Best Long-Distance Movers in Iowa for 2026
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A long-distance move from Iowa usually means either crossing state lines or traveling far enough that the move involves more planning than a local relocation. Interstate moves can come with different pricing models, delivery timelines, and regulatory requirements than shorter in-town moves.
MoveBuddha reviewed 32 long-distance movers serving Iowa to identify the best options for interstate moves based on reliability, service, and overall value.
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Best long-distance movers in Iowa
These movers offer long-distance service out of Iowa, including both major national brands and local companies that take on interstate routes. For many customers, this is the fastest way to compare out-of-state moving options in one place.
As you review the list, look at which companies are a stronger match for packing, storage, and specialty services. Long-distance moving needs can vary a lot depending on your inventory, route, and timeline, so comparing service fit matters just as much as comparing price.
To get a head start, use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to quickly gather quotes. Based on our data, movers who use our calculator pay 30% less on average than those who book the first company they contact.
- Safeway Moving
- American Van Lines
- Allied Van Lines
- Mayzlin Relocation
- North American Van Lines
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Key City Moving & Storage
- Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
- White Glove Movers
- All Mighty Movers LLC
- Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage
- Adamantine Spine Moving
- Powell Express Moving
- Select Van & Storage Co.
- Blue Line Moving & Storage
- Porter Moving Company
- Specialty packing services
- White-glove reputation
- 80+ years' experience
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Highly recommended
Affordable rates
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc has been in business for 70 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review Quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc has about 78% positive reviews across roughly 27 total reviews.
Quote Accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc.
Customer Service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent Reviews
"Hands down THE ABSOLUTE BEST moving experience EVER! They are serious pros...super friendly and super professional...ridiculously fast. Didn’t damage one single thing. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"
"The crew tore down and reassembled one office at a time...knowledgeable, professional, courteous and very patient. Could not have completed this overwhelming project without Claeys Bros...HIGHLY recommend their services."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Action Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 42 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review Quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Action Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 178 total reviews.
Quote Accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Action Moving & Storage, Inc..
Customer Service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Action Moving & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent Reviews
"Austin, Mikey, and Raul just cleared our basement out. They were efficient, professional, and covered everything so nothing got scratched or scrapped. And everything was clean when they left. I highly recommend them."
"Great service. Great communication! Everyone was very friendly and made quick work of our move to Onawa! Will use them again if and when needed. VERY PROFESSIONAL!"
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Highly recommended
Quick moving process
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Key City Moving & Storage has been in business for 115 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review Quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Key City Moving & Storage has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 48 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote Accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Key City Moving & Storage.
Customer Service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Key City Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent Reviews
Mike and his crew did a great job. Professional and on time. Used a huge semi. Nothing broke or scratched. Fairly priced to move us from Iowa to Wisconsin. I'd trust these guys again.—Google
High praise for the whole crew. It was the easiest move I've ever had thanks to their professional team, careful packing and great communication.—Yelp
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review Quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 232 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote Accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage.
Customer Service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent Reviews
"Kyle and his team did an excellent job. They were on time very organized and kept great communication the whole time. Made stressful move easy. Would recommend the Horizon Movers"
"We moved a month ago using Horizon movers. This was a great company to deal with. They were on time, fast, and very hard-working. They were super careful with our furniture, and around doorways and walls moving things in and out."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Helpful movers
Good communication
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review Quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 251 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.4.
Quote Accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer Service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent Reviews
"Two men and a truck exceeded my expectations. They were efficient, communicative, pleasant, and didn’t break anything. Very happy with the experience and the cost was worth every penny."
"James, Sam & Roquim were kind, professional, and handled our furniture with care. We’d highly recommend this team for any moving job!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. White Glove Movers has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review Quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. White Glove Movers has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 229 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote Accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from White Glove Movers.
Customer Service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. White Glove Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent Reviews
"The crew who helped me move were awesome
"Britain and his crew arrived on schedule. They loaded everything quickly, even heavy solid wood pieces. Not one word of complaint, even on a hot day. Made our move pleasant. I highly recommend White Glove Movers."
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Affordable rates
Efficient service
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. All Mighty Movers LLC has been in business for 10 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review Quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. All Mighty Movers LLC has about 64% positive reviews across roughly 25 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.3.
Quote Accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from All Mighty Movers LLC.
