10 Best Moving Companies in Iowa (2026 Reviews)
Fact Checked by:
moveBuddha analyzed 58 Iowa movers and 13,244 verified reviews. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc is the highest-rated local mover in Iowa, with a 4.58/5 moveBuddha rating, 71 years in business, and 78% positive feedback across 27 verified reviews.
Local moves in Iowa cost $804 for a studio to $6,639 for a 5+ bedroom home. Get a personalized estimate with moveBuddha's free moving cost calculator, then compare movers, starting with our top-ranked Iowa mover, Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc.
rating
4.5 / 5
- Years in Business: 29
- Yelp: 3.3 / 5
- BBB: A+
rating
4.42 / 5
- Years in Business: 43
- Yelp: 5 / 5
- BBB: A+
rating
4.42 / 5
- Years in Business: 71
- Yelp: / 5
- BBB: A+
10 Best Local Moving Companies in Iowa
The 10 best local moving companies in Iowa are led by Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, which has a moveBuddha rating of 4.58/5 and 78% positive customer reviews. Ratings among the top 10 companies range from 4.30 to 4.58 out of 5, based on a combined 4,667 verified customer reviews.
moveBuddha evaluated 58 moving companies in Iowa, scoring each on industry experience, review quality, quote accuracy, and customer service. Our ratings incorporate verified customer reviews, FMCSA complaint data, BBB standing, and moveBuddha's proprietary data from more than 1,000 real moving quotes and moves. Last updated November 2026.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.58/5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56/5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.44/5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.44/5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.42/5 stars
- Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage: 4.42/5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.42/5 stars
- Powell Express Moving: 4.36/5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.36/5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.30/5 stars
Proper equipment usage
Experienced movers
Affordable rates
Friendly and approachable staff
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc has been in business for 71 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc has about 78% positive reviews across roughly 27 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
They were serious pros, super friendly and professional, moved even the heaviest furniture quickly, and did not damage a single thing.
They smoothly moved a huge, heavy tub from a second-floor bathroom, down an old staircase, through the house, and into my truck for an affordable price.
Friendly and approachable staff
Respectful of property
Quick moving process
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
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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 office moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 1052 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.3.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
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
Mike W. and Tay were prompt, polite, efficient, and respectful of our property. They disassembled large furniture and reassembled it.
The team was friendly, helpful, and mindful of protecting the furniture. They were extremely efficient packing and unloading, and respectful of my time and property.
Affordable rates
Respectful of property
Careful handling
Flexibility
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. White Glove Movers has been in business for 22 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. White Glove Movers has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 343 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from White Glove Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. White Glove Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
The rates are excellent, and the service is fast and efficient. Scheduling was flexible, and they relocated additional items from the property.
They treated all of our items with care and respect, padded the doorways, and placed everything where we wanted. White Glove was very reasonable.
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Friendly and approachable staff
Respectful of property
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Action Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 43 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. Action Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 286 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 quotes from Action Moving & Storage, Inc..
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Action Moving & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication.
Recent reviews
Very professional, easy booking and great communication, the 3 men were very hard working, careful, quick and personable. Most reasonable prices I have found, too.
Action Moving was my first choice & I’m happy they could handle my move! Stephanie helped with many of my questions & was a lifesaver when I had to re-schedule last minute.
Quick response times
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Efficient service
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 1864 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request 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
I walked into this company at 8am and they had guys helping me move my whole one-bedroom apartment by 10am that same day. They made a very tough situation much easier.
They were timely, efficient, professional, and friendly from start to finish. They handled everything carefully, worked quickly, and made the whole process much easier than I expected.
Flexibility
Respectful of property
Careful handling
Affordable rates
Consistency and follow-up
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 235 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
They were very flexible with my unusual moving out and moving in dates! The owner is friendly, knowledgeable, and organized.
They arrived on time, very professional and did an excellent job wrapping and protecting our belongings. Everything arrived safe and they did a good job of unloading and setting everything up in our new home.
Affordable rates
Respectful of property
Careful handling
Quick response times
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Key City Moving & Storage has been in business for 116 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Key City Moving & Storage has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 54 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Key City Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Key City Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
The value for cost was great. They wrap each item up and secure them well, taking great care not to harm the items or the house.
Key City was able to help us out in a pinch. Joan worked us into their existing schedule, and the whole process was handled professionally.
Proper equipment usage
Transparent pricing
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Respectful of property
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Powell Express Moving has been in business for 24 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Powell Express Moving has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 135 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Powell Express Moving. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Powell Express Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Was so happy to hire a reputable company and couldn't believe how quickly the 3 gentleman worked. They took extra care of our belongings and moved quickly.
