Best Movers Near Ames, IA (2026 Reviews)
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Black Belt Movers is Ames's top-rated local mover on moveBuddha, earning a 4.44/5 , followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK at 4.5/5. moveBuddha scored 14 movers based in Ames out of 37 reviewed across Iowa, drawing on 34 verified customer reviews across Iowa.
Local movers in Ames charge by the hour. The IA average is $199/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a fast cost baseline before you collect quotes.
How do Ames moving companies compare?
Ames's 14 reviewed moving companies are ranked by moveBuddha score, a composite of verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to Ames, with a market average of 4.23/5, drawing on 34 verified customer reviews across Iowa. The ranked list above also includes movers that serve Ames from nearby locations, so scores reflect performance across the full local service area, not just companies with a Ames address.
Proximity to Ames is a ranking factor, so a mover ranked higher on the list may have a lower score than one ranked below. A nearby company can outrank a higher-scored mover based further out. Each company's positive review rate and BBB rating are included so you can compare quality and reputation side by side.
| Company | Our rating | Positive reviews | BBB | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.44 |
N/A | A+ | ||
|
4.5 |
92% | A+ | ||
|
4.44 |
93% | A+ | ||
4.12 |
98% | A | ||
|
4.06 |
89% | A+ | ||
|
4.34 |
64% | A+ | ||
|
4.3 |
100% | A+ | ||
|
4.22 |
92% | A+ | ||
|
4.22 |
72% | A+ | ||
|
4.26 |
68% | N/A |
What are the top-rated moving companies in Ames?
Black Belt Movers is Ames's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.44/5, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK at 4.5/5.
Each review profile below covers pricing transparency, crew quality, and claims handling, the 3 factors most predictive of move-day outcome, alongside each company's BBB grade, years in business, and positive review rate.
moveBuddha scored 14 Ames movers drawing on 34 verified customer reviews across Iowa, with a market average score of 4.23/5. Rankings include movers based in Ames and those serving the area from nearby locations. Proximity is a ranking factor, so a mover's position in the list below does not always correspond directly to its score.
- Black Belt Movers: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Hemmen Moving Inc: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- Jake N' Jose Moving Service: 4.06 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Lint Van Lines: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- A-1 Movers: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.26 out of 5 stars
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Black Belt Movers has been in business for 18 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Black Belt Movers has 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 Black Belt Movers.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Black Belt Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Helpful movers
Good communication
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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 labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 251 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.4.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
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
"Two men and a truck exceeded my expectations. They were efficient, communicative, pleasant, and didn’t break anything. Very happy with the experience and the cost was worth every penny."
"James, Sam & Roquim were kind, professional, and handled our furniture with care. We’d highly recommend this team for any moving job!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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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 estate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 260 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email 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
"The move was coordinated, seamless and was even faster than originally quoted. Deante and Grady were fantastic, they were thorough and handled all items with care. I highly recommend!"
"Caleb, Isaiah, and Manny had great communication skills, were very well mannered to each other and us, and were fast and worked hard all day while making sure to take care of all our furniture."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 3.8
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Hemmen Moving Inc has been in business for 36 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Hemmen Moving Inc has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 138 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Hemmen Moving Inc, and Hemmen Moving Inc makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Hemmen Moving Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"On time, charges were explained upfront, simple to deal with- very pleased with experience"
"Timely, respectful, efficient, hard working crew. I would highly recommend!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Jake N' Jose Moving Service has been in business for 6 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Jake N' Jose Moving Service has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 82 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Jake N' Jose Moving Service.
Customer service 3.8
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Jake N' Jose Moving Service emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Jake N' Jose were fast, experienced professionals with a friendly demeanor. They were careful with our things and very affordable! You will NOT regret giving them a try!
Booking was easy, they confirmed a few days ahead of time, and arrived in a timely manner. They were friendly, professional, and fast! I would definitely recommend them and will call them again next time I need to move!
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Affordable rates
Efficient service
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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 labor-only moving and small-scale 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 3.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email 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.
Recent reviews
These guys were quick, careful, and professional! Packed our entire place and got us moved in under six hours. Great rates and good attitudes too. Highly recommend!
I have moved 7 times in 5 years and wish I would have called them every time. The guys were fast and careful, making my move hassle free. Cheapest in town!
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Good communication
Careful handling
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. Adamantine Spine Moving has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Adamantine Spine Moving has about 100% positive reviews across roughly 223 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 instant email quotes from Adamantine Spine Moving, and Adamantine Spine Moving makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Adamantine Spine Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"From quote to completed move communication was fantastic, even got text updates. Our moving team were exceptional!! Drew, Aiden & Rider were professional, prompt, and worked SOOO hard. They communicated effectively and we will definitely use them again!"
