A-1 Movers review 2026 (Des Moines, IA)
In business since 2000 · Updated
A-1 Movers, a Des Moines, IA moving company, ranks #22 of 67 movers in Iowa, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.14/5.
71% of A-1 Movers' 111 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its quick moving process, while the most common complaint involves higher-than-expected costs.
In business since 2000, A-1 Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #944610) and operates 1 truck. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How A-1 Movers measures up
Across 111 reviews, A-1 Movers in Des Moines, IA is rated 4.1/5 on Google (112 reviews) and 2.3/5 on Yelp (10 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
A-1 Movers ranks #22 out of 67 movers in Iowa with a moveBuddha Score of 4.14 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.14.
- Industry experience
- 4.7
- Review quality
- 4.2
- Brand
- 4.0
- Website
- 4.0
- Customer service
- 3.3
Google rating
Based on 112 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 10 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is A-1 Movers moveBuddha Certified?
A-1 Movers is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. A-1 Movers hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about A-1 Movers?
Out of 111 verified reviews, 71% of customers left a positive review about A-1 Movers in Des Moines, IA. 28.8% of reviews are negative. A-1 Movers has a 18% lower positive review percentage than the average Iowa moving company (71% vs the Iowa state average of 89%).
- Positive71.2%(79)
- Negative28.8%(32)
Based on 111 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about A-1 Movers
Quick moving process
The team at A-1 Movers often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
Quick response times
Customer support at A-1 Movers was often noted for responding to questions or concerns almost immediately
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully A-1 Movers's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to A-1 Movers's attention to detail.
Friendly and approachable staff
Many customers felt at ease working with the courteous and personable team at A-1 Movers.
What positive reviewers say
“Emailed back and forth to set up the move. Quick responses helped me figure out cost details. Trey's crew did a great job with no dings or scratches.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Ricky and Shawn were fantastic. They showed up on time, finished earlier than estimated, and were super friendly and professional.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “A-1 showed up a few minutes before schedule. They were polite and friendly, wrapped everything in pads and plastic, and were extremely careful.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Ricky and Matt moved our entire three-bedroom apartment in just a few hours. They were very professional and much cheaper than the competition.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Ricky and his crew were professional, efficient, personable, and courteous. They protected our items, and nothing was scratched or broken.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about A-1 Movers
Higher-than-expected costs
Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
What negative reviewers say
“They were about an hour and a half late with no communication. We were quoted $350–$400 but charged $700, and they left us needing different movers to finish the job.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The move was scheduled for 2:30 p.m., but they arrived at 8:30 p.m. The job finished at 11:30 that night, making the delay especially frustrating.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The movers scratched our new couch in five places and blamed its size. They also wasted time charging a dead drill and behaved unprofessionally.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “We found scratches on furniture, marks on walls, and boxes left in the garage. The move took twice as long and cost almost twice as much as another company.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “They were late, left items behind, damaged belongings, and charged for 24 hours instead of the expected 16. The job remained unfinished.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
A-1 Movers
4.14Des Moines, IASince 2000
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
A-1 Movers
4.14
Des Moines, IA · Since 2000
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from A-1 Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Des Moines.
Compare prices side by side
See where A-1 Movers lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does A-1 Movers offer?
A-1 Movers covers moving (local moves and long-distance moves), packing (unpacking), and storage.
Services offered
Is A-1 Movers licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 944610 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, A-1 Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 944610, as RICKY LYLES, and its operating status is currently active.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover A-1 Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- Registered legal name
- RICKY LYLESThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
- Trucks registered
- 1Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- May 2026
How much does A-1 Movers cost?
