10 Best Moving Companies in Iowa (2025 Reviews)

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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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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
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
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers for those moving locally in Iowa

Staying local in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or somewhere else in Iowa within a 50-mile radius? A IA mover could be the way to go.

Out of 24 local Iowa companies we reviewed, Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc earned the top spot for Iowa moves for their excellent service and fair rates.

  1. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Key City Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. White Glove Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Black Belt Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/Claeysbrothers/?ref=hl, https://twitter.com/claeysbrothers?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (37%)
  • Efficient service (33%)
  • Good communication (30%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (37%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (26%)
  • Lack of communication (19%)
Review Analysis
Service that’s speedy, skilled, and careful stands out at Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc. From 27 reviews, 78% praised the team’s professionalism, gentle handling, efficiency, strong recommendation rates, and affordable prices. Several customers noted the crew’s friendly attitude, thorough organization, and prompt communication, putting this company ahead of many competitors who struggle with reliability or responsiveness. Negative feedback (22%) centered on damaged items, surprise charges, and complaints about packing quality. While most customers highlight positive outcomes and attentive service, a few experienced carelessness handling belongings and confusion over costs. The majority of feedback shows Claeys Brothers consistently delivers fast, careful moves with a respected and courteous crew.
Get a Quote (712) 252-1335

Company Info

Years in Business: 69

DOT #: 70719


Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, a staple in Sioux City, IA since 1955, offers comprehensive local residential moving services. With a strong reputation reflected in their 4.2 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they are a trusted choice among local movers. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Claeys Brothers also offer packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. The firm accepts both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a flexible and customer-friendly option for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/TwoMenAndATruckDesMoines, https://twitter.com/TwoMenDesMoines
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Professional and polite staff (31%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
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.
Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Company Info

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 2527384


Two Men and a Truck, a reputable moving company in Urbandale, IA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1998. Renowned for their packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out by requiring no deposit and accepting credit cards, adding convenience for their clients. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google from over 500 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they excel in customer satisfaction compared to other nearby movers. Their proven track record makes them a trusted choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/KeyCityMoving/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (54%)
  • Efficient service (50%)
  • Good communication (46%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (23%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (17%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Key City Moving & Storage's professionalism, careful handling of belongings, fast work, and friendly, polite staff. Feedback highlights efficient moves with recommendations from customers who appreciated quick, damage-free delivery and excellent communication. Negative input focuses on unhelpful phone interactions and lack of follow-up on quotes. With 48 reviews analyzed and nearly 94% expressing satisfaction, the company stands out for providing a stress-free and reliable moving experience, outperforming many competitors who often receive more mixed input. Only a small portion of input referenced unfriendly customer service, a rare concern based on the high number of positive responses.
Get a Quote (563) 582-3237

Company Info

Years in Business: 114

DOT #: 125563


Key City Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Peosta, IA since 1910. With glowing customer feedback, including an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among local competitors. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized fragile-only packing, ensuring a stress-free move. Unlike other movers, they don't require a deposit and accept both cash and credit cards, making them a customer-friendly choice for your next move.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/whiteglovemoverscr, https://twitter.com/whiteglovemoves?lang=ar-x-fm
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
  • Careful handling (22%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (27%)
  • Lack of communication (20%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
Review Analysis
Moving should be easier, and White Glove Movers makes that happen for most customers. After analyzing 229 pieces of customer feedback, 94% rate their services positively. Customers consistently report efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, and speed. Crews are known for being friendly, polite, and willing to accommodate special requests. Pricing is accurate with many moves completed under estimate. Some feedback highlights excellent teamwork, prompt arrivals, and a stress-free process—a performance level that sets this company apart from many moving providers. Yet, a small but steady number of negative experiences cite damaged items, unprofessional behavior during complaints, and misplaced boxes or belongings. Customers who face problems often mention difficulty getting fair resolutions or compensation. White Glove Movers ranks high for efficiency and professionalism, but prospective customers who need extra care for valuables or complex claims should discuss expectations up front.
Get a Quote (319) 393-3000

Company Info

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2991947


White Glove Movers, a local moving company based in Marion, IA, has been providing reliable residential moving services since 2005. Compared to other nearby movers, White Glove stands out with its comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities to handle delicate items like pianos and art. Renowned for their exceptional service, they hold an average Google rating of 4.9 from 234 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their excellent consumer feedback and array of services make them a top choice for local moves, offering peace of mind and quality assurance.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Best movers for those moving out of Iowa

If your move takes you beyond the Hawkeye State, we’ve rounded up these reliable interstate movers to help get you there with confidence:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  2. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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
Best for personalized service
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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
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 for Contents Coverage
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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 customized Plans
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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 moving containers in Iowa

If you’re trying to save money, need extra storage, or want the freedom to move on your schedule, moving containers are a smart alternative to hiring full-service movers. You’ll handle the loading yourself, but you’ll get several days to complete the task. When you’re done, the container company will handle driving your items to your new home.

