Quick answer:
After reviewing 24 Iowa movers,
our top pick for local moves in Ames, IA,
is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK based on pricing, services, and customer reviews.
For long-distance and out-of-state moves from Iowa, we recommend Safeway Moving
because they provide a good balance of quality service and affordability.
Hi, I'm Ryan. Let's get moving.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Ames, IA
If you are moving within Ames — or to a nearby Iowa city like
Gilbert or Kelley that is 50 miles or less from Ames — check out these affordable, top-rated moving companies:
Two Men and a Truck earns its reputation for being fast, careful, and professional, with 92% of customer feedback praising efficient service, attention to detail, and courteous movers. Most people said the crews worked quickly, handled belongings with care, communicated well, and made moving less stressful. Many customers noted the movers were polite, helpful, and followed directions accurately, setting them apart from less organized competitors. Some even reported coming in under budget due to team efficiency, and highlighted transparent pricing and great office support. Negative feedback primarily cited issues with item damage, inexperienced movers, and unexpected costs. A small number of reviewers mentioned poor packing, lack of effort to resolve damages, and occasional rude remarks, especially in more complex moves. While damage to belongings arose more often than other negatives, the vast majority of feedback still positions this company as one of the most reliably consistent options for moving services in the region.
Moving has never looked so easy. From 260 customer feedback entries, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving earned praise for efficient service, professionalism, and careful handling, with 92.7% of responses reflecting positive experiences. The staff often receives high marks for friendliness and effective communication, outperforming many competitors on reliability. Customers commonly mention the quick moving process and how carefully items are treated. On the downside, some reported damage to belongings, unexpected charges, and unprofessional conduct—chiefly in the few negative submissions, which account for 7.3% of the total. Compared to others, College Hunks stands out for speed, courteous crews, and strong problem-solving skills, but attention to quality control and transparent billing could prevent negative encounters. The company sets a high standard for service and staff demeanor, making it a leading choice in the moving industry.
Rave reviews consistently place Adamantine Spine Moving at the top of moving services in Iowa and beyond. Analyzing 223 customer reviews, 99.6% of feedback highlights professionalism, efficient service, excellent communication, careful handling, and quick moving crews. Customers repeatedly mention that staff are polite, approachable, and make stressful moves easy with precise organization and prompt responses. Quotes tend to be accurate, crews are well-trained, and moves large or small are handled with care. Compared to larger moving firms, Adamantine stands out for its hard-working teams and reliable pricing, with many clients calling the experience the best they've had. The only significant complaint noted involves a billing discrepancy where the final charge was much higher than the initial estimate, and the situation wasn't resolved effectively. This single negative input strongly contrasts the otherwise outstanding reputation. Adamantine’s client input sets it apart from typical moving companies and makes it a top recommendation for anyone looking for trusted moving professionals.
Fast, affordable, and careful—most customer feedback praises All Mighty Movers LLC for their quick moving process, professional crews, and attentive handling of belongings. Out of 25 reviews analyzed, 64% are positive, often highlighting low rates, polite staff, and efficient service. Clients commonly appreciate how speedily and safely items were moved, noting that furniture and fragile goods arrived undamaged. Many mention the company beats local competitors in both price and quality, thanks to thoughtful movers who keep an upbeat attitude even with challenging jobs. On the downside, 36% of feedback centers on inaccurate estimates, unexpected charges, and unclear communication, especially regarding additional fees and scheduling. Some customers feel misled when final costs exceeded quoted amounts. Compared to many moving companies, All Mighty Movers earns high marks for efficiency and pricing but leaves room to improve transparency and customer relations, especially for billing and communication during more complex moves.
If you're relocating from Iowa to a new state, choosing a trusted
interstate moving company
is key to making the transition smooth. Here are a few of our top picks to get you started:
A full-service mover can make your Ames, Iowa relocation stress-free,
but it often comes with a higher price tag. To save a bit, you might want to look into the
best moving container companies
or explore rental truck options available in Ames.
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 24 Iowa movers and listed the top five best 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.
Check out the pricing table below to get a rough idea of what local moves typically cost in and around the Ames area.
For a deeper dive, be sure to explore our guide on the moving costs in Iowa.
Keep in mind that the moving quotes shown are general estimates.
Your actual expenses may vary based on your specific moving situation. For a more accurate estimate,
try our moving cost calculator.
Home Size
Avg. Total Cost
Cost/hour
# of Movers
# Hours
Studio
$961
$188
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$1,187
$194
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$1,605
$267
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$3,106
$370
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$3,385
$373
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$5,112
$540
5 movers
10 hours
Compare the top Ames, IA movers
Let’s compare how the top movers in Ames, IA stack up in terms of their reputation.
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 movers included in our listings hold the proper licenses.
Visit our best movers in Iowa roundup for suggestions.
How can I choose a reliable mover in Ames?
Searching for a reputable Ames mover can feel overwhelming,
but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:
Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints.
Every Ames mover will face customer feedback—
the best ones respond quickly and fairly.
Specialized experience: Not all movers are equipped for every job.
A company great at local moves might not be ideal for a
cross-country relocation.
Make sure they’ve done moves like yours.
Do movers in Ames offer long-distance services?
Many Ames moving companies handle long-distance relocations, though some focus solely on local moves.
For out-of-state moves, we’ve compiled the best long distance movers in Ames.
What day is usually the least expensive to move in Ames, IA?
The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Ames, Iowa, are weekdays,
since demand tends to be higher on weekends.
Generally, the least expensive time to move
is during the off-season from October to April.
Expect higher rates from May through September due to peak demand.
Booking early is key if you’re planning a move from Ames.
For the best deal, steer clear of weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months.
Be cautious with quotes that seem too low—some movers may hike the price significantly on moving day.
What’s the most cost-effective way to move from Ames, IA to another state?
Renting a truck is typically
the cheapest option for moving out of state
or around Ames, Iowa.
Just keep in mind that it's a no-frills option. You’ll need to take care of all the packing, loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Should I consider a moving container for my move from Ames?
Moving containers are a convenient option if you prefer a flexible schedule.
Just be ready to handle the loading and unloading yourself.
Once you're packed up, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new place
— no need to worry about driving.
Can I get help loading my moving container in Ames?
Yes! Labor-only movers
can be a smart add-on if you're using a rental truck or moving container.
They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, making your move smoother and more efficient without breaking the bank.
Are storage options available through Ames movers?
Most moving companies in Ames provide storage solutions, whether you need something for a few days or indefinitely. Some movers, however,
work with third-party storage providers.
Always ask for details about storage services and fees when talking to movers.