Roger came ahead of time to assess what all we had to move and gave us a written quote. He went above and beyond while accommodating our difficult timing. Very fair price.
Affordable rates
Quick response times
Flexibility
Quick moving process
Consistency and follow-up
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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 interstate moving and office 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 3.1.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request 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, careful handling.
Recent reviews
They loaded and moved us into our new home in less than 6 hours. They were professional and the most reasonably priced in town.
They picked up the phone immediately, gave us the lowest quote, and sent a reminder as promised. They were kind and accommodating even when we canceled.
Good communication
Flexibility
Affordable rates
Consistency and follow-up
Respectful of property
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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 international moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Adamantine Spine Moving has about 99% positive reviews across roughly 646 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 quotes from Adamantine Spine Moving.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Adamantine Spine Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Great communication pre-, peri-, and post-move. Easy process with real time video walkthrough to create estimate of moving costs. Competitive pricing. Friendly and professional service. Very efficient and prompt.
Caleb and the gang were awesome! They were flexible with our schedule. They were professional and quick, work was completed sooner than expected. Everything was moved and set-up with no issues.
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Compare the top moving companies in Iowa
Based on moveBuddha's moving data, updated November 2026, here's how the top 10 movers in Iowa compare.
| Mover | moveBuddha score | Positive reviews | Verified reviews | Years in business | FMCSA status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc Get A Quote |
4.58/5 | 78% | 27 | 71 | Active |
| #2 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Get A Quote |
4.56/5 | 94% | 1,052 | 29 | Active |
| #3 White Glove Movers Get A Quote |
4.44/5 | 95% | 343 | 22 | Active |
| #4 Action Moving & Storage, Inc. Get A Quote |
4.44/5 | 94% | 286 | 43 | Active |
| #5 College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Get A Quote |
4.42/5 | 96% | 1,864 | 8 | Active |
| #6 Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage Get A Quote |
4.42/5 | 98% | 235 | 27 | Inactive |
| #7 Key City Moving & Storage Get A Quote |
4.42/5 | 91% | 54 | 116 | Active |
| #8 Powell Express Moving Get A Quote |
4.36/5 | 87% | 135 | 24 | Inactive |
| #9 All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote |
4.36/5 | 64% | 25 | 12 | N/A |
| #10 Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote |
4.30/5 | 99% | 646 | 27 | N/A |
How to read FMCSA status: Movers that transport belongings across state lines must be registered with the FMCSA. "N/A" means we didn't find an active FMCSA registration, which is common for movers that only offer local or in-state moves, or labor-only services like loading and unloading. These movers are typically licensed or registered at the state level instead. If you're moving out of Iowa, choose a mover with an active FMCSA status.
Other local Iowa movers
These Iowa movers were reviewed by moveBuddha but did not make our top 10. See all 58 Iowa movers we've reviewed →
- Porter Moving Company
- Blue Line Moving & Storage
- Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage
- Select Van & Storage Co.
- Lint Van Lines
- The Approved Movers
- A-1 Movers
- Riley Moving And Storage
- Jake N' Jose Moving Service
- Errand Boys
- Hemmen Moving Inc
- You First Moving
- UniMovers Dubuque
- Kirbys Moving Company
- Mid-American Moving
- Kirby's Moving & Storage Company
- Finnemore Harris Moving Co
- Takin Bros. Transfer & Storage
- Combined Relocation Services LLC
- Quick n Careful Movers
- Heck's Transfer and Moving
- Helping Hands Moving Services LLC
- Argo Moving and Labor Service (IA)
- Blue Cow Moving & Storage
- Siddall Moving & Storage, Inc.
Best Interstate Movers in Iowa
The best interstate movers in Iowa are led by Safeway Moving, which scores 4.90/5 on moveBuddha. 44 of Iowa's 58 movers (76%) hold interstate operating authority, compared with 71% nationally. The top-rated interstate movers below average 4.87/5. Data last updated November 2026.
If you're moving from Iowa to a destination 500+ miles away, a local mover may not be the right fit. Long-distance moves require interstate operating authority, appropriate estimates, and the equipment and experience to handle moves across state lines. We recommend using one of the top-rated long-distance moving companies in Iowa for any out-of-state move of significant distance.
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving (USDOT#: 3166589) offers the best overall value among full-service interstate movers for moves over 500 miles from Iowa because it combines solid pricing with premium features that make long-distance moving feel more manageable from start to finish.
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving stands out with a barcode-scanned inventory and 24/7 customer support, giving you more control and visibility than many competitors we reviewed.