These are our recommended moving containers in Iowa:

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

Best rental trucks for your Iowa move

Rental trucks are the most cost-effective method of moving… and the most labor-intensive. You’ll need to do the packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking, but doing it all yourself means you’ll be paying significantly less, particularly on local moves.

While moving trucks are certainly a thrifty option for long-distance moves, keep in mind that related expenses like mileage fees and gas can add up quickly the further you have to go. Be sure to factor in these often overlooked charges to see if this really is your cheapest option.

These are our picks for best rental moving trucks in Iowa:

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

Labor-only hourly movers in Iowa

If you want some muscle but don’t need the whole moving package, labor-only movers are a great solution. These teams can help with heavy lifting, furniture disassembly, and even packing. You’ll still need to rent a truck and take care of the drive yourself.

Here are some of the best labor-only moving crews available in Iowa:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.72 / 5
  • Years in Business: 27
  • Yelp: 3.5 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.66 / 5
  • Years in Business: 114
  • Yelp: 4.3 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.62 / 5
  • Years in Business: 17
  • Yelp: 4 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Top-rated movers in nearby cities

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How we chose the best moving companies in Iowatoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed 24 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of moving companies in Iowa

Here’s a quick look at approximate moving costs for local moves in Iowa. Take a look at our guide on the cost to move in Iowa for a thorough breakdown of pricing.

Keep in mind that the listed ranges are just averages. Your actual costs may vary depending on your moving needs and the company’s pricing structure.

Need a more specific estimate? Try our free moving cost calculator.

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $819 $278 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $1,098 $278 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedroom $1,711 $390 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedroom $3,815 $546 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedroom $4,361 $546 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedroom $6,656 $764 5 movers 10 hours

Read more about the average cost of IA movers:toggle

  • Studio moves in Iowa typically cost $819.
  • Local movers in Iowa charge around $1,098 for a one-bedroom move.
  • The cost to move a two-bedroom home in Iowa is usually about $1,711.
  • Expect to pay about $3,815 for a three-bedroom move in Iowa.
  • Moving a four-bedroom house in Iowa costs around $4,361 on average.
  • For homes with five or more bedrooms in Iowa, moving costs average $6,656.

Factors that affect moving costs in Iowa

An online moving quote is a useful planning tool, but the actual price you pay will be based in large part on these variables.

  • Distance: Even local moves depend on time and fuel, while interstate moves from Iowa can carry extra fees.
  • Size: A bigger home means more work and larger moving trucks, which means higher pricing.
  • Time of year: High-demand periods in Iowa — such as peak moving seasons — usually come with increased rates.
  • Additional services: If you add services like packing or disassembly, expect those to raise your final cost.

Things to keep in mind when moving

Whether your move keeps you close by in Iowa or takes you on a cross-country adventure, here are some important considerations:

  • Weather: Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
  • HOA rules: If you're moving to or from a home governed by an HOA, take time to review the handbook. Many have set rules for moving days, truck size, and even resident notification, all of which can affect your move.
  • Elevator reservation: Living in a high-rise or apartment? You might need to schedule use of the elevator for your move, and some buildings require use of a service elevator during specified hours.
  • Parking permits: Although Iowa doesn’t usually require them, check with your destination city for any truck or container permit needs, especially for downtown or high-traffic areas.
  • Licensing and compliance: We never recommend unverified movers. But you can always confirm their credentials through the FMCSA site.
  • Change of address: Make sure you fill out your change of address form at least a week in advance to ensure uninterrupted mail delivery.
  • Moving insurance: Basic coverage is free but minimal — just $0.60 per pound. For peace of mind, especially with valuable items, consider a more comprehensive insurance option.

FAQs

How do I choose the right moving company in Iowa?toggle

To find the right moving company in Iowa, focus on reputation, clear and competitive pricing, service variety, and insurance options. These are the core factors we evaluate in our reviews, making it easier for you to find the top-rated movers in Iowa.

Our advice? Get pricing details from at least three movers, and make sure one of them is a recommended flat-rate mover. This will give you a more accurate comparison of costs and offerings.

Are long-distance or interstate moves available through Iowa movers?toggle

Absolutely. Many movers in Iowa provide long-distance and interstate moving options. For interstate services, companies must be registered with a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Check out our list of the best long-distance movers in Iowa for more details.

How can I see all moving companies in Iowa?toggle

You can see all moving companies in Iowa in our comprehensive list of Iowa movers.

Helpful Iowa resources

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