The Best Long-Distance Movers in Ames, IA
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The best long-distance mover in Ames, IA is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Iowa, per moveBuddha's analysis of 36 Iowa movers and 1,809 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Ames average $123/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across Iowa range from $1,098 for a 1-bedroom to $4,362 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Ames right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Ames, IA?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 23 full-service interstate movers serving Ames, drawing on 1,809 verified customer reviews across Ames.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Ames based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Ames, IA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 12 local movers serving Ames licensed for long-distance moves within Iowa, drawing on 1,809 verified customer reviews across Ames. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) was named the top-rated Ames-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 12 of the 13 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Ames are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Ames but stay within Iowa:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
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 intrastate moving and labor-only 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."
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 intrastate 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 3.3.
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 intrastate 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
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 intrastate 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."
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 36 Iowa moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Iowa. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Ames, IA movers offer?
Not every mover in Ames offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 13 Ames movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 46% of Ames movers, compared to 44% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Adamantine Spine Moving.
- Junk removal: offered by 23% of Ames movers, compared to 28% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 23% of Ames movers, compared to 19% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Select Van & Storage Co..
- Storage: offered by 62% of Ames movers, compared to 78% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 15% of Ames movers, compared to 8% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: All Mighty Movers LLC.
- Piano moving: offered by 69% of Ames movers, compared to 64% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Does Ames have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 6 of 13 Ames movers (46.15%), compared to 44.44% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Adamantine Spine Moving (4.34/5) and Select Van & Storage Co. (4.28/5) rate highest for art handling in Ames.
| Art handling in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ames providers |
Adamantine Spine Moving
Select Van & Storage Co. |
| Per-piece handling fee | $44 to $440 |
| Custom crating per item | $132 to $176 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Before booking an art mover: Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline, not an upgrade. Standard blankets cannot protect against UV exposure or humidity shifts. Confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium before committing.
Does Ames have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 3 of 13 Ames movers (23.08%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.44/5) rate highest in Ames.
| Junk removal in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ames providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
| Typical cost per load | $132 to $440 |
| Single large item | $66 to $132 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Removing items before your weight-based quote is finalized lowers the shipment total and the move cost. Bundling junk removal with your move eliminates a separate scheduling step.
Does Ames have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 3 of 13 Ames movers (23.08%). Select Van & Storage Co. (4.28/5) and A-1 Movers (4.14/5) rate highest in Ames.
| Fragile-only packing in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ames providers | Select Van & Storage Co. A-1 Movers |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce packing costs while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide covers what professional packers do differently.
Does Ames have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 8 of 13 Ames movers (61.54%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.44/5) rate highest in Ames.
| Storage in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ames providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $226 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $440 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit holds belongings in the mover's warehouse between pickup and delivery at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $226/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period.
Does Ames have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 2 of 13 Ames movers (15.38%). All Mighty Movers LLC (4.34/5) rate highest in Ames.
| Hot tub relocation in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ames providers | All Mighty Movers LLC |
| Bundled with full-service move | $132 to $352 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $264 to $704 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and must be fully drained before loading. Narrow access can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price. moveBuddha's how to move a hot tub guide covers what to verify before the crew arrives.
Does Ames have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 9 of 13 Ames movers (69.23%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) and All Mighty Movers LLC (4.34/5) rate highest in Ames.
| Piano moving in Ames | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ames providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK All Mighty Movers LLC |
| Upright piano | $704 to $1,320 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,056 to $2,200 |
| Grand piano | $1,584 to $3,080 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands top 1,200 lbs. Standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb, so request full valuation coverage for the instrument. moveBuddha's best piano movers guide covers specialists worth considering.
Who are the best movers in Ames, IA for small long-distance moves?
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving leads Ames's small-move providers with a 4.44/5 moveBuddha score, followed by All Mighty Movers LLC at 4.34/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
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DIY options for your Ames, IA long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Ames residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Ames?
9 of 13 Ames movers (69.23%) offer labor-only services, compared to 50.0% statewide and 54.51% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Ames, followed by Hemmen Moving Inc (4.16/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Ames residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Ames moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Ames. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose.
Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Ames, IA?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Ames. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Ames residents who can handle their own loading and unloading.
Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What to know before booking a long-distance mover in Ames, IA
- Peak season pricing: Summer (May–September) is peak season; prices run 15% to 25% higher and availability is tighter. Book early to avoid last-minute rate spikes.
- Winter moves: Ames's winter lows average 11°F. Winter moves avoid peak-season costs but may require weather contingency planning.
- Building access: Multi-unit buildings in Ames often require elevator reservations and a COI from the moving company before crews can enter. Confirm requirements with your building manager at least 2 weeks out.
- USDOT verification: Every interstate carrier must hold a valid USDOT number. Check any mover's status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Ames, IA?
Moving costs across Iowa range from $820 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $278/hour) to $6,654 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Iowa mover quotes. The table below shows Iowa statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Ames. Your actual cost will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Iowa* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $820 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $1,098 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,711 |
| 3-bedroom home | $3,816 |
| 4-bedroom home | $4,362 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $6,654 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Iowa. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Iowa statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Ames?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Ames move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Ames, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Ames, IA
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Iowa | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | 4.5/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 4.44/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 4.44/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Ames, IA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Ames, IA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 13 movers moveBuddha tracks in Ames, 10 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Ames against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Iowa.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Ames, IA move. Interstate costs from Iowa range from $820 for a studio to $6,654 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Common questions about moving from Ames, IA
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Ames?
Any moving company transporting goods from Ames to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 10 of the 13 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Ames meet that standard, and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Ames relocation?
For moves within Iowa, a local mover in Ames is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 13 movers in the area, averaging $123/hour, with 12 licensed for intrastate routes and 10 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Iowa, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Ames?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Ames; winter lows average 11°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity, which creates real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Ames?
Budget-friendly moves from Ames almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
How do I get a COI for my Ames move?
Ask your moving company for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming your Ames building as an additional insured. Most licensed movers handle this routinely. Just provide the building legal name and required coverage limits (usually $1 million general liability) when you book. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing.
Can long-distance movers handle difficult property access in Ames?
Yes, but you need to disclose access constraints upfront. Hillside driveways, narrow streets, high-rise elevators, gated communities, and properties without adequate truck parking all affect crew size, equipment, and pricing. Full-size moving trucks cannot navigate tight or steep approaches. Movers will use a shuttle truck for the final leg, which adds a fee typically ranging from $132 to $440. Describe your property conditions in detail when requesting quotes so estimates are accurate from the start.
How to choose the right long-distance mover in Ames, IA
Start with moveBuddha's top-rated picks: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for moves out of Iowa. Get 3 or more quotes, check each company's USDOT number in the FMCSA database, and request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate rather than a non-binding one. For a move from Ames, 4 to 6 weeks' lead time is the target. moveBuddha has vetted 13 movers in the area so you don't have to start from scratch.
