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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Average cost of local Johnston, IA movers

Hiring a moving company in Johnston is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You'll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you'd rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.

Here's how much movers cost in Johnston:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $954 $190 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $1,144 $190 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,565 $267 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $3,005 $373 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $3,378 $373 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,950 $523 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: Expect to pay around $190 per hour for studio moves in Johnston. These usually take three hours with a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: A one-bedroom move in Johnston averages $190 hourly. You'll need two movers for approximately four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: The going hourly rate for moving a two-bedroom home in Johnston is $267. It generally takes five hours with a three-person crew.
  • Three bedrooms: In Johnston, the average cost to move a three-bedroom home is about $373 per hour, requiring four movers and eight hours of work.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom home in Johnston, you're looking at $373 per hour. This job typically takes nine hours with a four-person team.
  • Five or more bedrooms: Large homes with five or more bedrooms in Johnston can cost about $523 per hour. Expect ten hours of work by a five-person crew.

Quickly compare moving quotes for your Johnston move with our instant, free cost calculator.

Best local movers in Johnston, IA

If your move is local, don’t miss our list of the best moving companies in Johnston:

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Black Belt Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  4. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  5. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/TwoMenAndATruckDesMoines, https://twitter.com/TwoMenDesMoines
92% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck earns its reputation for being fast, careful, and professional, with 92% of customer feedback praising efficient service, attention to detail, and courteous movers. Most people said the crews worked quickly, handled belongings with care, communicated well, and made moving less stressful. Many customers noted the movers were polite, helpful, and followed directions accurately, setting them apart from less organized competitors.
Some even reported coming in under budget due to team efficiency, and highlighted transparent pricing and great office support. Negative feedback primarily cited issues with item damage, inexperienced movers, and unexpected costs. A small number of reviewers mentioned poor packing, lack of effort to resolve damages, and occasional rude remarks, especially in more complex moves. While damage to belongings arose more often than other negatives, the vast majority of feedback still positions this company as one of the most reliably consistent options for moving services in the region.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Company Info

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/CollegeHunksClive/, https://x.com/CollegeHunks
93% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving has never looked so easy. From 260 customer feedback entries, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving earned praise for efficient service, professionalism, and careful handling, with 92.7% of responses reflecting positive experiences. The staff often receives high marks for friendliness and effective communication, outperforming many competitors on reliability.
Customers commonly mention the quick moving process and how carefully items are treated. On the downside, some reported damage to belongings, unexpected charges, and unprofessional conduct—chiefly in the few negative submissions, which account for 7.3% of the total. Compared to others, College Hunks stands out for speed, courteous crews, and strong problem-solving skills, but attention to quality control and transparent billing could prevent negative encounters. The company sets a high standard for service and staff demeanor, making it a leading choice in the moving industry.
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Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 2378173


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/adamantinespinemoving/,
100% of all reviews were positive
0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave reviews consistently place Adamantine Spine Moving at the top of moving services in Iowa and beyond. Analyzing 223 customer reviews, 99.6% of feedback highlights professionalism, efficient service, excellent communication, careful handling, and quick moving crews. Customers repeatedly mention that staff are polite, approachable, and make stressful moves easy with precise organization and prompt responses.
Quotes tend to be accurate, crews are well-trained, and moves large or small are handled with care. Compared to larger moving firms, Adamantine stands out for its hard-working teams and reliable pricing, with many clients calling the experience the best they've had. The only significant complaint noted involves a billing discrepancy where the final charge was much higher than the initial estimate, and the situation wasn't resolved effectively. This single negative input strongly contrasts the otherwise outstanding reputation. Adamantine’s client input sets it apart from typical moving companies and makes it a top recommendation for anyone looking for trusted moving professionals.
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Get a Quote (319) 519-0154

Company Info

Pricing: $100/hr

Years in Business: 25

DOT #: 1471037


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/Allmightymovers/,
64% of all reviews were positive
36% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast, affordable, and careful—most customer feedback praises All Mighty Movers LLC for their quick moving process, professional crews, and attentive handling of belongings. Out of 25 reviews analyzed, 64% are positive, often highlighting low rates, polite staff, and efficient service. Clients commonly appreciate how speedily and safely items were moved, noting that furniture and fragile goods arrived undamaged.
Many mention the company beats local competitors in both price and quality, thanks to thoughtful movers who keep an upbeat attitude even with challenging jobs. On the downside, 36% of feedback centers on inaccurate estimates, unexpected charges, and unclear communication, especially regarding additional fees and scheduling. Some customers feel misled when final costs exceeded quoted amounts. Compared to many moving companies, All Mighty Movers earns high marks for efficiency and pricing but leaves room to improve transparency and customer relations, especially for billing and communication during more complex moves.
Show more
Get a Quote (515) 313-1395

Company Info

Pricing: $130/hr

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2468266


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

Average cost to move out of state with Johnston movers

The cost of moving out of Iowa mostly depends on where you're headed, so we’ve listed some sample prices below. For more precise costs, explore your moving route to Iowa or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Johnston

Several factors influence the price of a one-bedroom move from Johnston — mainly how far you’re going, how much you're bringing, and how you plan to get it there.