"They worked together like a well-oiled machine... smoothly setting everything up in the new house. I was impressed by their professionalism and efficiency. Best of all, they took less time than estimated, so our cost was lower."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Lint Van Lines has been in business for 66 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Lint Van Lines has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 226 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.4.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Lint Van Lines.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Lint Van Lines emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Great crew! They arrived on time, worked hard & efficiently, and they were careful & friendly. I was very pleased with the outcome.
Our coordinator, Mary L, was fantastic and was able to walk us through the process. They were on time with pickup and delivery. The move went smoothly and we could not have done it without Lint. The movers were courteous and diligent at getting the work done. Overall great experience!
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. A-1 Movers has been in business for 26 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. A-1 Movers has about 72% positive reviews across roughly 109 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.3.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from A-1 Movers.
Customer service 3.2
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. A-1 Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Ricky and Shawn were fantastic. Showed up on time, no damage to any of my belongings, finished earlier than estimate, super friendly and professional movers. Highly recommend A-1 Movers!!!"
"They moved my household in 2020 with so much care and professionalism. I would highly recommend them."
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Efficient service
Transparent pricing
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Select Van & Storage Co. has been in business for 81 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Select Van & Storage Co. has about 68% positive reviews across roughly 34 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Select Van & Storage Co..
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Select Van & Storage Co. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Movers were on time, polite and professional. The actual price ended up being less than the estimated price, so I am very happy!"
"A very positive experience. Movers came on time, answered our questions, were professional. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a responsive moving company."
Which Ames movers offer specialty services?
Specialty moving services are not standard across every Ames mover. Based on moveBuddha's review of 14 Ames moving companies, here is what is available, how common each service is in this market, and which movers lead each category:
- Piano moving: 10 of 14 Ames movers (71.43%) offer it, vs. 72.52% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.44/5) is Ames's top-rated piano mover.
- Antique handling: 6 of 14 Ames movers (42.86%) offer it, vs. 46.24% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.44/5) rates highest for antique care in Ames.
- Art packing: 7 of 14 Ames movers (50.0%) offer it, vs. 45.76% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.44/5) rates highest for art packing in Ames.
- Climate-controlled storage: 1 of 14 Ames movers (7.14%) offer it, vs. 33.2% nationally. Adamantine Spine Moving (4.3/5) is Ames's top-rated provider.
- Fragile-only packing: 4 of 14 Ames movers (28.57%) offer it, vs. 23.83% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.44/5) rates highest for fragile-only packing in Ames.
How much does piano moving cost in Ames?
Piano moving is available from 10 of 14 Ames movers (71.43%), compared to 72.52% nationally. Black Belt Movers leads Ames piano movers with a 4.44/5 moveBuddha score, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK at 4.5/5. A standalone piano move in Ames typically costs $704 to $3,080, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 10 of 14 (71.43%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Ames piano movers | Black Belt Movers, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
| Upright piano | $704 to $1,320 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,056 to $2,200 |
| Grand piano | $1,584 to $3,080 |
Upright pianos weigh 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Trained crews use piano boards, straps, and padded blankets to prevent structural damage that standard moving equipment cannot safely manage. Bundling a piano into a household move with full-service movers is usually cheaper than hiring a piano-only carrier.
How much does antique handling cost in Ames?
Antique handling is available from 6 of 14 Ames movers (42.86%), compared to 46.24% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.44/5) and Adamantine Spine Moving (4.3/5) rate highest for antique care in Ames. Adding antique handling to a household move adds $880 to $2,200 to the total cost.
| Antique handling in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 6 of 14 (42.86%) |
| National average | 46.24% |
| Top-rated Ames antique movers | Black Belt Movers, Adamantine Spine Moving |
| Added cost to a household move | $880 to $2,200 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $44 to $440 |
| Custom crating per item | $132 to $176 |
Custom crating and acid-free padding protect pieces that standard released-value coverage at $0.60/lb cannot adequately cover. A 50-lb antique valued at $5,000 receives only $30 under default protection, making full-value coverage the standard choice for heirloom and high-value items.
How much does art packing cost in Ames?
Art packing is available from 7 of 14 Ames movers (50.0%), compared to 45.76% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.44/5) and Adamantine Spine Moving (4.3/5) rate highest for art packing in Ames. Per-piece art handling in Ames runs $44 to $440, with custom crates adding $132 to $176 per item.
| Art packing in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 7 of 14 (50.0%) |
| National average | 45.76% |
| Top-rated Ames art movers | Black Belt Movers, Adamantine Spine Moving |
| Per-piece handling fee | $44 to $440 |
| Custom crating per item | $132 to $176 |
Archival materials and custom crates prevent UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard moving blankets cannot guard against for framed artwork and sculpture. Confirm the mover has direct experience with similar media before booking.