- Competitive advantage: Safeway adds to that value with 30 days of free climate-controlled storage and optional full-value protection, which can be especially useful for expensive items or more complicated interstate moves.
- Average cost: Safeway Moving's pricing typically falls between $1,000 and $4,900 for long-distance moves, based on moveBuddha's pricing data.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT#: 614506) is our top pick for the most experienced full-service interstate mover for moves over 500 miles from Iowa because it has the operational depth and specialized handling expertise needed for long-distance moves involving antiques, pianos, bulky furniture, and other high-value items.
- Most experienced handling: American Van Lines operates as a carrier with in-house crews trained to manage fragile, oversized, and high-value shipments, which makes it especially reliable for moves where careful execution is critical.
- Competitive advantage: American Van Lines backs that up with custom crating, climate-controlled storage, antique services, and support for last-minute long-distance moves, making it a leading choice for complex and specialty-item relocations.
- Average cost: Our moveBuddha data shows American Van Lines pricing around $3,948 for a typical 2-bedroom interstate move around 1,000 miles.
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (USDOT#: 070851) is our top pick for the best customized plans among full-service interstate movers for moves over 500 miles from Iowa because it provides more control over pricing, services, and booking terms than competing long-distance movers.
- Best customized plans: North American Van Lines offers flexible, build-your-own service options with a la carte pricing and tracking tools, making it easier to tailor a move to your budget and priorities.
- Competitive advantage: North American Van Lines has no upfront deposit, flexible service packages such as fragile-only packing, and vehicle-shipping add-ons, which gives it more customization than other full-service competitors.
- Average cost: Pricing typically falls between $5,330 and $13,462 for long-distance moves, based on firsthand moveBuddha pricing data.
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
What specialty moving services are available in Iowa?
Not every mover in Iowa offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 58 Iowa movers, here are the specialty services available in Iowa, how common they are, and who we recommend for each:
- Art handling: The best art handling company in Iowa is Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc (4.58/5 moveBuddha rating). Only 16% of Iowa movers offer art handling as a specialty service.
- Antique moving: The best antique moving company in Iowa is Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc (4.58/5 moveBuddha rating). Only 22% of Iowa movers offer antique moving as a specialty service.
- Junk removal: The best junk removal company in Iowa is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 moveBuddha rating). Only 29% of Iowa movers offer junk removal as a specialty service.
- Fragile-only packing: The best fragile-only packing company in Iowa is Porter Moving Company (4.26/5 moveBuddha rating). Only 3% of Iowa movers offer fragile-only packing as a specialty service.
- Storage: The best storage company in Iowa is Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc (4.58/5 moveBuddha rating). About 67% of Iowa movers offer storage services.
- Climate-controlled storage: The best climate-controlled storage company in Iowa is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 moveBuddha rating). Only 26% of Iowa movers offer climate-controlled storage as a specialty service.
- Hot tub relocation: The best hot tub relocation company in Iowa is College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.42/5 moveBuddha rating). Only 3% of Iowa movers offer hot tub relocation as a specialty service.
- Piano moving: The best piano moving company in Iowa is Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc (4.58/5 moveBuddha rating). Only 41% of Iowa movers offer piano moving as a specialty service.
How much do movers cost in Iowa?
Hiring local movers in Iowa costs an average $804 for a studio up to $6,639 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers in Iowa charge $199/hour for a 2-person crew, based on moveBuddha's 2026 quote data. Compare flat-rate vs. hourly movers before you book.
The table below breaks down average local moving costs in Iowa by home size, including estimated total prices and hourly rates.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $804 | $278 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,083 | $278 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,695 | $390 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,801 | $546 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,346 | $546 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $6,639 | $764 |
Peak-season moves (May through August) and month-end dates cost 15% to 20% more. Get a personalized Iowa moving cost estimate →
Key Iowa Moving Tips & Consumer Protection
Whether your move stays in Iowa or becomes a cross-country move, here is what to know before you book:
- 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.
- Building and parking rules: If you are moving to or from an HOA community or a building with an elevator, check the handbook or ask management about moving days, truck size limits, and elevator reservations. Also check with your destination city for any truck or container parking permits, especially in downtown or high-traffic areas.
- Iowa mover licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Verify a license → You can also confirm any mover's USDOT status and complaint history through the FMCSA site.
- Red flags: Be wary of movers that provide quotes without assessing your belongings, demand large cash deposits upfront, arrive in unmarked trucks, or refuse to provide a written estimate. These are common warning signs of a potential rogue moving company.
- Moving insurance: Interstate movers must offer free basic coverage, but it pays only $0.60 per pound per item (just $3 for a 5-pound item worth $500). Requirements for local moves vary by state, so ask your Iowa mover what coverage it includes and whether it offers full-value protection.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move to keep your mail uninterrupted.
