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Jake N' Jose Moving Service review 2026 (Ames, IA)

In business since 2019 · Updated

Jake N' Jose Moving Service is an Ames, IA mover ranked #26 of 65 movers in Iowa with a 4.12/5 rating.

88% of Jake N' Jose Moving Service's 96 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves lack of communication.

Jake N' Jose Moving Service has been in business since 2019. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

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How Jake N' Jose Moving Service measures up

Across 96 reviews, Jake N' Jose Moving Service in Ames, IA is rated 4.6/5 on Google (79 reviews) and 4.3/5 on Yelp (12 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Jake N' Jose Moving Service ranks #26 out of 65 movers in Iowa with a moveBuddha Score of 4.12 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

  • Google rating

    Based on 79 reviews
  • Yelp rating

    Based on 12 reviews
  • Better Business Bureau

    Based on BBB profile
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Is Jake N' Jose Moving Service moveBuddha Certified?

Jake N' Jose Moving Service is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.

With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Jake N' Jose Moving Service hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.

What movebuddha certified movers offer

  • Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
  • Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
  • Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
  • Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.

Before you book, check:

  • USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
  • Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
  • A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
  • The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.

* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified

** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.

What do customers say about Jake N' Jose Moving Service?

Out of 96 verified reviews, 88% of customers left a positive review about Jake N' Jose Moving Service in Ames, IA. 10.4% of reviews are negative and 2.1% are neutral. Jake N' Jose Moving Service has a 1% lower positive review percentage than the average Iowa moving company (88% vs the Iowa state average of 89%).

  • Positive87.5%(84)
  • Neutral2.1%(2)
  • Negative10.4%(10)

Based on 96 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about Jake N' Jose Moving Service

  • Affordable rates

    Many reviewers found Jake N' Jose Moving Service to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.

  • Flexibility

    Clients liked that Jake N' Jose Moving Service was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.

  • Quick moving process

    The team at Jake N' Jose Moving Service often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.

  • Quick response times

    Customer support at Jake N' Jose Moving Service was often noted for responding to questions or concerns almost immediately

  • Efficient service

    Many customers praise Jake N' Jose Moving Service for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.

What positive reviewers say

  • “Jake & Jose are awesome! They helped me move into my new apartment with only one day’s notice, and did a great job! Very professional, quick and reasonably priced. I’d highly recommend them!”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “Jake and Jose were prompt, communicative, easy to work with and very professional. They unloaded our daughters 2nd floor apartment in less than 2 hours and were very reasonable.”

    James WhiteVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Jake N' Jose were fast, experienced professionals with a friendly demeanor. They were careful with our things and very affordable!”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

What mixed reviewers say

  • “Simply asked for a quote to be emailed. Was unable to be accommodated. Ended up going with another moving service. Seemed to be a little bit disorganized, though the phone representative was very courteous.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

Most common complaints about Jake N' Jose Moving Service

  • Lack of communication

    Poor or inconsistent updates from Jake N' Jose Moving Service left some customers feeling in the dark.

  • Broken promises

    Customers noted instances where Jake N' Jose Moving Service failed to deliver on services that were initially guaranteed.

  • Unreliable timing

    Customers reported inconsistent scheduling and lack of punctuality from Jake N' Jose Moving Service.

What negative reviewers say

  • “Communication left a lot to be desired. They gave us a window of 9-10 am but were not at our house until 10:45. I tried texting and calling with no response until they finally called 10 minutes out.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “They called three days before our move and said 3 guys would be moving us at 9am Saturday. Friday night I get a text message that they won't start until 12:30-1pm.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “Didn't show up. No contact explaining why either. Tried calling and texting. Response 5ish hours later.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “We were informed they would come early afternoon but never given a time. After 5 phone calls and 2 texts with no response we finally went to U-Haul to book a truck and figure it out ourselves.”

    Jen LaubeVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Scheduled with Jack on 6/1 for moving services on 6/11. Had great communication leading up to the move day, then didn't respond to texts or calls, except to tell me that they wouldn't be able to make it today.”

    Matt DahlkeVerified ReviewerGoogle

Jake N' Jose Moving Service

4.12Ames, IASince 2019

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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What services does Jake N' Jose Moving Service offer?

Jake N' Jose Moving Service offers labor-only loading help, local moves, commercial moves, small moves, and piano moving.

Services offered

Is Jake N' Jose Moving Service licensed and insured?

moveBuddha holds no federal licensing record for Jake N' Jose Moving Service in Ames, IA. That is not the same as the company being unlicensed. Movers operating only within one state are licensed by that state rather than by the FMCSA.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Jake N' Jose Moving Service holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

FMCSA safety rating
Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.

