Cheapest Movers in Iowa City, IA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: We evaluated 24 Iowa movers, and Bellhop Moving rose to the top for local moves in Iowa City, IA, due to their competitive pricing, range of options, and positive customer feedback. Our choice for long-distance or out-of-state relocations from Iowa, is Safeway Moving. We like that they maintain reasonable rates without skimping on service quality.

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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

4.2
Best local IA mover:

Key City Moving & Storage

4.66
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Bellhop Moving	Get A Quote	4.2 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5

Our track record

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

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

6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Iowa City, IA

If you're planning a move within Iowa City or to a nearby Iowa city no more than 50 miles away like University Heights or Coralville, take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:

Preferred Partner

Bellhop Moving: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Key City Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
White Glove Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Porter Moving Company: 4.38 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

20 North Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (30%)
Efficient service (27%)
Careful handling (23%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (30%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
Lack of communication (20%)

Review Analysis

Bellhop Moving draws applause for professional, courteous staff and speedy, efficient moves. Customers’ input highlights careful handling of belongings, clear communication, and a straightforward booking process. Many describe movers as friendly, organized, and respectful of both property and timelines. Yet, some feedback details significant issues, such as property damage, late or no-shows, and communication breakdowns. A sizable portion of feedback reveals frustration with damages and unresolved complaints, especially when compared to other services where reliability and handling of items were stronger. While most customers report smooth, affordable moves with attentive teams, those experiencing scheduling problems or delayed arrivals faced extra stress. Across 56 reviews, 63% praised Bellhop’s professionalism and efficiency, while roughly 36% encountered unpredictable timing or carelessness. Bellhop Moving receives broad endorsements for professionalism but falls short for some on reliability and item safety.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

DOT #: 2878240

Services Offered

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

Key City Moving & Storage

9710 Royal Wood Dr, Peosta, IA 52068 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (54%)
Efficient service (50%)
Good communication (46%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (23%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (17%)
Lack of communication (15%)

Review Analysis

Customers rave about Key City Moving & Storage's professionalism, careful handling of belongings, fast work, and friendly, polite staff. Feedback highlights efficient moves with recommendations from customers who appreciated quick, damage-free delivery and excellent communication. Negative input focuses on unhelpful phone interactions and lack of follow-up on quotes. With 48 reviews analyzed and nearly 94% expressing satisfaction, the company stands out for providing a stress-free and reliable moving experience, outperforming many competitors who often receive more mixed input. Only a small portion of input referenced unfriendly customer service, a rare concern based on the high number of positive responses.

Get a Quote (563) 582-3237

Company Info

Years in Business: 114

DOT #: 125563

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

White Glove Movers

4600 Commercial Ave, Marion, IA 52302 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (30%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Careful handling (22%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (27%)
Lack of communication (20%)
Unexpected charges (18%)

Review Analysis

Moving should be easier, and White Glove Movers makes that happen for most customers. After analyzing 229 pieces of customer feedback, 94% rate their services positively. Customers consistently report efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, and speed. Crews are known for being friendly, polite, and willing to accommodate special requests. Pricing is accurate with many moves completed under estimate. Some feedback highlights excellent teamwork, prompt arrivals, and a stress-free process—a performance level that sets this company apart from many moving providers. Yet, a small but steady number of negative experiences cite damaged items, unprofessional behavior during complaints, and misplaced boxes or belongings. Customers who face problems often mention difficulty getting fair resolutions or compensation. White Glove Movers ranks high for efficiency and professionalism, but prospective customers who need extra care for valuables or complex claims should discuss expectations up front.

Get a Quote (319) 393-3000

Company Info

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2991947

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by credit card

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

1846 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (30%)
Efficient service (25%)
Careful handling (20%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (35%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
Lack of communication (20%)

Review Analysis

Moving plans go smoother with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, according to 248 customer reviews analyzed. Nearly 87% highlighted efficient service, polite professionalism, and careful handling of belongings—qualities that set this company ahead of others. Clients often mentioned teams working quickly and respectfully while staying communicative throughout the move. Rates frequently came in below or matched estimates, further boosting their reputation. Most feedback points to prompt, organized crews who take care not to damage property, keeping moves stress-free for customers of all ages. On the negative side, around 13% mentioned damaged or missing items, and a smaller group noted trouble getting issues resolved or lack of follow-up after complaints. Compared to other movers, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK stands out for reliability and service, but those with valuable or fragile items should confirm inventory and insurance details upfront.