Customer Service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. All Mighty Movers LLC emphasizes clear communication.
Recent Reviews
These guys were quick, careful, and professional! Packed our entire place and got us moved in under six hours. Great rates and good attitudes too. Highly recommend!
I have moved 7 times in 5 years and wish I would have called them every time. The guys were fast and careful, making my move hassle free. Cheapest in town!
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Helpful movers
Good communication
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage has been in business for 35 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and international moving.
Review Quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage has about 84% positive reviews across roughly 68 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.7.
Quote Accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage.
Customer Service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent Reviews
Amazing service. The move went so well. Our driver Tim was so great and the crews on both end were super efficient, kind, and above all treated all of our belongings with care. We did not have anything damaged or chipped.
I had such a great experience with these guys, from start to finish. They were professional, courteous, kept in contact me both prior to my move and when it was getting close for my belongings to be delivered...
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Good communication
Careful handling
Quick moving process
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Adamantine Spine Moving has been in business for 25 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and international moving.
Review Quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Adamantine Spine Moving has about 100% positive reviews across roughly 223 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 5.0.
Quote Accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Adamantine Spine Moving, and Adamantine Spine Moving makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer Service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Adamantine Spine Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent Reviews
"From quote to completed move communication was fantastic, even got text updates. Our moving team were exceptional!! Drew, Aiden & Rider were professional, prompt, and worked SOOO hard. They communicated effectively and we will definitely use them again!"
"They worked together like a well-oiled machine... smoothly setting everything up in the new house. I was impressed by their professionalism and efficiency. Best of all, they took less time than estimated, so our cost was lower."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Affordable rates
Quick moving process
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Powell Express Moving has been in business for 23 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review Quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Powell Express Moving has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 123 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote Accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Powell Express Moving. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer Service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Powell Express Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent Reviews
"Roger and his crew did a great job on our residential move! Very careful and efficient. Estimate was accurate and pricing reasonable."
"I can not convey how wonderful an experience being moved by your three gentlemen was. They work fast. Not a single scratch on anything. So polite. Hard working! So efficient!!"
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Efficient service
Transparent pricing
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Select Van & Storage Co. has been in business for 79 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review Quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Select Van & Storage Co. has about 68% positive reviews across roughly 34 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.0.
Quote Accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Select Van & Storage Co..
Customer Service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Select Van & Storage Co. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent Reviews
"Movers were on time, polite and professional. The actual price ended up being less than the estimated price, so I am very happy!"
"A very positive experience. Movers came on time, answered our questions, were professional. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a responsive moving company."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Blue Line Moving & Storage has been in business for 86 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review Quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Blue Line Moving & Storage has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 120 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.1.
Quote Accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Blue Line Moving & Storage.
Customer Service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Blue Line Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent Reviews
The Blue Line Team was fast, communicative and efficient. Despite it being a cross country move, Blue Line delivered our items within 4 days of pickup. They were also 30%+ cheaper than the national brands. Highly recommend
Steve & Zach were excellent! They were very fast but also careful with my possessions. Would definitely recommend and if I ever have to move again they'll be my number 1 choice. Fast, friendly, efficient and lowest cost out of 4 estimates!
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company Stats
Read Full ReviewIndustry Experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Porter Moving Company has been in business for 11 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review Quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Porter Moving Company has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 239 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.5.
Quote Accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Porter Moving Company.
Customer Service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Porter Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent Reviews
"Moved heavy furniture up a tight stairway with no marks or damage. Quick, efficient, friendly, and respectful—by far the best moving experience we've had. Would definitely use again!"
"Scheduling was easy; movers called ahead, arrived on time, and handled our belongings carefully. Quick, courteous, with no damages. Very competitive prices too."
Specialty services long-distance movers in Iowa offer
Moving companies don’t always offer the same services, and availability can vary by market. Here’s a breakdown of which services are offered in Iowa, along with top-rated movers for each specialty.
Piano
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Antiques
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Art
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Climate Storage
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Fragile-Only
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Long-distance movers in Iowa offering piano transport
Moving a piano takes specialized handling. 24 long-distance movers in Iowa provide piano services. Before you book, confirm how the company protects the instrument and what coverage applies. Here are our top picks.