A-1 Movers does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Iowa, you can expect to pay approximately $140/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Iowa moving companies similar to A-1 Movers typically bill the amounts below using a $140/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
A-1 Movers is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Iowa moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does A-1 Movers offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
A-1 Movers accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How A-1 Movers compares with the top 10 Des Moines movers
A-1 Movers places seventh among the top 10 Des Moines moving companies with a moveBuddha score of 4.14 out of 5, 0.06 points behind Lint Van Lines and just ahead of The Approved Movers. Where A-1 Movers falls behind is customer service, with the lowest customer service score in the group.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Des Moines, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TWO MEN AND A TRUCKUrbandale | 4.50 | 1,052 | 4.7 | 3.3 | A+ |
| 2 | College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingClive | 4.34 | 1,864 | 4.8 | 2.8 | A+ |
| 3 | All Mighty Movers LLCDes Moines | 4.30 | 25 | 4.8 | 3.1 | A+ |
| 4 | Maher Bros. Transfer and StorageCedar Rapids | 4.22 | 80 | 4.4 | 2.3 | A+ |
| 5 | Adamantine Spine MovingDes Moines | 4.20 | 646 | 5.0 | 5.0 | A+ |
| 6 | Lint Van LinesDes Moines | 4.20 | 301 | 4.8 | 2.4 | A+ |
| 7 | A-1 MoversThis mover · ranks #7 | 4.14 | 111 | 4.1 | 2.3 | A+ |
| 8 | The Approved MoversDes Moines | 4.12 | 156 | 4.8 | 4.0 | C |
| 9 | Select Van & Storage Co.West Des Moines | 4.12 | 40 | 4.4 | 1.0 | — |
| 10 | Riley Moving And StorageDes Moines | 3.98 | 47 | 4.6 | — | — |
| 11 | You First MovingUrbandale | 3.94 | 213 | 4.9 | 5.0 | — |
How does A-1 Movers compare to other Iowa movers?
- moveBuddha score#22 of 67(better than average)
4.14vs 3.82 avg
A-1 Movers scores 4.14, above the Iowa average of 3.82, and ranks #22 of 67 Iowa movers.
- Positive reviews#52 of 67(worse than average)
71%vs 89% avg
A-1 Movers has 71% positive reviews, below the Iowa average of 89%, and ranks #52 of 67 Iowa movers.
- Negative reviews#54 of 67(worse than average)
29%vs 9% avg
A-1 Movers has 29% negative reviews, above the Iowa average of 9%, and ranks #54 of 67 Iowa movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#28 of 67(worse than average)
111vs 232 avg
A-1 Movers has 111 reviews analyzed, below the Iowa average of 232, and ranks #28 of 67 Iowa movers.
- Yelp rating#28 of 67(worse than average)
2.3vs 3.6 avg
A-1 Movers has a Yelp rating of 2.3, below the Iowa average of 3.6, and ranks #28 of 67 Iowa movers.
- BBB rating#6 of 67(better than average)
A+vs A avg
A-1 Movers has a BBB rating of A+, above the Iowa average of A, and ranks #6 of 67 Iowa movers.
- Years in business#19 of 67(worse than average)
26 yearsvs 36 years avg
A-1 Movers has been in business for 26 years, below the Iowa average of 36 years, and ranks #19 of 67 Iowa movers.
| Metric | This moverA-1 Movers | Iowa avg | Iowa rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#22 of 67 in Iowa | 4.14 | 3.82 | #22 of 67 | +0.32(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#52 of 67 in Iowa | 71% | 89% | #52 of 67 | −18 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#54 of 67 in Iowa | 29% | 9% | #54 of 67 | +20 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#28 of 67 in Iowa | 111 | 232 | #28 of 67 | −121(worse than average) |
| Yelp ratingBased on only 10 reviews#28 of 67 in Iowa | 2.3 | 3.6 | #28 of 67 | −1.3(worse than average) |
| BBB rating#6 of 67 in Iowa | A+ | A | #6 of 67 | +1 step(better than average) |
| Years in business#19 of 67 in Iowa | 26 years | 36 years | #19 of 67 | −10(worse than average) |
Compared with 67 Iowa movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Iowa.
A-1 Movers
4.14Des Moines, IASince 2000
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from A-1 Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Des Moines.
Compare prices side by side
See where A-1 Movers lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
A-1 Movers
4.14
Des Moines, IA · Since 2000
Final verdict: A-1 Movers
A-1 Movers earns a 4.14/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #7 among Des Moines movers, with 71% positive feedback across 111 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its quick moving process and quick response times. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, crew professionalism, and reliable service experience.
With 1 truck and a track record dating to 2000, it has less history than the average Iowa mover, and the most common complaint is higher-than-expected costs.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Iowa moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.