5 Best Hourly Moving Services in Des Moines, IA (Labor Only)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: May 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: Based on our in-depth analysis and ranking system, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the best hourly labor moving company in Des Moines. But there’s no shortage of options in your area. Depending on your specific needs and budget, another of the top-rated Des Moines-based labor-only movers may be the right fit for you.

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular TWO MEN AND A TRUCK	Get A Quote	4.76 overall rating	2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 (515) 216-3654
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving	Get A Quote	4.58 overall rating	10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA, 50325 (336) 810-1801
All Mighty Movers LLC	Get A Quote	4.48 overall rating	59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314 (515) 313-1395

Top 5 labor-only movers in Des Moines, IA

These are our ratings of the top labor-only, hourly moving services that are available in Des Moines, IA:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Black Belt Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.28 out of 5 stars

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322

Customer Praise

Efficient service (34%)
Professional and polite staff (31%)
Careful handling (28%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (25%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
Unexpected charges (18%)

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Company Info

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 2527384

Two Men and a Truck, a reputable moving company in Urbandale, IA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1998. Renowned for their packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out by requiring no deposit and accepting credit cards, adding convenience for their clients. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google from over 500 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they excel in customer satisfaction compared to other nearby movers. Their proven track record makes them a trusted choice for local moves.

Services Offered

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

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (37%)
Efficient service (32%)
Careful handling (30%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (20%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Unexpected charges (12%)

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 2378173

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Clive, IA since 2018, specializes in local residential moves and stands out from other nearby movers with their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. They also cater to office moving needs, making them a versatile choice. While their Yelp reviews average 3.2 from 14 ratings, their astounding 4.8 out of 1452 Google reviews suggest a generally positive customer experience. Additionally, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, offering convenience and flexibility. Despite their F rating from the BBB, their extensive positive feedback on Google indicates a largely satisfactory service.

Services Offered

Local moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Storage
Pay by credit card

All Mighty Movers LLC

59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA 50314

Customer Praise

Efficient service (44%)
Professional and polite staff (40%)
Good communication (36%)

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges (36%)
Lack of communication (32%)
Damage to items (28%)

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (515) 313-1395

Company Info

Pricing: $130/hr

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2468266

All Mighty Movers LLC, a trusted local moving company serving Des Moines, IA, has been providing top-notch residential moving services since 2015. Unlike many other local movers, All Mighty Movers stands out with their ability to handle challenging items like pianos, hot tubs, and pool tables. Their consumer reviews reflect their reputation: they boast an impressive 4.8 average rating on Google with 455 reviews and maintain an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. With competitive rates at $130 per hour and convenient payment options including credit cards, All Mighty Movers offers reliable and professional services without requiring a deposit.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Safes
Pay by credit card

Select Van & Storage Co.

523 S 18th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Customer Praise

Efficient service (44%)
Professional and polite staff (38%)
Careful handling (32%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (32%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (26%)
Lack of communication (24%)

Review Analysis

Moving with Select Van & Storage Co. comes with strong benefits, as most customer feedback praises their professional and polite staff, quick moving process, and efficient service. Out of 34 reviews, over two-thirds are positive, highlighting helpful movers who keep pricing transparent, and jobs often completed faster or under budget compared to competitors. Customers frequently describe interactions as courteous, emphasize smooth experiences, and value responsive communication. Some reviewers appreciated a detailed and upfront estimate process as well as careful handling of items. On the downside, many negative reports focus on late or unreliable deliveries, occasional damage or loss of items, and frustrating lapses in communication. Delayed pickups, items left behind, and slow claim responses stand out as key drawbacks when compared to top moving services. Input shows Select Van & Storage excels with professionalism and efficient handling, but clients looking for guaranteed timeliness and consistent communication may want to confirm all details before booking.

Get a Quote (515) 223-8329

Company Info

Years in Business: 79

DOT #: 1098759

Alternate Names: Mayflower

Select Van & Storage Co., established in 1946, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around West Des Moines, IA. While their Yelp profile shows mixed reviews, averaging at 1.0 from four reviews, their Google My Business profile is more favorable with an average rating of 4.3 from 18 reviews. This long-standing company provides essential moving services, including packing, unpacking, and even moving delicate items like pianos and antiques. Unlike some other local movers, Select Van & Storage Co. also offers storage solutions and accepts credit card payments, making them a flexible choice for your moving needs.

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

Common hourly moving services

Hourly movers in Des Moines, IA, can be a cost-effective way to handle your relocation. Paying in hourly increments means you are paying only for the time worked, which can often be cheaper than a flat-rate fee with a full-service company.

Every company is different, but Des Moines hourly movers typically offer these labor-assistance options:

Loading and unloading: Hourly moving crews can help get all your belongings on and off a moving truck rental or in and out of your moving container. Labor-only companies will send a crew of two to four people, depending on the size of your move.
Help with heavy items: If you are able to handle loading and unloading on your own but need some extra hands for a particularly large or weighty piece — like a treadmill, piano, or major appliance — you can hire local help Most labor-only companies can provide manpower for single and multiple heavy items.
Furniture moving: Got your boxes loaded up but can’t get your sectional couch onto the truck alone? Hourly labor companies can handle the heavy lifting of your furniture.
Rearranging: Deciding where you want things to go can often be tricky, especially if you have heavy pieces that aren’t so easily moved around. Many labor-only companies will not only load and unload your furniture, but also help you find the right place for it at your new home.
Packing and unpacking: Some Des Moines labor-only movers will wrap and box up your belongings for an additional fee.
Junk removal: If you’ve got some items you need to toss, hourly labor companies may be able to provide this in tandem with their standard moving services.

FAQs

How much should I expect to pay for labor-only movers in Des Moines?

The average hourly cost for labor-only movers in Des Moines is $142 per hour per mover. Check out our guide about the cost of moving in Des Moines for more details.

Can hourly movers handle last-minute moves in Des Moines?

Because most moving companies in Des Moines experience busy seasons and slow seasons, you’ll need to call around to find out which ones have availability. Since it is labor-only, however, there’s a good chance one of these Des Moines-based companies will be able to help. If you’re in a pinch and want to be more hands-off, here is our list of the best last-minute moving companies.

Can I hire hourly movers if I’m moving from Des Moines to a new state?

If you’re moving from Des Moines to another state, you’ll need to hire hourly labor while loading your belongings in Iowa and then another company in the city you’re moving to for help unloading. If you want to avoid some lower back strain, here are our top picks for the best interstate moving companies. And if you want to support local businesses, here are the best long distance moving companies in Des Moines.

Am I supposed to tip hourly movers?

You are not required to tip hourly movers, but it is common practice — not to mention, a great way to show your appreciation for the crew’s hard work. The standard tip amount is somewhere between 5% and 20% of your total moving costs, which breaks down to about $4–$5 per hour for each moving crew member.

Whether you tip on the high or low end of that range will, of course, depend on the movers’ performance, so wait until the end to hand out the cash. You may also want to factor in the specifics of your move. For instance, a complicated move that involves a lot of heavy pieces or navigation down narrow staircases might warrant a higher tip than a simple move of a first-floor studio apartment.