Get a Quote (319) 483-6425

Company Info

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: Berns Moving Company

Services Offered

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

Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage

370 50th Ave Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (40%)
Careful handling (37%)
Good communication (34%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (25%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
Unexpected charges (15%)

Review Analysis

Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage stands out for professionalism, attentive movers, careful handling, and excellent communication, with 83.8% positive feedback from 68 customer reviews. Clients highlight efficient and friendly service, along with thorough protection of belongings. Occasional negative input (16.2%) points to damaged items, surprise charges, and delays as the primary concerns. Despite a few serious damages reported, the company receives more consistent praise for politeness, efficiency, and care than most competitors. Feedback suggests most moving experiences are smooth, with standout staff and reliability at the forefront.

Get a Quote (319) 229-2418

Company Info

Years in Business: 35

DOT #: 087390

Alternate Names: Maher Bros Transfer & Storage

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Art
Antiques
Crating
Shipment tracking
Storage

Porter Moving Company

1151 26th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (36%)
Efficient service (32%)
Good communication (30%)

Customer Complaints

Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Damage to items (14%)
Lack of communication (12%)

Review Analysis

Customers celebrate Porter Moving Company for their professional and polite staff, efficient service, careful handling of belongings, and strong communication—qualities often lacking at other movers. Of the 239 reviews analyzed, an impressive 95.8% praised the company for quick moving processes, respect for property, and reliability. Feedback highlights attentive movers who call ahead, follow schedules, and handle furniture with care, frequently exceeding expectations. Affordable pricing and easy scheduling make them stand out among moving companies in the area. Negative input, making up just 4.2%, points mostly to incidents of property or furniture damage, missed delivery windows, or unprofessional conduct. These issues remain rare compared to most movers, but potential customers should supervise complex or large moves for peace of mind. No neutral (3-star) reviews were available. Porter Moving Company’s record of consistent service and customer satisfaction makes them a recommended choice, though a small risk of service hiccups remains.

Get a Quote (319) 560-5050

Company Info

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2427654

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Other local IA movers

While these local Iowa movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of Iowa

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:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Iowa City, IA

A full-service mover can make your Iowa City, 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 Iowa City.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Top-rated movers in other nearby Iowa cities

See less

How we chose the best movers in Iowa City, IA

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.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in Iowa City, IA

The pricing table below offers a general sense of what you might pay for a local move in the Iowa City area. To learn more, take a look at our full guide to moving costs in Iowa.

The moving quotes listed are ballpark figures—your final cost could be higher or lower depending on your individual move. For a more tailored estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$749	$349	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$1,106	$346	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$1,935	$505	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$4,655	$684	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$5,253	$699	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$8,164	$949	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Iowa City, IA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Iowa City, IA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Key City Moving & Storage	4.7/5	A+	4.3/5	4.9/5
White Glove Movers	4.6/5	A+	4/5	4.9/5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK	4.5/5	F	2.5/5	4.7/5
Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage	4.4/5	A+	2.7/5	4.5/5
Porter Moving Company	4.4/5	B-	2.5/5	4.6/5
Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage	4.3/5	A+	4.6/5	4.9/5
Blue Line Moving & Storage	4.3/5	A+	2.1/5	4.6/5
Errand Boys	4/5	A+	3.2/5	/5
Riley Moving And Storage	4/5		2.3/5	4.5/5
Adamantine Spine Moving	4/5		/5	5/5

FAQs

How can I tell if a moving company is licensed?

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 Iowa City?

Searching for a reputable Iowa City mover can feel overwhelming, but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:

Reputation: Whether it’s a local startup or a national van lines company, their track record matters.
Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints. Every Iowa City 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 Iowa City offer long-distance services?

Many Iowa City 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 Iowa City.

What day is usually the least expensive to move in Iowa City, IA?

The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Iowa City, 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 Iowa City. 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 Iowa City, IA to another state?

Renting a truck is typically the cheapest option for moving out of state or around Iowa City, 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 Iowa City?

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 Iowa City?

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 Iowa City movers?

Most moving companies in Iowa City 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.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?