The Best Long-Distance Movers in West Des Moines, IA
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The best long-distance mover in West Des Moines, IA is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5 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 1,704 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in West Des Moines average $123/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 West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines, 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 22 full-service interstate movers serving West Des Moines, drawing on 1,704 verified customer reviews across West Des Moines.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for West Des Moines based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in West Des Moines, IA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 11 local movers serving West Des Moines licensed for long-distance moves within Iowa, drawing on 1,704 verified customer reviews across West Des Moines. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) was named the top-rated West Des Moines-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 11 of the 12 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 West Des Moines are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve West Des Moines but stay within Iowa:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Lint Van Lines: 4.28 out of 5 stars
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 intrastate moving and labor-only 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 intrastate moving and office 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."
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Affordable rates
Efficient service
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. All Mighty Movers LLC has been in business for 12 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. All Mighty Movers LLC has about 64% positive reviews across roughly 25 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from All Mighty Movers LLC.
Customer service 3.5
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. All Mighty Movers LLC emphasizes clear communication.
Recent reviews
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!
I have moved 7 times in 5 years and wish I would have called them every time. The guys were fast and careful, making my move hassle free. Cheapest in town!
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Good communication
Careful handling
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Adamantine Spine Moving has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Adamantine Spine Moving has about 100% positive reviews across roughly 223 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 5.0.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Adamantine Spine Moving, and Adamantine Spine Moving makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Adamantine Spine Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"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!"
"They worked together like a well-oiled machine... smoothly setting everything up in the new house. I was impressed by their professionalism and efficiency. Best of all, they took less time than estimated, so our cost was lower."
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 international moving and intrastate 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!
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 West Des Moines, IA movers offer?
Not every mover in West Des Moines offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 12 West Des Moines movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 50% of West Des Moines movers, compared to 44% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Adamantine Spine Moving.
- Junk removal: offered by 25% of West Des Moines movers, compared to 28% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 25% of West Des Moines movers, compared to 19% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Select Van & Storage Co..
- Storage: offered by 58% of West Des Moines movers, compared to 78% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 17% of West Des Moines movers, compared to 8% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: All Mighty Movers LLC.
- Piano moving: offered by 75% of West Des Moines movers, compared to 64% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Does West Des Moines have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 6 of 12 West Des Moines movers (50.0%), compared to 44.44% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Adamantine Spine Moving (4.34/5) and Lint Van Lines (4.28/5) rate highest for art handling in West Des Moines.
| Art handling in West Des Moines | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated West Des Moines providers |
Adamantine Spine Moving
Lint Van Lines |
| Per-piece handling fee | $44 to $435 |
| Custom crating per item | $131 to $174 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Standard blankets do not protect framed artwork or sculpture against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures. Custom crates and archival packing are the baseline, not an upgrade. Ask any art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing.
Does West Des Moines have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 3 of 12 West Des Moines movers (25.0%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.44/5) rate highest in West Des Moines.
| Junk removal in West Des Moines | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated West Des Moines providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
| Typical cost per load | $131 to $435 |
| Single large item | $65 to $131 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Items removed before a weight-based quote is locked in lower the base moving rate. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear furniture and appliances on load day. Confirm they cover electronics and appliances before booking.
Does West Des Moines have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 3 of 12 West Des Moines movers (25.0%). Select Van & Storage Co. (4.28/5) and Riley Moving And Storage (4.14/5) rate highest in West Des Moines.
| Fragile-only packing in West Des Moines | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated West Des Moines providers | Select Van & Storage Co. Riley Moving And Storage |
| 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 applies professional packing only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps (the items that account for most in-transit breakage claims) without the cost of a full-service contract. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide is useful if you're handling any items yourself.
Does West Des Moines have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 7 of 12 West Des Moines movers (58.33%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.44/5) rate highest in West Des Moines.
| Storage in West Des Moines | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated West Des Moines providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $224 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $435 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit is priced at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $224/month for a 1-bedroom load. Verify the billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing.
Does West Des Moines have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 2 of 12 West Des Moines movers (16.67%). All Mighty Movers LLC (4.34/5) and You First Moving (4.0/5) rate highest in West Des Moines.
| Hot tub relocation in West Des Moines | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated West Des Moines providers | All Mighty Movers LLC You First Moving |
| Bundled with full-service move | $131 to $348 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $261 to $696 |
| 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 require full drainage before pickup. Bundling into a full-service move is almost always cheaper than a standalone specialty carrier. See moveBuddha's guide on how to move a hot tub for what to expect.
