The Best Long-Distance Movers in Cedar Rapids, IA
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The best long-distance mover in Cedar Rapids, IA is Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.56/5 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 897 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Cedar Rapids average $100/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 Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids, 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 18 full-service interstate movers serving Cedar Rapids, drawing on 897 verified customer reviews across Cedar Rapids.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Cedar Rapids based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Cedar Rapids, IA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 5 local movers serving Cedar Rapids licensed for long-distance moves within Iowa, drawing on 897 verified customer reviews across Cedar Rapids. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.56/5) was named the top-rated Cedar Rapids-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 5 of the 5 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 Cedar Rapids are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Cedar Rapids but stay within Iowa:
- Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Powell Express Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage has been in business for 27 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. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 232 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Kyle and his team did an excellent job. They were on time very organized and kept great communication the whole time. Made stressful move easy. Would recommend the Horizon Movers"
"We moved a month ago using Horizon movers. This was a great company to deal with. They were on time, fast, and very hard-working. They were super careful with our furniture, and around doorways and walls moving things in and out."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Highly recommended
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Key City Moving & Storage has been in business for 115 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Key City Moving & Storage has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 48 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Key City Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Key City Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Mike and his crew did a great job. Professional and on time. Used a huge semi. Nothing broke or scratched. Fairly priced to move us from Iowa to Wisconsin. I'd trust these guys again.—Google
High praise for the whole crew. It was the easiest move I've ever had thanks to their professional team, careful packing and great communication.—Yelp
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. White Glove Movers has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. White Glove Movers has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 229 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from White Glove Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. White Glove Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The crew who helped me move were awesome
"Britain and his crew arrived on schedule. They loaded everything quickly, even heavy solid wood pieces. Not one word of complaint, even on a hot day. Made our move pleasant. I highly recommend White Glove Movers."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Affordable rates
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Powell Express Moving has been in business for 23 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Powell Express Moving has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 123 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Powell Express Moving. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Powell Express Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Roger and his crew did a great job on our residential move! Very careful and efficient. Estimate was accurate and pricing reasonable."
"I can not convey how wonderful an experience being moved by your three gentlemen was. They work fast. Not a single scratch on anything. So polite. Hard working! So efficient!!"
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Helpful movers
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage has been in business for 72 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. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage has about 84% positive reviews across roughly 68 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.7.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Amazing service. The move went so well. Our driver Tim was so great and the crews on both end were super efficient, kind, and above all treated all of our belongings with care. We did not have anything damaged or chipped.
I had such a great experience with these guys, from start to finish. They were professional, courteous, kept in contact me both prior to my move and when it was getting close for my belongings to be delivered...
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 Cedar Rapids, IA movers offer?
Not every mover in Cedar Rapids offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 5 Cedar Rapids movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 80% of Cedar Rapids movers, compared to 44% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage.
- Junk removal: offered by 20% of Cedar Rapids movers, compared to 28% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage.
- Storage: offered by 100% of Cedar Rapids movers, compared to 78% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage.
- Piano moving: offered by 80% of Cedar Rapids movers, compared to 64% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage.
Does Cedar Rapids have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 4 of 5 Cedar Rapids movers (80.0%), compared to 44.44% statewide and 45.89% nationally. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.56/5) and White Glove Movers (4.48/5) rate highest for art handling in Cedar Rapids.
| Art handling in Cedar Rapids | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Cedar Rapids providers |
Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage
White Glove Movers |
| Per-piece handling fee | $41 to $410 |
| Custom crating per item | $123 to $164 |
| 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 Cedar Rapids have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 1 of 5 Cedar Rapids movers (20.0%). Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.56/5) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.3/5) rate highest in Cedar Rapids.
| Junk removal in Cedar Rapids | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Cedar Rapids providers | Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
| Typical cost per load | $123 to $410 |
| Single large item | $62 to $123 |
| 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 Cedar Rapids have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
No Cedar Rapids movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer fragile-only packing. Key City Moving & Storage (4.5/5) is the top-rated Iowa option for Cedar Rapids residents needing this service.
| Fragile-only packing in Cedar Rapids | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Iowa provider | Key City Moving & Storage (4.5/5) |
| 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 Cedar Rapids have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 5 of 5 Cedar Rapids movers (100.0%). Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.56/5) and Key City Moving & Storage (4.5/5) rate highest in Cedar Rapids.
| Storage in Cedar Rapids | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Cedar Rapids providers | Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage Key City Moving & Storage |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $211 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $410 |
| 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 $211/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period.
Does Cedar Rapids have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
No Cedar Rapids movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer hot tub relocation. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.56/5) is the top-rated Iowa option for Cedar Rapids residents needing this service.
| Hot tub relocation in Cedar Rapids | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Iowa provider | Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.56/5) |
| Bundled with full-service move | $123 to $328 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $246 to $656 |
| 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 Cedar Rapids have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 4 of 5 Cedar Rapids movers (80.0%). Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage (4.56/5) and Key City Moving & Storage (4.5/5) rate highest in Cedar Rapids.
| Piano moving in Cedar Rapids | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Cedar Rapids providers | Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage Key City Moving & Storage |
| Upright piano | $656 to $1,230 |
| Baby grand piano | $984 to $2,050 |
| Grand piano | $1,476 to $2,870 |
| 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 Cedar Rapids, IA for small long-distance moves?
Key City Moving & Storage leads Cedar Rapids's small-move providers with a 4.5/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Powell Express Moving at 4.36/5. 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 Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Cedar Rapids?
2 of 5 Cedar Rapids movers (40.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 50.0% statewide and 54.53% nationally. Porter Moving Company (4.34/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Cedar Rapids, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.3/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids. 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 Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids, 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: Cedar Rapids's winter lows average 11°F. Winter moves avoid peak-season costs but may require weather contingency planning.
- Building access: Multi-unit buildings in Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids. 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 Cedar Rapids?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Cedar Rapids move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids, 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 |
| Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage | 4.56/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Key City Moving & Storage | 4.5/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Key City Moving & Storage | 4.5/5 | 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 Cedar Rapids, IA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Cedar Rapids, IA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 5 movers moveBuddha tracks in Cedar Rapids, 5 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 Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids, IA
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Cedar Rapids?
Any moving company transporting goods from Cedar Rapids to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 5 of the 5 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids relocation?
For moves within Iowa, a local mover in Cedar Rapids is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 5 movers in the area, averaging $100/hour, with 5 licensed for intrastate routes and 5 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 Cedar Rapids?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Cedar Rapids; 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 Cedar Rapids?
Budget-friendly moves from the City of Five Seasons 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 Cedar Rapids move?
Ask your moving company for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming your Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids?
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 $123 to $410. 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 Cedar Rapids, IA
Start with moveBuddha's top-rated picks: Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage 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 Cedar Rapids, 4 to 6 weeks' lead time is the target. moveBuddha has vetted 5 movers in the area so you don't have to start from scratch.
