providers | Black Belt Movers, A-1 Movers |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing targets dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service packing contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps total packing cost down while covering the items most likely to break in transit.
Does Ames have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 9 of 14 Ames movers (64.29%), compared to 78.38% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.48/5) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) rate highest for storage in Ames. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $226/month.
| Storage in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 9 of 14 (64.29%) |
| Iowa statewide | 29 of 37 (78.38%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Ames storage movers | Black Belt Movers, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $226 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $440 |
Movers that offer storage-in-transit hold belongings in their warehouse between pickup and delivery. The standard rate is approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. For a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft), that is roughly $226 per month. Ask how the mover calculates the billing start date before committing to a storage window longer than 30 days.
Does Ames have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 2 of 14 Ames movers (14.29%), compared to 8.11% statewide and 21.93% nationally. All Mighty Movers LLC (4.28/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Ames. Hot tub moves typically run $132 to $352 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 2 of 14 (14.29%) |
| Iowa statewide | 3 of 37 (8.11%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Ames hot tub movers | All Mighty Movers LLC |
| Bundled with full-service move | $132 to $352 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $264 to $704 |
Hot tubs are heavy, fragile, and access-dependent. Empty weight runs 500 to 1,000 lbs. Full drainage is required before any move. Tight backyard access may require a crane or a shuttle relay, both of which add to the final cost. Confirm the mover has moved hot tubs specifically, not just bulky items, before booking, since the shell and plumbing require different handling than furniture.
Does Ames have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 10 of 14 Ames movers (71.43%), compared to 64.86% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.48/5) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) rate highest for piano moving in Ames. A standalone piano move typically costs $704 to $3,080, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 10 of 14 (71.43%) |
| Iowa statewide | 24 of 37 (64.86%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Ames piano movers | Black Belt Movers, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
| Upright piano | $704 to $1,320 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,056 to $2,200 |
| Grand piano | $1,584 to $3,080 |
The weight range for upright pianos is 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Neither can be safely moved with standard furniture dollies or blankets. Crews certified for piano moving carry piano boards, rigging straps, and padded blankets designed for the instrument's weight distribution and finish. Adding a piano to a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than contracting a piano-only specialist.
Who are the best movers in Ames for small long-distance moves?
Black Belt Movers leads Ames's small-move providers with a 4.48/5 moveBuddha score, followed by College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving at 4.36/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Ames?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Ames. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Ames residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Ames?
10 of 14 Ames movers (71.43%) offer labor-only services, compared to 51.35% statewide and 54.55% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.48/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Ames, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Ames residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Ames moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Ames. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Ames?
Moving costs across Iowa range from $794 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $278/hour) to $6,629 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Iowa mover quotes. The table below shows Iowa statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Ames will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Iowa* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $794 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $1,072 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,685 |
| 3-bedroom home | $3,790 |
| 4-bedroom home | $4,336 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $6,629 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Iowa. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Iowa statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Ames?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Ames move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Ames, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Ames
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Ames?
Any moving company transporting goods from Ames to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 10 of the 14 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Ames meet that standard — and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Ames relocation?
For moves within Iowa, a local mover in Ames is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 14 movers in the area, averaging $130/hour, with 13 licensed for intrastate routes and 10 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Iowa, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Ames?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Ames. Winter lows average 11°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity — all of which create real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Ames?
Budget-friendly moves from Ames almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