How much does Jake N' Jose Moving Service cost?

Jake N' Jose Moving Service does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Iowa, you can expect to pay approximately $140/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home.

What similar movers typically bill for a local move

Full-service Iowa moving companies similar to Jake N' Jose Moving Service typically bill the amounts below using a $140/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400–$7503–5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850–$1,7505–8 hours, 2–3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700–$3,4008–12 hours, 3–4 movers

What payment options and discounts does Jake N' Jose Moving Service offer?

Accepts
No credit cards
Deposit
Not listed, so ask

Jake N' Jose Moving Service does not list any accepted payment methods on moveBuddha. Confirm how they take payment before moving day. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

How Jake N' Jose Moving Service compares with other local movers

With a moveBuddha score of 4.12 out of 5, Jake N' Jose Moving Service trails the four highest-scoring moving companies near Ames, level on score with Hemmen Moving Inc, which has more reviews,. At 96 reviews, Jake N' Jose Moving Service has fewer reviews than three of the four. Where Jake N' Jose Moving Service falls behind is brand, with the lowest brand score in the group.

The four highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1TWO MEN AND A TRUCKUrbandale4.501,052
2College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingClive4.341,864
3All Mighty Movers LLCDes Moines4.3025
4Hemmen Moving IncAmes4.12172
5Jake N' Jose Moving ServiceThis mover · ranks #54.1296

How does Jake N' Jose Moving Service compare to other Iowa movers?

  • moveBuddha score#26 of 65(better than average)

    4.12vs 3.84 avg

    Jake N' Jose Moving Service scores 4.12, above the Iowa average of 3.84, and ranks #26 of 65 Iowa movers.

  • Positive reviews#39 of 65(worse than average)

    88%vs 89% avg

    Jake N' Jose Moving Service has 88% positive reviews, below the Iowa average of 89%, and ranks #39 of 65 Iowa movers.

  • Negative reviews#40 of 65(worse than average)

    10%vs 9% avg

    Jake N' Jose Moving Service has 10% negative reviews, above the Iowa average of 9%, and ranks #40 of 65 Iowa movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#29 of 65(worse than average)

    96vs 232 avg

    Jake N' Jose Moving Service has 96 reviews analyzed, below the Iowa average of 232, and ranks #29 of 65 Iowa movers.

  • Yelp rating#9 of 65(better than average)

    4.3vs 3.6 avg

    Jake N' Jose Moving Service has a Yelp rating of 4.3, above the Iowa average of 3.6, and ranks #9 of 65 Iowa movers.

  • BBB rating#16 of 65(better than average)

    A+vs A avg

    Jake N' Jose Moving Service has a BBB rating of A+, above the Iowa average of A, and ranks #16 of 65 Iowa movers.

  • Years in business#33 of 65(worse than average)

    7 yearsvs 36 years avg

    Jake N' Jose Moving Service has been in business for 7 years, below the Iowa average of 36 years, and ranks #33 of 65 Iowa movers.

MetricThis moverIowa avg
moveBuddha score#26 of 65 in Iowa4.123.84
Positive reviews#39 of 65 in Iowa88%89%
Negative reviewsLower is better#40 of 65 in Iowa10%9%
Reviews analyzed#29 of 65 in Iowa96232
Yelp ratingBased on only 12 reviews#9 of 65 in Iowa4.33.6
BBB rating#16 of 65 in IowaA+A
Years in business#33 of 65 in Iowa7 years36 years

Compared with 65 Iowa movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Iowa.

Jake N' Jose Moving Service

4.12Ames, IASince 2019

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (515) 357-4619

Final verdict: Jake N' Jose Moving Service

Jake N' Jose Moving Service earns a 4.12/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #26 among Iowa movers, with 88% positive feedback across 96 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and flexibility. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.

With a track record dating to 2019, it has less history than the average Iowa mover, and the most common complaint is lack of communication.

All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.

Why moveBuddha?

  • 30%+Average savings

    On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.

    Calculate your Iowa moving cost 
  • $1,000Added move coverage*

    When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.

  • 1-on-1Dispute mediation

    If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.

* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.

How we score moving companies

Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.

  • Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most

    The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.

  • Online reputationMajor factor

    An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.

  • ServicesMajor factor

    The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.

  • Customer supportSupporting factor

    How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.

  • Review feedbackSupporting factor

    A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.

  • State availabilityMinor factor

    The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.

What the scores are built on

  • 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
  • 1M+Authenticated reviews
  • 25+Independent data sources
  • 1,000+Live price points a month
  • $0Paid for a ranking
  • MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified

Read the full scoring methodology

Written by

Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha

Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.

Jake N' Jose Moving Service
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