Does West Des Moines have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 9 of 12 West Des Moines movers (75.0%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) and All Mighty Movers LLC (4.34/5) rate highest in West Des Moines.
| Piano moving in West Des Moines | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated West Des Moines providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK All Mighty Movers LLC |
| Upright piano | $696 to $1,305 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,044 to $2,175 |
| Grand piano | $1,566 to $3,045 |
| 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 run 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs, both beyond what standard moving equipment handles safely. Piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are required. moveBuddha's piano mover guide covers what to look for when vetting a crew.
Who are the best movers in West Des Moines, IA for small long-distance moves?
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving leads West Des Moines's small-move providers with a 4.44/5 moveBuddha score, followed by All Mighty Movers LLC at 4.34/5. 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 West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in West Des Moines?
9 of 12 West Des Moines movers (75.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 50.0% statewide and 54.51% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in West Des Moines, followed by College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.44/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines. 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 West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines, IA
- Property access: Hillside properties, high-rise buildings, and gated communities may require a shuttle truck, elevator booking, or a COI from your mover. Flag any access restrictions when requesting quotes so movers can price them accurately.
- Timing: Avoid booking the last week of any month (high demand) and peak summer weekends. Fall and winter moves typically offer better rates and availability.
- USDOT verification: Interstate moves require a USDOT-registered carrier. Verify credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing anything.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines. 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 West Des Moines?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance West Des Moines move:
- Distance: The farther you move from West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines, 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 | 4.5/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 4.44/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 4.44/5 | 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 West Des Moines, IA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from West Des Moines, IA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 12 movers moveBuddha tracks in West Des Moines, 9 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 West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines, IA move. Interstate costs from Iowa range from $820 for a studio to $6,654 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance moving from West Des Moines, IA: frequently asked questions
What licenses does a long-distance mover in West Des Moines need?
9 of the 12 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in West Des Moines hold a valid FMCSA registration and USDOT number, the 2 federal credentials required before any company can transport household goods across state lines. All movers recommended on this page carry both. Confirm any company's status independently in the FMCSA's carrier database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move covers what to expect during an interstate move and what protections apply at every stage.
Should I hire locally or go national when moving from West Des Moines?
Local West Des Moines movers offer the best value for moves within Iowa, with average hourly rates of $123 across the 12 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 9 of those hold FMCSA interstate authorization for cross-state routes. The top-rated options on this page cover both.
For moves that cross into another state, national carriers bring purpose-built long-distance logistics, a meaningful advantage when coordinating a move over a long distance.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from West Des Moines?
Movers in West Des Moines run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 13°F and moving demand falls well below its summer peak. Reduced competition for mover calendars creates a genuine window to push back on the initial estimate. Off-peak moves in West Des Moines typically come with better availability and shorter booking lead times than any other time of year.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of West Des Moines?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of West Des Moines, especially within 50 miles. moveBuddha's research shows that rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% versus full-service movers. The cheapest options are renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For longer moves, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
Will my West Des Moines apartment building require a COI from the movers?
Multi-unit buildings, condos, and managed communities in West Des Moines frequently require a certificate of insurance (COI) from any moving company working on the property. Ask your building management what coverage limits and additional insured language they require, then confirm your mover can match them before booking. Request the COI at least 10 to 14 business days before your move.
Do West Des Moines movers charge extra for hills, narrow streets, or elevator buildings?
They can. Shuttle fees apply when a full-size truck cannot access your property, common for hillside homes, narrow residential streets, and properties with tight turns. High-rise elevator buildings may also charge a long-carry fee if the elevator is far from truck parking. Disclose all access conditions when getting quotes: a mover who knows about constraints upfront will price them into the original estimate rather than adding a surcharge at delivery.
Your next step for a long-distance move from West Des Moines, IA
The best starting point is 3 quotes from licensed movers. moveBuddha's top picks are TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for interstate relocations. Confirm USDOT/FMCSA credentials for any company you consider, ask for a binding estimate, and book at least 4 weeks ahead. moveBuddha has reviewed 12 West Des Moines movers so every recommendation on this page has been independently vetted.
