10 Best Long-Distance Movers in Iowa for 2024

Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, Mayzlin Relocation, North American Van Lines, and JK Moving Services are the best long-distance moving companies available in Iowa. The average cost of Iowa movers is $199 per hour.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(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
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(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
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

How we picked 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.

Best Interstate Moving Companies in Iowa

These are the best interstate moving companies available in 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
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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
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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
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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
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(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

Best long-distance movers if you’re staying in Iowa

While it’s not as common, if you’re staying in Iowa but still moving a couple hundred miles, these are the best long distance movers for you:

  1. Two Men and a Truck, 4.72 out of 5
  2. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, 4.58 out of 5
  3. All Mighty Movers LLC, 4.58 out of 5
  4. Action Moving & Storage, Inc., 4.52 out of 5
  5. Adamantine Spine Moving, 4.48 out of 5

Two Men and a Truck

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 26

2601 104th St #400,
Urbandale, IA 50322

Two Men and a Truck is a longstanding moving company that has been serving the Urbandale, IA area since 1997. They offer comprehensive services, ranging from local and long-distance residential moving services to packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they can handle special items, such as pianos and grandfather clocks, and no deposit is required. With an impressive customer satisfaction rating on both Yelp and Google My Business, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Two Men and a Truck outshines many local competitors. They've managed to maintain a high standard of service with over 400 reviews, implying a consistency in quality that sets them apart.

Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 70719

Years in Business: 69

5600 Harbor Dr,
Sioux City, IA 51111
Get a Quote (712) 252-1335

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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All Mighty Movers LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 2468266

Pricing: $130/hr

Years in Business: 9

59 Clark St.,
Des Moines, IA 50314

Since launching in 2014, All Mighty Movers LLC has established itself as a trusted moving service in and around Des Moines, IA. It has carved a niche with its versatility, capable of handling everything from local to long-distance residential moves, as well as office relocations. Distinguishing itself from competitors, the company also provides labor-only services and is proficient in handling unique items such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, and safes - a testament to their comprehensive service. Unlike many local competitors, All Mighty Movers LLC offers a straightforward pricing system, with a $130 per hour flat rate for local moves, and no deposit required. They also accept credit cards, offering convenience and flexibility for their clients. The company's reputation is reflected in its strong online presence. It has accumulated a combined total of 481 reviews on both Yelp and Google My Business, boasting impressive average ratings of 4.0 and 4.8 respectively. Furthermore, it holds a prestigious A-rating from the Better Business Bureau, reinforcing its standing as a reliable and customer-oriented moving company in the Des Moines area.

Get a Quote (515) 313-1395

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Action Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5

DOT #: 299154

Years in Business: 41

514 Clark St,
Sioux City, IA 51101
Get a Quote (712) 252-1938

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

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

Additional Information

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Adamantine Spine Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.48 / 5

DOT #: 1471037

Pricing: $100/hr

Years in Business: 24

4701 NW Urbandale Dr.,
Des Moines, IA 50322

Adamantine Spine Moving has been servicing Des Moines, IA and the surrounding areas since 1999, offering an array of moving services that is exceptional when compared to other nearby companies. The company specializes in local, long-distance, and international residential moving services, in addition to providing comprehensive office moves. They excel in moving specialty items including pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, and safes. Packing, unpacking and crating services are also on offer, making the moving process a breeze for their clientele. With a competitive rate of $100 per hour for local moves, payment is made easy through acceptance of money orders, cash, and credit cards, along with a requisite deposit. Adamantine Spine Moving's focus on client satisfaction is reflected through its insurance coverage providing full valuation. Their reputation shines with 32 Yelp reviews averaging a 4.5 rating, 198 Google My Business reviews with a solid 5.0 average rating, and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This level of customer appreciation sets Adamantine Spine Moving a cut above the rest, thus making it an excellent choice for your moving needs.

Get a Quote (319) 519-0154

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 1471037
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Alternative long-distance moving options

While hiring full-service moving companies out of Iowa is usually the easiest option, it’s not for everyone. Find alternative options below:

Moving Containers

If you’re comfortable doing the packing and loading, but don’t want to drive from Iowa to your new state, a moving container can be a great cost-saving alternative.

Expect to pay somewhere around $1,030 to $6,961 for a moving container coming out of Iowa. The cost depends on several factors, so we recommend getting multiple moving quotes.

  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
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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

If you’re comfortable doing the driving from Iowa to your new state but want some help packing, loading, and unloading, look for labor-only moving companies.

You’ll typically pay $24 to $38 per hour per worker for Iowa-based labor-only movers.

  1. HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
  2. Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
Best Labor Only
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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
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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

If budget is the biggest concern, the best long-distance moving options in Iowa are U-Haul Truck Rental and Penske Truck Rental. These moving rental trucks do require the most work on your part, but will save you the most money.

  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 a long-distance move out of Iowa

The average cost of a long-distance move out of Iowa is $757 up to $12,703+. There are several factors that factor into the total cost of moving.

Factors that affect the cost

  1. Size: The volume of items you're moving directly affects costs. Evaluate what you truly need in Iowa – every extra item adds up.
  2. Distance: The distance you’re moving away from Iowa is a major cost factor. Whether it's a couple hundred miles or a cross-country trek, distance plays a key role in your moving budget.
  3. Type of Move: How you choose to move out of Iowa is crucial. Your options include a full-service moving company, truck rental, moving container, or a freight trailer. Each offers different advantages and costs.
  4. Services: Consider whether to do it yourself or hire help for packing and unpacking. Professional services add convenience but also increase costs.
  5. Seasonal Timing: When you move affects the price. Summer moves are typically more expensive. Planning your move during off-peak seasons can be more cost-effective.
money

To get an accurate cost estimate, check out our free
moving cost calculator.

Thing to consider before hiring a 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.

Check the company’s 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.

Ask about their insurance options

Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.

When to move

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. That’s a lot of weather that can determine when to plan your move.

Taking your car

If you’re moving across the country and don’t want to leave your car in Iowa (or drive it cross-country), consider using a car shipping company.

You’ll also want to consider vehicle inspections in your new state as they may be different. Take Iowa’s requirements, as an example. In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.

Helpful Iowa resources