How much does climate-controlled storage cost in Ames?
Climate-controlled storage is available from 1 of 14 Ames movers (7.14%), compared to 33.2% nationally. Adamantine Spine Moving (4.3/5) rate highest for climate-controlled storage in Ames. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $226/month in Ames.
| Climate-controlled storage in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 1 of 14 (7.14%) |
| National average | 33.2% |
| Top-rated Ames providers | Adamantine Spine Moving |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $226 |
Climate-controlled units regulate both temperature and humidity, preventing warping, cracking, and mold in wood furniture, vinyl records, and electronics that temperature-only storage cannot protect. This matters most for storage gaps longer than 30 days or for moves that span seasonal humidity swings.
How much does fragile-only packing cost in Ames?
Fragile-only packing is available from 4 of 14 Ames movers (28.57%), compared to 23.83% nationally. Black Belt Movers (4.44/5) and A-1 Movers (4.22/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Ames. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Ames movers offering this | 4 of 14 (28.57%) |
| National average | 23.83% |
| Top-rated Ames providers | Black Belt Movers, A-1 Movers |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing targets dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service packing contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps total packing cost down while covering the items most likely to break in transit.
What is the top-rated moving company in Ames?
Black Belt Movers (4.44/5 on moveBuddha) is the highest-rated moving company in Ames, drawing on 34 verified customer reviews across Iowa. The Ames market averages 4.23/5 across 14 reviewed companies. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a cost baseline before collecting quotes.
Frequently asked questions: moving in Ames, IA
How much do movers cost in Ames, IA?
Local movers in Ames, IA charge by the hour. Based on moveBuddha's data from 4 Ames movers, hourly rates in this market range from $100/hour to $150/hour, with a median of $135/hour. Ames's top-rated mover is Black Belt Movers, earning a 4.44/5 on moveBuddha, drawing on 34 verified customer reviews across Iowa.
Key cost factors for a Ames move, based on moveBuddha's review data:
- Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75-$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
- Deposit requirement: 14.0% of Ames movers require a deposit to hold your move date. Confirm refund terms before paying.
- Full valuation coverage: 43.0% of Ames movers (6.0 companies) offer it. The default released-value protection covers only $0.60 per pound. Full valuation coverage costs extra and covers replacement value.
- Hours on-site: local moves bill by the clock. Home size, floor access, elevator waits, and how much packing work the crew handles are the primary time drivers.
- Long-distance pricing: moves leaving Ames across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 71.0% of Ames movers (10.0 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%-15% to transportation charges.
- Packing services: 93.0% of Ames movers (13.0 companies) offer full packing, and 79.0% supply packing materials. Professional packing adds $0.15-$0.21 per pound on average.
DIY options like a rental truck or moving container reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's analysis. Use the moving cost calculator to get a market-specific baseline before collecting quotes.
What do full-service movers in Ames include, and what costs extra?
A standard full-service move in Ames, IA includes loading, transport, and unloading. Basic furniture padding and simple disassembly/reassembly for bed frames and standard furniture pieces are included in the base rate. Packing, valuation upgrades, storage, crating, and specialty-item handling are add-ons billed separately. The table below shows what Ames movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.
| Add-on service | % of Ames movers | Typical cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | 93.0% (13.0 companies) | +$0.15-$0.21 per pound on average |
| Packing materials | 79.0% | Priced per box or kit; confirm before booking |
| Storage | 64.0% | ~$0.50 per cubic foot per month; a 1-bedroom (~514 cu ft) runs ~$226/month |
| Full valuation coverage | 43.0% (6.0 companies) | 1%-2% of declared shipment value (~$300-$600 on a $30,000 shipment); default released-value protection pays only $0.60/lb |
| Crating (fragile/high-value items) | 57.0% (8.0 companies) | $150-$200 per item for antiques and artwork; $150-$400 for oversized pieces (safes, sectionals, appliances) |
| Labor-only (load/unload, no transport) | 71.0% (10.0 companies) | Hourly rate only; no truck or transport charge |
| Access fees (stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle) | Situational | $75-$500+ when the truck can't load directly; shuttle service adds $0.08-$0.12 per pound with minimums starting around $200 |
Every add-on above requires written confirmation before booking. A binding estimate locks the final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. See the hidden and unexpected moving costs guide for a full breakdown of what to request in writing.
Do movers in Ames offer senior, military, or other discounts?
moveBuddha found no confirmed senior, military, AAA, student, teacher, or law enforcement discounts among the Ames movers in its database. That does not mean discounts are unavailable. Ask each mover directly at the quote stage, since some companies offer unpublished rates for eligible groups. Confirm any discount in writing before signing.
How we chose the best moving companies in Ames
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 37 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.