Before hiring a long-distance mover in Iowa
Before you book a mover, use a moving checklist and compare a few written estimates and confirm that the company regularly handles interstate moves from Iowa. Long-distance pricing can change based on shipment size, delivery window, and add-on services, so a little extra vetting upfront can help you avoid surprises later.
- Request at least three quotes from interstate movers
- Ask whether the estimate is binding or non-binding
- Confirm FMCSA licensing, valuation coverage, and moving insurance options
- Ask about packing, storage, and specialty-item handling before booking
- Be cautious with vague quotes or unusually large deposits
Compare the best long-distance movers in Iowa
Below is a side-by-side comparison of top long-distance movers serving Iowa. Review which companies advertise interstate moving, professional packing, and storage so you can narrow your shortlist more efficiently.
Use this as an early comparison tool rather than a final decision-maker. Pricing, timing, and service availability can vary by move, so requesting multiple quotes is still the best way to confirm fit.
| Mover | Interstate moves | Packing services | Storage available | MoveBuddha rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.9 / 5 |
| American Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.9 / 5 |
| Allied Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.2 / 5 |
| Mayzlin Relocation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.8 / 5 |
| North American Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.8 / 5 |
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.58 / 5 |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.52 / 5 |
| Key City Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.52 / 5 |
| Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.5 / 5 |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.48 / 5 |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.36 / 5 |
| All Mighty Movers LLC | ✓ | X | X | 4.36 / 5 |
| Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.3 / 5 |
| Adamantine Spine Moving | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.3 / 5 |
| Powell Express Moving | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.3 / 5 |
| Select Van & Storage Co. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.3 / 5 |
| Blue Line Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.28 / 5 |
| Porter Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.28 / 5 |
What to expect to pay for a long-distance move from Iowa
For most interstate moves from Iowa, prices typically range from $1,664 to $6,608. A long-distance move from Iowa usually costs more than a local move because pricing is based on distance, shipment size, and the services you add.
That range is best used as a planning benchmark, not a guaranteed quote. Your final price can move up or down depending on how far you are going, how much you are shipping, and whether you need packing, storage, or specialty handling.
The biggest factors that influence long-distance moving costs include:
- Distance between your origin and destination
- Size and weight of your shipment
- Time of year and move date flexibility
- Additional services like packing or storage
Long-distance movers typically build quotes around mileage, shipment weight or volume, and service level. Extra charges often come from full packing, storage, stair carries, long carries, shuttle service, and specialty items like pianos or antiques.
If you want a detailed cost breakdown or a more precise estimate, we recommend using our moving cost calculator.
How we chose the best long-distance moving companies in Iowa
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed 32 interstate movers in Iowa and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely manner with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds professionally to online customer inquiries.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies offering full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
FAQs
What qualifies as a long-distance move?
A long-distance move typically refers to any relocation that covers a significant distance or crosses state lines. In a large state like Iowa, even moves that stay within the state can qualify as long-distance if they span hundreds of miles.
Any move that crosses out of IA is considered interstate and must be handled by a mover licensed for long-distance transportation.
Do in-state movers handle out-of-state moves?
In Iowa, a relatively large share of movers are licensed for interstate work. That means some in-state companies can handle out-of-state moves in addition to local jobs.
Even so, interstate moves involve different regulations and logistics, so it’s important to confirm that a mover regularly handles out-of-state relocations before booking.
Are national moving companies better than local movers?
It depends on the distance and complexity of your move. For longer interstate relocations, national moving companies often have pricing structures and logistics designed specifically for long-distance transportation.
Local movers in Iowa may also handle interstate moves and can offer different availability or service styles. The right choice depends on how far you’re moving, your timing, and what level of flexibility you need.
Can labor-only movers help with a long-distance move?
Labor-only movers focus on loading and unloading rather than transportation. In Iowa, a portion of moving companies offer labor-only services, which are commonly used alongside rental trucks or moving containers.
While labor-only help can be useful for parts of a move, interstate relocations still require a licensed long-distance moving company to handle transportation across state lines.
Based on our data, 51% of movers in Iowa advertise labor-only services, compared to 55% nationwide.
When is the best time to schedule a long-distance move?
Winter moves can be a good way to find better availability, but weather can add risk and delays for long-distance routes. If you’re moving in winter, build in extra buffer days and confirm pickup and delivery windows in writing.
If you want the smoothest experience, late spring or early fall usually offers the best balance of demand and conditions.