Below are some common price ranges to help estimate the cost of long-distance moves from Iowa:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Johnston

Out-of-state moving costs from Johnston for two- or three-bedroom homes depend on the total volume and weight of everything you’re bringing. For instance, the cost to move a three-bedroom home that’s lightly furnished and compact might be lower than that of a large, fully furnished two-bedroom space.

That said, here’s a general look at the price ranges you can expect for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distance from Johnston:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Johnston

Out-of-state moves from Johnston involving four-bedroom homes can vary significantly in price. Factors like distance, volume, and seasonal demand all impact the total cost.

Below are sample price ranges for long-distance moves with four or more bedrooms from Johnston:

Best interstate moving companies in Johnston

Now that you’ve got a clearer idea of what your move from Iowa might cost, it’s a good time to start comparing the best long-distance moving companies in Johnston.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841

Average cost of moving containers in Johnston, IA

Moving containers in Johnston generally cost about $540 for a local move, while long-distance jobs can push the total up to $2,970. If you’re heading across the country, it’s not uncommon to see prices close to $6,920 or even higher. The two biggest cost factors? Distance and the size of the container you choose.

We often recommend PODS in Johnston. They have eight-, 12-, and 16-foot containers, keep pricing competitive, and have earned a solid reputation among customers. But don’t stop there. Get quotes from at least two other providers to see how everything compares.

Need more options? Take a look at these highly-rated moving container companies before making your decision.

Best moving container companies in Johnston

If you want to save some money on your Johnston move but don’t want the hassle of doing everything yourself, moving container companies are a great alternative. With a moving container, you’ll take care of the packing and loading but won’t have to worry about driving. Here are a few highly recommended options for moving containers in Johnston:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Johnston, IA

The average cost to rent a moving truck in Johnston is $60 per day, but prices can be anywhere from $19–$39 daily, with an additional per-mile fee of $0.69–$0.99, depending on how far you're moving and the truck size you need. A moving truck rental is definitely going to be your cheapest option for relocating. Just keep in mind that you will not only be responsible for all the packing and loading, you'll also need to drive the truck to your new home.

Best moving truck rentals in Johnston

The cheapest way to move is to just pack and drive it yourself with a moving truck. There’s no shortage of options for moving truck rental companies in Johnston. If you are ready to put the work in, here are some of the top moving truck rental companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Johnston, IA

Expect to pay between $30 and $40 an hour for each labor-only mover in Johnston. Depending on how many crew members you need, the total hourly rate can range from $60 to $80.

Most studios and one-bedrooms require just two movers. Larger homes — two or three bedrooms — generally need three or four movers, and anything beyond that will require a team of four to five movers.

Best labor-only moving companies in Johnston

Not all labor-only moving services in Johnston are created equal. The best ones combine fair pricing with dependable service. Some even go the extra mile by helping with packing or providing supplies.

Here’s a look at our favorite labor-only moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
  • Years in Business: 27
  • Yelp: 3.5 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.58 / 5
  • Years in Business: 17
  • Yelp: 4 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.52 / 5
  • Years in Business: 7
  • Yelp: 3.2 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Factors that affect the cost of your Johnston move

Since every move is a little different, your total cost will depend on your individual needs. Still, here are some of the key factors that commonly affect Johnston moving costs:

  • Distance: Long-distance moves tend to cost more due to added mileage, fuel charges, and labor hours. Staying within the same city or region is typically more affordable.
  • Move size: More items = more money. Larger households usually need extra hands and a bigger truck, both of which increase the price.
  • Moving method: Full-service movers offer convenience, but they charge for it. If you go with a moving container company, you can cut costs by handling the packing and lifting yourself.
  • Add-on services: Want help packing or extra coverage for your stuff? These kinds of add-ons cost more — and even DIY moves cost extra if you hire help for the heavy lifting.
  • Move date: Prices spike during the busy season (summer), weekends, and the beginning or end of the month. You’ll often save by moving mid-week or mid-month when demand is lower.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Buy additional insurance. Full-service movers are required by federal law to provide basic insurance, known as released value protection, at no cost. While you can't beat free, released value protection provides very minimal coverage — $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of the item's value. So, your reimbursement on a damaged 25-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Most moving companies — and some home insurance providers — offer optional comprehensive insurance plans. While these come at an added cost, they will protect your items based on estimated value instead of weight.
  • Get your move approved. Many neighborhoods — particularly those with HOAs — have restrictions around moving. Typically, these restrictions outline which days and times moving is allowable. It's best to double-check the rules ahead of time and to proactively inform a property management group of your moving date.
  • Have your paperwork handy. If you are moving to or from an apartment complex, you may need to show proof on moving day of your mover's insurance coverage and, if applicable, an elevator reservation. Go ahead and gather this information — which is usually available in your moving contract — so you aren't scrambling for it when your moving date arrives.

Helpful Johnston Resources

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