The Best Long-Distance Movers in Council Bluffs, IA
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The best long-distance mover in Council Bluffs, IA is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Iowa, per moveBuddha's analysis of 36 Iowa movers and 3,803 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Council Bluffs average $124/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across Iowa range from $1,098 for a 1-bedroom to $4,362 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Council Bluffs right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Council Bluffs, IA?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 24 full-service interstate movers serving Council Bluffs, drawing on 3,803 verified customer reviews across Council Bluffs.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Council Bluffs based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Council Bluffs, IA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 13 local movers serving Council Bluffs licensed for long-distance moves within Iowa, drawing on 3,803 verified customer reviews across Council Bluffs. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5) was named the top-rated Council Bluffs-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 13 of the 13 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Council Bluffs are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Council Bluffs but stay within Iowa:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- King's Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- 10 Men Movers: 4.36 out of 5 stars
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. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 31 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate 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 58% positive reviews across roughly 300 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.9.
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
"Used this service to move from west omaha to midtown area! The team of 5 men showed up and within 2 hours I had all my stuff in my new location! Great overall speed and cost was around 500 total."
"My parents moved last Tuesday in the snow. The 3 guys did an amazing job! They were very friendly, patient, and courteous. This is the only moving company I will ever use."
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc has been in business for 45 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc has about 37% positive reviews across roughly 19 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.5.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc. Discounts may be available for groups like seniors.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"This was a totally unplanned move...Fast, didn't waste any time but very careful with our stuff. Placed it all where I wanted...super respectful...I would call them again in a heartbeat!"
"The guys pulled up early...were very respectful and took utmost care while they were inside my residence...After carefully loading my piano...they maneuvered it through the doorways...fantastic job for me."
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. Select Van & Storage Co. has been in business for 81 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Select Van & Storage Co. has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 244 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.5.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Select Van & Storage Co..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Select Van & Storage Co. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Kelly and Amy were absolutely amazing. Professional, polite, very caring with our home. Fast while being careful with our things. This was by far the best pack out we have ever had!"
"Fantastic packers - Kelly and Amy were very efficient, courteous, and took excellent care of everything!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. King's Moving has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. King's Moving has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 238 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from King's Moving. Discounts may be available for groups like military, seniors.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. King's Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The team was on time, courteous, and a pleasure to work with. They were efficient and took care of our property throughout the move. Cautious not to hit any walls or stairs. We recommend them!"
"Frank, Ben and Cody did an awesome job! They were careful with our stuff and fun to work with! We’ll definitely hire Kings again!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.1
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. 10 Men Movers has been in business for 4 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. 10 Men Movers has about 99% positive reviews across roughly 774 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.9.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from 10 Men Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. 10 Men Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers were organized, communicated well, and kept me updated throughout the process. They placed everything right where I wanted it and even helped rearrange a few items. I would definitely hire them again."
"I have moved a lot for my company. This is one of the most impressive moves I’ve experienced. Their response to scheduling and estimates was competitive, professional and fast. They communicated well on the day of the move and did exactly what they promised."
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 36 Iowa moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Iowa. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Council Bluffs, IA movers offer?
Not every mover in Council Bluffs offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 13 Council Bluffs movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 46% of Council Bluffs movers, compared to 44% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Select Van & Storage Co..
- Junk removal: offered by 46% of Council Bluffs movers, compared to 28% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 38% of Council Bluffs movers, compared to 19% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc.
- Storage: offered by 85% of Council Bluffs movers, compared to 78% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 15% of Council Bluffs movers, compared to 8% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: King's Moving.
- Piano moving: offered by 92% of Council Bluffs movers, compared to 64% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Does Council Bluffs have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 6 of 13 Council Bluffs movers (46.15%), compared to 44.44% statewide and 45.89% nationally. Select Van & Storage Co. (4.5/5) and King's Moving (4.44/5) rate highest for art handling in Council Bluffs.
| Art handling in Council Bluffs | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Council Bluffs providers |
Select Van & Storage Co.
King's Moving |
| Per-piece handling fee | $42 to $415 |
| Custom crating per item | $125 to $166 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Before booking an art mover: Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline, not an upgrade. Standard blankets cannot protect against UV exposure or humidity shifts. Confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium before committing.
Does Council Bluffs have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 6 of 13 Council Bluffs movers (46.15%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5) and King's Moving (4.44/5) rate highest in Council Bluffs.
| Junk removal in Council Bluffs | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Council Bluffs providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK King's Moving |
| Typical cost per load | $125 to $415 |
| Single large item | $62 to $125 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Removing items before your weight-based quote is finalized lowers the shipment total and the move cost. Bundling junk removal with your move eliminates a separate scheduling step.
Does Council Bluffs have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 5 of 13 Council Bluffs movers (38.46%). Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc (4.5/5) and Select Van & Storage Co. (4.5/5) rate highest in Council Bluffs.
| Fragile-only packing in Council Bluffs | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Council Bluffs providers | Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc Select Van & Storage Co. |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce packing costs while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide covers what professional packers do differently.
