The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Council Bluffs, IA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

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.

Preferred partner:

Bellhop Moving

4.38
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best Council Bluffs-based mover:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

4.76
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

HireAHelper

4.5
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

Get Quote

Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Bellhop Moving	Get A Quote	4.38 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5

Our track record

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

Best long-distance movers in Council Bluffs for those moving out of state

If you’re leaving Council Bluffs and crossing state lines for a new home outside of Iowa, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

At A Glance

GPS tracking en route
Veteran-owned
Dedicated move coordinator
Flat-rate pricing
Donates a portion of moves to charity

read our full review

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

At A Glance

Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
Hands-on customer service
24/7 support
Price-matching policy

read our full review

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

At A Glance

Experienced & fully trained moving crews
Specializes in moving art & antiques
Competitive pricing
Can handle last-minute moves
Climate-controlled storage

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

At A Glance

Custom crates for electronics & art
Satellite shipment tracking
1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
Self-packing option
No deposit required

read our full review

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Best long-distance movers in Council Bluffs for those staying in state

Are you moving from Council Bluffs but staying in Iowa? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within Iowa is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top Council Bluffs, IA, movers:

Preferred Partner

Bellhop Moving

Other top partners:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
King's Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Firefighters on the Move: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

3502 Leavenworth St, Omaha, NE 68105 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (75%)
Professional and polite staff (75%)
Easy booking process (50%)

Customer Complaints

No significant negatives (0%)
Limited options for insurance (0%)
N/A (0%)

Review Analysis

Moving with Bellhop is a smooth experience from start to finish, as highlighted by every piece of customer feedback analyzed. All four reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction with 100% positivity, particularly pointing to professional staff who are polite, quick, and helpful. Users repeatedly mention efficient service and an easy booking process. Customers appreciate careful handling of items and clear communication, setting Bellhop apart from competitors whose prices were often higher. The reviews show no reports of major issues such as damaged belongings or poor communication, which are common complaints for other moving companies. Bellhop earns strong recommendations and stands out for reliability, value, and a seamless moving experience.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Services

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Storage
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

4512 S 68th, Omaha, NE 68117 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (30%)
Efficient service (28%)
Good communication (25%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (38%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (27%)
Unexpected charges (25%)

Review Analysis

Fast hands and friendly faces define most feedback for Two Men and a Truck, with 58.3% of 300 reviews being positive. Customers repeatedly praise the team's efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, speed, and clear communication—key reasons many said they'd use them again or recommend them. However, 39.3% of input describes significant problems. The most common complaints involve damaged items, unexpected extra charges, and lack of communication from office or claims staff. Clients detailed experiences where claims for property damage went unanswered, bills ended up much higher than quoted, or calls to company representatives weren't returned. By contrast, similar companies often get fewer complaints about property damage or billing disputes. While their teams work quickly and treat items with care, the company should address its billing transparency and claims handling to better match the strengths of its crews.

Get a Quote (402) 764-1002

Company Info

State license #: 2590545

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: JTW Omaha Movers, Inc.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Select Van & Storage Co.

8006 J Street, Omaha, NE 68127 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (25%)
Efficient service (22%)
Good communication (20%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (30%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (27%)
Lack of communication (20%)

Review Analysis

Reliable help meets careful hands. A thorough analysis of 244 customer reviews shows that nearly nine out of ten customers reported a positive experience with Select Van & Storage Co. Feedback frequently highlights efficient service, quick moves, and professional, polite teams. Customers mention careful handling of belongings and strong communication, setting this company ahead of standard moving services. On the downside, the small number of negative experiences involves damaged items, shipment delays, or communication lapses. Despite these, the company’s reputation stands out for speed, respectful teams, and dependable handling—earning them more frequent praise than many peers. Select Van & Storage Co. is especially well-regarded by military families and repeat movers for consistent, quality support. For those seeking a moving company that combines efficiency with genuine care, most input suggests this team delivers on its promises.

Get a Quote (402) 935-3700

Company Info

Years in Business: 79

DOT #: 1098759

Alternate Names: Mayflower Movers, Mayflower Transit, Select Van & Storage Co.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Crane vans
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

King's Moving

7530 F Street, Omaha, NE 68127 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (33%)
Professional and polite staff (31%)
Careful handling (29%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (17%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Lack of communication (12%)

Review Analysis

A standout reputation sets King's Moving apart in the moving industry. Among 238 feedback entries, almost 98% share positive experiences with prompt, efficient service, careful handling of items, and a courteous, professional team. Many customers emphasize how the movers went the extra mile, protecting both homes and belongings during the process. Quick moving without sacrificing safety and staff members who genuinely care make this company a top pick compared to others. A few customers encountered issues, mostly citing frustration over communication delays, occasional lost or damaged items, or problems resolving claims. Negative input centers on responsiveness and rare accountability concerns, but these form a tiny fraction of the company’s feedback. Compared to many moving services, King’s Moving consistently delivers reliability, attention to detail, and a level of care not easily matched.

