Best Long-Distance Movers in Iowa for 2025
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Safeway Moving earns our recommendation as the best long-distance mover in Iowa, following careful analysis of 37 moving companies in the state.
With IA movers averaging 88.66% positive ratings, Safeway Moving rose above the competition by offering strong service and great overall value.
Let's get moving.
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Safeway Moving
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
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Key City Moving & Storage
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PODS
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
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Budget Truck Rental
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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 Iowa when moving out of state
Here are our top picks for long-distance movers in Iowa:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- 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
Best long-distance movers in Iowa when staying in state
While it’s not as common, if you’re staying in Iowa but still moving a couple hundred miles, these are the best intrastate movers for you:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 299154
Action Moving & Storage, Inc. has been reliably serving the Sioux City, IA area since 1983, specializing in local residential moves. They stand out among local movers with their extensive experience and a stellar reputation, evidenced by an impressive average rating of 4.7 from 161 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for art and antiques. Action Moving & Storage also accepts both cash and credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy option for local relocations.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125563
Key City Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Peosta, IA since 1910. With glowing customer feedback, including an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among local competitors. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized fragile-only packing, ensuring a stress-free move. Unlike other movers, they don't require a deposit and accept both cash and credit cards, making them a customer-friendly choice for your next move.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, a staple in Sioux City, IA since 1955, offers comprehensive local residential moving services. With a strong reputation reflected in their 4.2 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they are a trusted choice among local movers. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Claeys Brothers also offer packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. The firm accepts both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a flexible and customer-friendly option for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2991947
White Glove Movers, a local moving company based in Marion, IA, has been providing reliable residential moving services since 2005. Compared to other nearby movers, White Glove stands out with its comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities to handle delicate items like pianos and art. Renowned for their exceptional service, they hold an average Google rating of 4.9 from 234 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their excellent consumer feedback and array of services make them a top choice for local moves, offering peace of mind and quality assurance.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Long-distance movers in nearby cities
Best long-distance movers in Iowa for small moves
If you’re moving out of a dorm or a studio apartment in Iowa, most full-service moving companies won’t be your best bet. They usually have a minimum shipment weight of around 2,000 pounds. For lighter loads, it’s smarter to look beyond traditional movers.
With just 21 small move companies in Iowa, it’s especially important to choose wisely. The options we’ve listed below are our top picks for dependable service.
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Moving containers for long-distance moves in IA
If you don’t mind packing and loading yourself but want to avoid a long drive from Iowa, a moving container is an affordable, easy alternative to hiring full-service movers.
In Iowa, you’ll typically pay between $906 and $7,279 to rent a moving container. Prices can vary based on a few different factors, so be sure to compare several moving quotes before deciding.
Kick off your move with these leading moving container companies.
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Labor-only moving companies in Iowa
If you don’t mind doing the driving from Iowa but want help with packing, loading, or unloading, take a look at these top labor-only movers.
In Iowa, you’ll typically pay between $24 and $42 per hour for each labor-only mover.
Check out our top labor-only moving picks below.
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Rental trucks in IA for a total DIY long-distance move
If you want to keep costs low for your out-of-state move from Iowa, handling everything yourself is the way to go. You’ll be responsible for driving, loading, and unloading, but you’ll save the most money this way.
Renting a moving truck is easily the most affordable choice — even though you’ll need to take care of all the heavy lifting on your own.
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How we chose the best long-distance movers in Iowa
Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best long-distance moving companies in Iowa.
We look at:
- 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, expedited delivery, and more.
Read more about our moving company rating methodology.
Average cost of a long-distance move out of Iowa
If you’re planning a long-distance move, prices to relocate from Iowa typically fall between $948 and $12,620 or higher, depending on your specific moving needs.
Factors that affect the cost
- Size: The more belongings you bring along from Iowa, the higher your moving bill will be. Cutting back on what you pack is a smart way to save money, because every extra item adds to the cost.
- Distance: How far you’re moving from Iowa plays a huge role in the price you’ll pay. Whether it’s just a short hop or a cross-country trek, distance is one of the main factors that affects your moving costs.
- Type of move: Figuring out the best way to move out of Iowa is key. You can go with a full-service moving company, rent a truck, use a moving container, or choose a freight trailer. Each option has its own price tag and set of advantages and drawbacks.
- Services: Decide if you want to tackle packing and unpacking yourself or let the pros handle it. Professional movers make things much easier, but you'll pay extra for the convenience.
- Seasonal timing: When it comes to moving costs, timing is everything. Since moving prices usually spike in the summer, you can save big by planning your move between October and April, when rates are typically much lower.
How to save money on your long-distance move from IA
Looking to save money on your long-distance move from Iowa? Check out these helpful moving tips to keep costs down.
- Declutter. Cutting down on what you have to move is a simple way to save big on your moving expenses.
