The BEST Movers in Iowa City, IA (2024 Guide)

Our Top Pick: If you're moving locally in Iowa City, our top pick is Two Men and a Truck. We've rated them 4.52 out of 5 stars. If your move extends beyond Iowa City, our well-curated guide on the best movers in Iowa is a valuable resource.


The key to a successful move in Iowa City is choosing the right movers. Whether you're relocating within Iowa City, across Iowa, or seeking the best interstate moving companies for an out-of-state move, our unbiased reviews will help you choose the right moving company for you.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

How we chose the best movers in Iowa City, IA

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 31 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.

Best movers for those moving locally in Iowa City, IA

  1. Two Men and a Truck, 4.52 out of 5
  2. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage, 4.42 out of 5
  3. Key City Moving & Storage, 4.42 out of 5
  4. Porter Moving Company, 4.34 out of 5
  5. Powell Express Moving, 4.34 out of 5

Two Men and a Truck

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 26

2225 Hawthorne Ave,
Waterloo, IA 50702

Two Men and a Truck is a widely recognized moving company operating in and around Waterloo, IA since 1997. This company is known for its substantial local and long-distance residential moving services, standing out from nearby competitors by offering both packing and unpacking services. In addition, they offer labor-only services for those who may not require full-service moving. The team at Two Men and a Truck exhibits an expertise in moving distinct items including pianos and grandfather clocks. They have a customer-friendly policy of not requiring a deposit, setting them apart from other moving companies. Although they maintain a modest average rating of 2.5 based on five reviews on their Yelp profile, their Google My Business profile is adorned with an impressive average rating of 4.5 from 94 reviews. Plus, they proudly hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to providing quality service to their clients. Therefore, for anyone considering a move within or beyond Waterloo, IA, Two Men and a Truck should be on your radar.

Get a Quote (319) 208-3228

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.42 / 5

DOT #: 087390

Years in Business: 34

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

Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage sets itself apart from other moving companies in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with its extensive list of services. In business since 1989, this well-established company not only provides local residential moving but also offers long-distance and international residential moving solutions. Unlike many of its competitors, Maher Bros also caters to office relocations, something not all moving companies offer. On top of moving services, they extend packing, unpacking, and crating services, specializing in moving delicate items such as art and antiques. Where some companies require deposits, Maher Bros demonstrates its trust in its clients by eliminating this need and also provides the convenience of shipment tracking. Although its Yelp rating might raise eyebrows with an average of just 1.5 based on 4 reviews, it’s worth noting that a larger pool of 20 reviews on Google My Business reveals a high average rating of 4.8. Their commitment to superior service is further emphasized by their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Get a Quote (319) 229-2418

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Maher Bros Transfer & Storage
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Key City Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.42 / 5

DOT #: 125563

Years in Business: 114

9710 Royal Wood Dr,
Peosta, IA 52068
Get a Quote (563) 582-3237

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Porter Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.34 / 5

DOT #: 2427654

Years in Business: 10

1151 26th Ave SW,
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Porter Moving Company stands as a premier moving service provider in and around Cedar Rapids, IA. Established in 2014, the company has differentiated itself from its competitors by not just offering local residential moving services but also long distance and international residential moves. In addition, Porter Moving Company extends its services to office moves, an offering that not all movers in the area provide. Their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and crating, ensuring the safe transport of invaluable items. They also boast the capability to move specialized items such as pianos, pool tables, works of art, and safes, which adds an extra layer of convenience for their clients. With their customer-friendly practices like accepting credit cards and not requiring a deposit, Porter Moving Company provides an easy and hassle-free moving experience. Their commitment to service excellence is evident in their A+ Better Business Bureau rating, as well as an average Google My Business rating of 4.6 based on 148 reviews, significantly higher than their Yelp average. These positive ratings and their comprehensive services place Porter Moving Company among the top choices for moving services in the Cedar Rapids region.

Get a Quote (319) 560-5050

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Powell Express Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.34 / 5

DOT #: 2929859

Years in Business: 21

10732 Diesel Dr,
Dubuque, IA 52001
Get a Quote (563) 663-7016

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

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Best movers for those moving out of Iowa

  1. Safeway Moving, 4.5 out of 5
  2. American Van Lines, 4.5 out of 5
  3. Mayzlin Relocation, 4.45 out of 5
  4. North American Van Lines, 4.25 out of 5
  5. JK Moving Services, 4.25 out of 5
Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • GPS tracked trucks and tractors
  • Barcode scanned and tracked inventory of your possessions
  • Dedicated move coordinator assigned to each client
  • A portion of every move is donated to charity
read our full review
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

93% of users select this mover

Best industry reputation
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Over 20 years in business
  • Excellent customer service score
  • Best pricing we've seen
  • Can handle last minute moves
read our full review
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

93% of users select this mover

Best Upfront Pricing
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Family owned with locations covering the east coast
  • Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
  • Packing and unpacking services available
  • Handle residential, corporate, and military moves
read our full review
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

93% of users select this mover

Best for complex moves
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Over 74 years in business
  • More than 1,800 trucks in the fleet
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Top major moving company in the U.S.
  • Highest rated agent van line among moveBuddha customers
read our full review
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

93% of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
  • Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
  • Easy and fast AI-powered in-home estimate tool
  • Over 40k moves in the past 3 years
  • Available Financing as low as 0% Interest for low monthly payments
  • Extremely responsive customer service
read our full review
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

93% of users select this mover

Alternative Iowa City moving options

Moving Containers

  1. U-Pack: 5 out of 5
  2. PODS: 4.8 out of 5
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

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 Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

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
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Labor Only

  1. HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
  2. Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

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 Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Get A Quote
(866) 774-5063

93% of users select this mover

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

93% of users select this mover

Full DIY

  1. U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
  2. Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285

93% of users select this mover

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

93% of users select this mover

Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517

93% of users select this mover

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

93% of users select this mover

Average cost of movers in Iowa City, IA

Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the Iowa City area. For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in Iowa.

Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates, and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move. For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $753 $346 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $1,121 $349 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,876 $495 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $4,448 $706 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $5,179 $699 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $8,060 $949 5 movers 10 hours

FAQs

How do I know if my mover is properly 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 of the movers on our list are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in Iowa list for more recommendations.

How do I find a reputable Iowa City mover?

Looking for a reliable Iowa City moving company can be difficult, but there are certain things to consider to ensure you choose a trustworthy mover. These include:

  • Reputation: A mover's reputation is crucial, whether they're a new mom-and-pop business or a seasoned van lines company.
  • Dispute resolution: It's best to avoid movers with lots of unresolved customer complaints. Every Iowa City moving company will face customer issues. The best companies resolve customer disputes in a timely manner.
  • Experience for your move: Even if a mover has great reviews for local moves, they may not have the experience needed to handle a cross-country move. Check if they have experience with the type of move you require.

Do Iowa City moving companies handle long distance moves?

Some of the moving companies that service Iowa City can handle long distance moves, while others only offer local moving services. If you're moving out of state, see our list of the best long distance movers in Iowa City.

What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in Iowa City, IA?

The earlier you book your move from Iowa City, the better. Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money. Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote, as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.

Learn more: The cheapest time to move

Do Iowa City movers offer storage?

Most Iowa City moving companies offer short and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some Iowa City movers use third-party warehouses to store your items. It's best to ask about storage options and pricing when screening potential movers.

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

Helpful Iowa City Resources

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