Get a Quote (402) 676-0719

Company Info

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 960979

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes

Firefighters on the Move

717 N Frontier Rd, Papillion, NE 68046 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (34%)
Professional and polite staff (30%)
Careful handling (29%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (22%)
Unexpected charges (19%)
Lack of communication (16%)

Review Analysis

Customers rave about Firefighters on the Move, highlighting quick, efficient service and professional, polite movers who handle belongings with exceptional care. Feedback shows that jobs frequently finish faster than expected and many recommend the company to friends and family. Affordable pricing and hardworking teams add to the appeal, with many calls for repeated use. Some clients faced challenges, primarily involving damage to items, higher-than-estimated costs, and difficulty reaching management in rare cases. These issues appear less frequently than at similar companies, given the high volume of glowing feedback. Of 238 reviews, nearly 94% were positive, demonstrating consistent, reliable moving experiences with standout customer service.

Get a Quote (402) 850-0145

Company Info

Pricing: $132/hr

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 1686194

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash

Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc

5610 Highland Dr., Omaha, NE 68133 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (39%)
Professional and polite staff (33%)
Careful handling (28%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (44%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (28%)
Lack of communication (22%)

Review Analysis

Past customers describe Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc as fast, respectful, and careful with belongings, with many mentioning polite movers and reasonable pricing. Positive input highlights professional attitudes and quick, effective service, often emphasizing the care taken in handling furniture and helpful communication. By contrast, negative feedback details frequent issues with damages to items, unresolved claims regarding property harm, and frustrating communication breakdowns. Several customers reported long response times or unaddressed complaints after problems occurred, unlike leading moving companies who tend to respond more quickly and thoroughly. In reviewing 19 pieces of input, just under 37% was favorable, with the majority raising concerns about property damage, lack of follow-up, and unsatisfactory resolutions. Choosing this company may mean quick, budget-friendly service but also carries notable risk for damage and poor support if issues arise.

Get a Quote (402) 291-2490

Company Info

State license #: 732686

Years in Business: 43

DOT #: 732686

Alternate Names: Live Grow Move, LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Antiques
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by credit card

Best long-distance movers in Council Bluffs, IA, for small moves

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from Council Bluffs, check out these suggestions:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

No minimum size
Top-quality materials
Full-service packing

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.7 / 5

Check prices 800-626-1257

At A Glance

Specializes in small moves
Guaranteed delivery date
Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
Car shipping services
Gives back with charitable donations

read our full review

Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Council Bluffs, IA

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Council Bluffs at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from Council Bluffs include:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Get A Quote

At A Glance

30 days storage included
Local and long distance moving options
Unlimited loading/unloading time
Store on property or at a facility

read our full review

Get A Quote

Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

5 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

Long distance moves only
Only pay for the space you use
No deposit or initial fees
Fast delivery time frames

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Rental trucks in Council Bluffs, IA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Council Bluffs, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.15 / 5

Check prices (800) 468-4285

At A Glance

More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive

read our full review

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Licensed

Insured

Price

4 / 5

Check prices (844) 847-9517

At A Glance

Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool

read our full review

Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in Council Bluffs, IA

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from Council Bluffs, IA:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
$1,000 money-back service guarantee
Fast and accurate delivery times
Free damage coverage with additional coverage options

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.3 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

At A Glance

Quick and easy booking process
National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
Dedicated move concierge specialist
Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them

read our full review

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Council Bluffs, IA

Company	Our Rating	Quote
Safeway Moving	4.85 overall rating	Get A Quote
Mayzlin Relocation	4.9 overall rating	Get A Quote
American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote
Allied Van Lines	4.75 overall rating	Get A Quote
North American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Council Bluffs, IA

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

Customer satisfaction (40%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Council Bluffs, IA

The average cost for professional movers in Iowa is $199 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Here’s the average long-distance move cost from Council Bluffs, IA to popular cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Jackson, MS	839 miles	3 bedroom	$4,000 - $7,024
Las Vegas, NV	1,289 miles	2 bedroom	$3,288 - $7,035
Charleston, SC	1,283 miles	1 bedroom	$2,848 - $6,403

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Council Bluffs, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in Iowa.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

A moving company helping you move out of Iowa must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all the Council Bluffs movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order, but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from Council Bluffs?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Council Bluffs is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of Iowa, using a national moving company like Safeway Moving comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Council Bluffs?

Moving companies in Council Bluffs are usually slower in November and December due to the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Council Bluffs?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Council Bluffs. The cheapest options for moving out of Council Bluffs are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.