How to choose movers in Iowa
Choosing the right moving company in Iowa means looking beyond price. Licensing, customer reviews, transparent estimates, and consumer protections all matter. Use this checklist to compare movers before you book.
- Pricing and estimates: Get written estimates from at least three moving companies, ideally after an in-person or virtual walkthrough. Ask about binding estimates, potential extra fees, and what's included in the quoted price. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to see how estimates compare with typical moving costs.
- Discounts and price matching: About 14% of Iowa movers offer military discounts, and about 3% offer senior discounts. Ask whether your mover offers additional savings or will match a competitor's written estimate.
- Service and reviews: Look beyond star ratings to see how movers handle customer complaints, damaged belongings, and unexpected charges. moveBuddha evaluates 58 Iowa movers on customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc leads with a 4.58/5 rating. See our guide on how to choose a moving company.
- moveBuddha Certified movers: Consider a moveBuddha Certified mover for added protection. Every Certified mover passes our vetting process for safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing, agrees to ongoing monitoring, and commits to additional customer protections.
- Booking and flexibility: Ask about deposit requirements, cancellation policies, and rescheduling fees before committing. Moving companies book up quickly during peak season (May through August), so try to reserve your preferred date at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
Final Verdict: Best Moving Companies in Iowa
After evaluating 58 moving companies in Iowa and comparing national providers, moveBuddha recommends these top picks for local moves, long-distance relocations, moving containers, and DIY moves.
- Best overall local mover in Iowa: Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc (4.58/5). Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc ranks first among the 58 local movers moveBuddha analyzed in Iowa. Local moving costs range from $804 for a studio to $6,639 for a 5+ bedroom home.
- Best overall value for interstate moves: Safeway Moving (4.90/5). Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top pick for value on long-distance moves from Iowa, offering flat-rate pricing and full licensing and insurance for interstate relocations. Read our Safeway Moving review.
- Best for professionally trained crews: American Van Lines (4.90/5). American Van Lines stands out for its experienced, professionally trained moving crews and transparent flat-rate pricing on interstate moves. Read our American Van Lines review.
- Best moving container: PODS (4.5/5). Moving containers offer a flexible alternative to full-service movers and can cost significantly less. Load at your own pace while PODS handles transportation.
- Best budget DIY option: Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5). Rental trucks are often the most affordable option for DIY moves in Iowa, especially over shorter distances. Factor in fuel, mileage charges, and other fees when comparing the total cost.
FAQs about moving in Iowa
How can I see all moving companies in Iowa?
You can see all moving companies in Iowa in our comprehensive list of Iowa movers.
What is the cheapest way to move in Iowa?
Rental trucks are the cheapest way to move in Iowa. DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service movers. Renting a truck and hiring a labor-only crew for loading and unloading gives you professional help at a fraction of full-service pricing. Moving containers are the next most affordable option and remove the need to drive a large vehicle yourself.
What is a full-service move?
A full-service move means the moving company handles packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. About 72% of Iowa movers offer professional packing, and about 67% offer storage. Full-service is the most hands-off option but costs more than DIY alternatives. Confirm exactly which services are included in your quote before signing.
What is the difference between a moving broker and a moving carrier?
A moving carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that physically moves your belongings. A moving broker arranges moves through third-party carriers and does not handle your items directly. moveBuddha is not a broker and does not recommend working with moving brokers. We advise booking directly with a licensed carrier whenever possible.
How much should you tip movers in Iowa?
For a local move, $20 to $50 per mover is a standard tip. For a long-distance move, $50 to $100+ per mover is appropriate, especially if the crew handled heavy furniture, stairs, or challenging access conditions. Tipping is not required, but it is customary for good service. Tip each crew member individually in cash at the end of the job. Read our full guide on tipping movers for more information.
How long does a move take in Iowa?
A local move in Iowa typically takes 4 hours for a 1-bedroom and 8 hours for a 3-bedroom home. Long-distance moves out of Iowa add transit time that varies by distance and carrier. Full-service movers typically provide a delivery window of 1 to 14 business days for interstate moves, depending on distance. Rental trucks and moving containers give you more control over exact delivery timing.
When is the best time of year to move in Iowa?
The cheapest time to move in Iowa is during the off-season, from September through April. Peak moving season runs May through August, with June and July commanding the highest rates. Moves booked midweek and mid-month also tend to cost less than weekend or month-end bookings. Planning around these windows can save 15% to 20% on your total moving cost.
How we chose the best moving companies in Iowa
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 58 Iowa moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%).
That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.
Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.