- Book in advance. Book your move early to snag the best rates — last-minute plans often come with a higher price tag.
- Consider moving containers. Want to save money and don’t mind doing some of the work yourself? Renting a moving container is a wallet-friendly option that lets you pack and load at your own pace.
- Research and compare. Don’t jump at the first quote you get. Shop around, compare a few movers, and don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price.
- Check for special moving discounts. Out of 37 movers in Iowa, 1 extend deals for military members. Some movers also roll out perks for students, teachers, and first responders. Asking about moving discounts up front can help you cut costs significantly.
Using a moving checklist is a great way to keep your move on track and within budget, especially for long-distance relocations.
Choosing the right IA long-distance moving option
Deciding whether to go with full-service movers, portable storage containers, or a DIY truck rental really depends on your budget, how involved you want to be, and how much convenience matters to you. Here’s a handy guide to help you choose the best moving option for your move from Iowa.
Full-service IA movers
Looking for a completely hassle-free move in Iowa? Full-service movers handle it all for you, packing, loading, hauling, and unloading right at your new home.
- Pros: Fast and effortless
- Cons: It costs more than simply renting a moving truck or storage container.
- Consider if: If you’ve got a major move coming up, whether it’s cross-country or just a hefty relocation, full-service movers can handle all the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to stress.
Moving containers in IA
Moving containers offer a sweet spot between doing it all yourself and hiring a full-service mover. You get the freedom to pack and load your stuff in Iowa on your own schedule, then let the company handle the heavy lifting and transport. Once your things show up at your new place, simply unload and start making it feel like home.
- Pros: Affordable rates and flexible moving services tailored to your needs
- Cons: You’ll handle all the lifting yourself
- Consider if: If you're looking to save money on your move without the stress of driving a large truck—especially for long distances—this is the way to go.
Renting a moving truck in IA
If you like calling the shots, renting a moving truck hands you the keys—literally. You’re in charge of packing, loading, and unloading, so every step of the move is under your control.
- Pros: Save money and stay in charge of your move
- Cons: Requires significant time and effort
- Consider if: If you want to save money or like the idea of managing your own move, this is a smart choice.
Things to consider before hiring a long-distance mover in Iowa
Whether you’re staying in Iowa for the low cost of living, ample economic opportunity, and high quality of education, or moving out due to the severe weather conditions, limited recreational opportunities, and high taxes, here’s what you need to consider before your big move.
Company licensing
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.
Insurance options
Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Moving date
Weather factors influence how busy movers are, so those things play into the availability of movers and the cost.
In Iowa, you have to consider that the average winter temperature is 10°F, the average summer temperature is 84°F, you’ll see 35” of rain, and about 30” of snow each year.
Taking your car
If you’re moving across the country and don’t want to leave your car (or drive it cross-country), you may want to use an Iowa car shipper.
You’ll also want to consider vehicle inspections in your new location, as regulations can differ state to state and even by city. Take Iowa’s requirements, as an example. In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
FAQ
What is considered a long-distance move?
What counts as a long-distance move can vary depending on the company. Some call anything over 50 miles long-distance, while others set the bar as high as 400 miles. Officially, though, the FMCSA defines a long-distance or long-haul move as anything over 450 miles. So, when you book a long-distance moving company, you’ve got help whether you’re relocating within Iowa, heading to a neighboring state, or making a cross-country leap.
How far in advance should I book a long-distance move?
It's smart to schedule your long-distance move at least four weeks ahead of time, but if you can, try to book your move even earlier — several months out is ideal. Booking in advance not only helps you snag the best rates, but it also gives you plenty of time to plan your budget, declutter before the move, and pack everything up without feeling rushed.
What happens if my belongings are delayed during a long-distance move?
If your stuff arrives late during a long-distance move, movers aren’t legally required to compensate you for the hassle. The Bill of Lading you get when your items are picked up will list an estimated delivery date, but most moving companies give themselves up to 30 days in case of unexpected delays. If you suspect the movers are intentionally holding your belongings, you can report them to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through their National Consumer Complaint Database, or turn to a consumer advocacy organization like the Better Business Bureau.
Do I need to buy moving insurance for a long-distance move from IA?
You are not required to buy moving insurance for long-distance moves, but you might want to consider it if you have a lot of high-value pieces. All moving companies provide a basic amount of insurance for all moves, known as “released value protection.” This coverage pays out $0.60 per pound per item in the event of loss or damage to your goods. But that means if a 10-pound statue worth $3,000 is damaged or lost, you’ll only get $6 in compensation.
Full-value protection can save you from big losses if something goes wrong during your move. In Iowa, 37.84% of the 37 movers offer it, giving you a decent range of options. Nationally, 29.74% of 3,174 movers make this coverage available.
Helpful Iowa resources
Iowa moving services
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