Does Council Bluffs have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 11 of 13 Council Bluffs movers (84.62%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5) and Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc (4.5/5) rate highest in Council Bluffs.
| Storage in Council Bluffs | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Council Bluffs providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $213 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $415 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit holds belongings in the mover's warehouse between pickup and delivery at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $213/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period.
Does Council Bluffs have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 2 of 13 Council Bluffs movers (15.38%). King's Moving (4.44/5) and Action Movers (4.02/5) rate highest in Council Bluffs.
| Hot tub relocation in Council Bluffs | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Council Bluffs providers | King's Moving Action Movers |
| Bundled with full-service move | $125 to $332 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $249 to $664 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and must be fully drained before loading. Narrow access can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price. moveBuddha's how to move a hot tub guide covers what to verify before the crew arrives.
Does Council Bluffs have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 12 of 13 Council Bluffs movers (92.31%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5) and Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc (4.5/5) rate highest in Council Bluffs.
| Piano moving in Council Bluffs | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Council Bluffs providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc |
| Upright piano | $664 to $1,245 |
| Baby grand piano | $996 to $2,075 |
| Grand piano | $1,494 to $2,905 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands top 1,200 lbs. Standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb, so request full valuation coverage for the instrument. moveBuddha's best piano movers guide covers specialists worth considering.
Who are the best movers in Council Bluffs, IA for small long-distance moves?
Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc leads Council Bluffs's small-move providers with a 4.5/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Select Van & Storage Co. at 4.5/5. 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.
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DIY options for your Council Bluffs, IA long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Council Bluffs residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Council Bluffs?
9 of 13 Council Bluffs movers (69.23%) offer labor-only services, compared to 50.0% statewide and 54.53% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Council Bluffs, followed by Select Van & Storage Co. (4.5/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs. 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.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Council Bluffs, IA?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Council Bluffs. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Council Bluffs 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 to know before booking a long-distance mover in Council Bluffs, IA
- Peak season pricing: Summer (May–September) is peak season; prices run 15% to 25% higher and availability is tighter. Book early to avoid last-minute rate spikes.
- Winter moves: Council Bluffs's winter lows average 13°F. Winter moves avoid peak-season costs but may require weather contingency planning.
- Building access: Multi-unit buildings in Council Bluffs often require elevator reservations and a COI from the moving company before crews can enter. Confirm requirements with your building manager at least 2 weeks out.
- USDOT verification: Every interstate carrier must hold a valid USDOT number. Check any mover's status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Council Bluffs, IA?
Moving costs across Iowa range from $820 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $278/hour) to $6,654 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. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Council Bluffs. Your actual cost 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 | $820 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $1,098 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,711 |
| 3-bedroom home | $3,816 |
| 4-bedroom home | $4,362 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $6,654 |
*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 Council Bluffs?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Council Bluffs move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Council Bluffs, 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.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Council Bluffs, IA
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Iowa | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | 4.56/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc | 4.5/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc | 4.5/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Council Bluffs, IA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Council Bluffs, IA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 13 movers moveBuddha tracks in Council Bluffs, 11 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Council Bluffs against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Iowa.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Council Bluffs, IA move. Interstate costs from Iowa range from $820 for a studio to $6,654 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Common questions about moving from Council Bluffs, IA
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Council Bluffs?
Any moving company transporting goods from Council Bluffs to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 11 of the 13 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs relocation?
For moves within Iowa, a local mover in Council Bluffs is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 13 movers in the area, averaging $124/hour, with 13 licensed for intrastate routes and 11 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 Council Bluffs?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Council Bluffs; winter lows average 13°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity, which creates 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 Council Bluffs?
Budget-friendly moves from Council Bluffs 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.
How do I get a COI for my Council Bluffs move?
Ask your moving company for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming your Council Bluffs building as an additional insured. Most licensed movers handle this routinely. Just provide the building legal name and required coverage limits (usually $1 million general liability) when you book. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing.
Can long-distance movers handle difficult property access in Council Bluffs?
Yes, but you need to disclose access constraints upfront. Hillside driveways, narrow streets, high-rise elevators, gated communities, and properties without adequate truck parking all affect crew size, equipment, and pricing. Full-size moving trucks cannot navigate tight or steep approaches. Movers will use a shuttle truck for the final leg, which adds a fee typically ranging from $125 to $415. Describe your property conditions in detail when requesting quotes so estimates are accurate from the start.
How to choose the right long-distance mover in Council Bluffs, IA
Start with moveBuddha's top-rated picks: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for moves out of Iowa. Get 3 or more quotes, check each company's USDOT number in the FMCSA database, and request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate rather than a non-binding one. For a move from Council Bluffs, 4 to 6 weeks' lead time is the target. moveBuddha has vetted 13 movers in the area so you don't have to start from scratch.
