10 Best Moving Companies in Iowa (2024 Reviews)
Fact Checked by: Whether you’re relocating within the Hawkeye State or moving from Altoona to another state, finding the best movers in Iowa is a crucial first step. The best way to find reliable IA movers is to compare quotes from multiple companies.
Our top pick if you are moving locally in Iowa is College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving. We rated them a 4.62 out of 5 stars. On average, local movers in the Hawkeye State cost about $199 per hour. If you’re moving out of Iowa, Safeway Moving is the best interstate moving company when it comes to quality and overall value.
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Keep reading to learn more about each of the best moving companies in Iowa so you can pick the mover best-suited for your unique needs.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Since 2015, we’ve used our inside knowledge of the moving industry to help more than 400,000 people with their moves.
We go beyond the standard online review to dig deep into our readers’ personal moving experiences through our Better Moves Project. We’ve also developed our own rating system to evaluate each moving company based on their services, reputation, customer satisfaction, and other key factors.
Our content is thoroughly fact-checked and reviewed by our team of in-house experts to ensure the information you get is relevant, accurate, and up-to-date.
How we chose the best moving companies in Iowa
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 26 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.
Best movers for those moving locally in Iowa
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, 4.62 out of 5
- Two Men and a Truck, 4.72 out of 5
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, 4.72 out of 5
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc., 4.58 out of 5
- Black Belt Movers, 4.58 out of 5
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 2378173
Years in Business: 6
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H,Clive, IA 50325
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Clive, IA since 2018, specializes in local residential moves and stands out from other nearby movers with their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. They also cater to office moving needs, making them a versatile choice. While their Yelp reviews average 3.2 from 14 ratings, their astounding 4.8 out of 1452 Google reviews suggest a generally positive customer experience. Additionally, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, offering convenience and flexibility. Despite their F rating from the BBB, their extensive positive feedback on Google indicates a largely satisfactory service.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2378173
Two Men and a Truck
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 26
2601 104th St #400,Urbandale, IA 50322
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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 70719
Years in Business: 69
5600 Harbor Dr,Sioux City, IA 51111
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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 70719
Action Moving & Storage, Inc.
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 299154
Years in Business: 41
514 Clark St,Sioux City, IA 51101
Action Moving & Storage, Inc. has been reliably serving the Sioux City, IA area since 1983, specializing in local residential moves. They stand out among local movers with their extensive experience and a stellar reputation, evidenced by an impressive average rating of 4.7 from 161 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for art and antiques. Action Moving & Storage also accepts both cash and credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy option for local relocations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 299154
Black Belt Movers
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 3527158
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 15
1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B,ANKENY, IA 50023
Black Belt Movers, serving the Ankeny, IA area since 2009, offers a comprehensive range of local residential moving services. With an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and an average Yelp rating of 4.0 based on 15 reviews, their reputation stands strong among nearby moving companies. They also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized services like moving pianos and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards, require no deposit, and provide full valuation insurance coverage.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3527158
Alternative Business Names
- Flat Rate Movers, LLC
Best movers for those moving out of Iowa
- Safeway Moving: 4.5 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.45 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.25 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.25 out of 5
- GPS tracked trucks and tractors
- Barcode scanned and tracked inventory of your possessions
- Dedicated move coordinator assigned to each client
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
93% of users select this mover
- Over 20 years in business
- Excellent customer service score
- Best pricing we've seen
- Can handle last minute moves
93% of users select this mover
- Family owned with locations covering the east coast
- Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
- Packing and unpacking services available
- Handle residential, corporate, and military moves
93% of users select this mover
- Over 74 years in business
- More than 1,800 trucks in the fleet
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Top major moving company in the U.S.
- Highest rated agent van line among moveBuddha customers
93% of users select this mover
- Guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
- Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
- Easy and fast AI-powered in-home estimate tool
- Over 40k moves in the past 3 years
- Available Financing as low as 0% Interest for low monthly payments
- Extremely responsive customer service
93% of users select this mover
Alternative Iowa moving options
Moving Containers
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
93% of users select this mover
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
93% of users select this mover
Labor Only
- HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
- Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
93% of users select this mover
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
93% of users select this mover
Full DIY
- U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
- Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
93% of users select this mover
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
93% of users select this mover
Average cost of moving companies in Iowa
The pricing table below shows ballpark moving costs for local moves within Iowa. Or check out our post on the cost to move in Iowa for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual moving costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move and whether the moving company offers flat-rate pricing.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimates.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $840 | $278 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $1,118 | $278 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedroom | $1,732 | $390 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedroom | $3,836 | $546 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedroom | $4,381 | $546 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedroom | $6,676 | $764 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Iowa moving companies will cost about $840 to move a studio locally.
- If you're moving one bedroom, a moving company in Iowa will charge about $1,118.
- A two-bedroom move in Iowa will cost about $1,732.
- A three-bedroom move costs $3,836 on average in Iowa.
- To move a four-bedroom house in Iowa, you should expect to pay $4,381.
- For a house that's five bedrooms or larger, your move will cost $6,676 in Iowa.
Factors that affect moving costs in Iowa
Getting an online moving quote can lead to confusion, but these factors will affect the cost of your Iowa move.
- Distance: The time and fuel can affect local moves, but if you’re moving out of Iowa you may see additional fees
- Size: Larger homes with more belongings require more labor and larger trucks, resulting in higher costs
- Time of year: Peak moving seasons in Iowa, like summer or around holidays, often come with higher rates due to increased demand
- Additional services: Services like packing, unpacking, or assembly/disassembly of furniture will add to the total cost
If you’re moving from Iowa to a different state, make sure your mover is equipped and licensed to handle your move.
If you’re not sure, check out our list of the
best long distance moving companies.
Considerations for moving to Iowa
Iowa is a state with low cost of living, ample economic opportunity, high quality of education, no traffic, and beautiful outdoors so it makes sense to want to move there. These are some of the things to keep in mind to help your move to the Hawkeye State go smoothly:
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: Many neighborhoods and communities have rules about moving, have a smooth transition to your new home by checking ahead of time.
Elevator Reservation: If you're moving to a building with an elevator,
there may be things you need to know ahead of time such as using a service elevator, time restrictions, or reservations.
Parking Permits: Some cities have rules about parking large vehicles.
Check with your new city ahead of time to ensure you have everything in order.
State 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. All of the movers on our list are fully licensed.
State Regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
Change of Address: You should submit your change of address form with USPS
at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Iowa.
Mover's Insurance: Every state has its own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn't cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
Iowa Movers FAQs
What should I look for when choosing a moving company in Iowa?
You can find the best moving companies in Iowa by reading moveBuddha's top picks. When rating and reviewing moving companies in Iowa, we considered their reputation, pricing, services, and insurance options. We recommend obtaining quotes — including flat-rate pricing, where available – from several moving companies in Iowa to compare prices and services.
You can also use our guide for finding the best flat-rate moving companies.
Do Iowa moving companies offer services for long-distance or interstate moves?
Many moving companies in Iowa provide long-distance or interstate moving services. These companies should have a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for interstate moves.
For more information, check out our guide on the best long-distance movers in Iowa.
How can I see all moving companies in Iowa?
You can find all moving companies in Iowa be clicking here.
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Helpful Iowa resources
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